VIN: the works Ferrari 375 Plus chassis 0386 AM
History of chassis 0386 AM
Chassis 0386 AM was one of eight 375 Plus built, four of which were campaigned by Scuderia Ferrari during 1954.
All eight cars received coachwork by Pinin Farina; seven were competition Spyders and the eighth was a luxurious Cabriolet commissioned by King Leopold III of Belgium.
Chassis 0386 AM was registered BO 34341 and painted Ferrari’s traditional shade of Rosso Corsa. It made the model’s competition debut at the Agadir GP in Morocco on February 28th.
Ferrari went to Africa instead of attending the Sebring 12 Hour World Sportscar Championship race in Florida. The factory sent a two-car team to Morocco: 0386 AM for Giuseppe Farina to race in the 50 lap over two-litre contest and a 500 Mondial for Francois Picard to use in the 40 lap under two-litre event.
Scuderia Ferrari ultimately went on to win both races around the 2.4km street circuit.
Farina beat Jean Behra’s three-litre Gordini T24S (which had suffered extensive damage on the sea voyage to Morocco) and also set fastest lap. He was able to ease off in the closing stages and eventually crossed the line 24.8 seconds ahead of Behra.
0386 AM’s next outing came two weeks later in the Criterium du Senegal, a two hour road race that took place on a 4.3km track around the streets of Dakar. Unfortunately, for reasons unknown, Farina retired from the race (but not before he had set the fastest lap).
Piero Scotti’s privateer 375 MM went on to claim victory in Senegal followed by the works 500 Mondial of Maurice Trintignant which placed second.
Having been freshened up back in Maranello, 0386 AM was subsequently entered for the Mille Miglia which took place over April 30th and May 1st. Scuderia Ferrari’s five car team comprised all four of their 375 Plus in addition to a solitary 500 Mondial which would contest the under two-litre class.
Farina was once again behind the wheel of 0386 AM. He was joined in the car by veteran mechanic, Luigi Parenti.
Farina and Parenti departed Brescia in dull conditions at 6:06am. They soon encountered mist and showers and 0386 AM became the first top flight entry to fall foul of the slippery roads. While trying to avoid some spectators during the first hour, Farina skidded off the road at Peschiera and ploughed into a tree.
Farina sustained a broken arm and nose while Parenti suffered a fractured pelvis. 0386 AM was a complete wreck, sustaining heavy damage at both ends.
The 1954 Mille Miglia was not a great success for Ferrari who surrendered their six year hold on the event. All four 375 Plus failed to finish as Alberto Ascari romped home to win for Lancia. Ascari crossed the line 34 minutes ahead of Vittorio Marzotto whose works 500 Mondial claimed second and won the under two-litre class.
Notable History
Scuderia Ferrari, Maranello
28/02/1954 IND Agadir GP (G. Farina) 1st oa, 1st S2.0+ class (#40)
07/03/1954 IND Dakar 2 Hours (G. Farina) DNF (#??)
02/05/1954 WSC Mille Miglia (G. Farina / L. Parenti) DNF (#606)
Destroyed in Farina’s crash on the 1954 Mille Miglia
Text copyright: Supercar Nostalgia
Photo copyright: 1000 Miglia Srl - https://1000miglia.it/?lang=en
