VIN: King Leopold III's Ferrari 375 Plus chassis 0488 AM
History of chassis 0488 AM
For the 1954 racing season, Scuderia Ferrari switched to the 375 Plus as their premier competition car. It replaced the 375 Mille Miglia.
The new model was most notably equipped with an engine enlarged from 4.5 to 5-litres.
All 375 Plus were raced bar one: the eighth and final example (chassis 0488 AM) was constructed as a special order road car for Leopold III of Belgium.
Leopold III had been the Belgian King between 1934 and 1951 at which point he abdicated in favour of the heir apparent, his son, Baudouin. Together with his second wife, Princess Lilian, the couple ordered several specially appointed Ferraris during the 1950s and 1960s.
The first was a 342 America Pinin Farina Cabriolet delivered to Leopold in 1953 (chassis 0234 AL). This was followed in 1954 by a 250 GT Europa Vignale Coupe destined for Princess Lilian (0359 GT). Both were fabulous machines, but it was their third Ferrari, the unique 375 Plus road car delivered in 1955, that was the most spectacular yet.
At Leopold’s request, Pinin Farina cloaked 375 Plus chassis 0488 AM in a unique Cabriolet body. Like his 342 America, the new car was to be finished in black with an ivory leather interior. It was road-equipped with a folding canvas hood, proper lighting, windscreen wipers and a full complement of bumperettes.
Uniquely among the 375 Plus production run, 0488 AM was built in left-hand drive.
Having entered the Pinin Farina plant in late December of 1954, the completed car was delivered to Leopold III during 1955. It was retained until circa 1960, after which the car went through the hands of several other Belgian owners.
In 1969, it was acquired by attorney and Ferrari collector, Wayne Golomb, of Springfield, Illinois.
Golomb paid $12,000 and still retains the car to this day.
At some stage, 0488 AM had been re-painted red, but it was restored back to its original exterior colour, first with a green interior and later the correct shade of ivory.
Text copyright: Supercar Nostalgia
Photo copyright: unattributed
