One to Buy: ex-Bill Spear 1951 Ferrari 340 America
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Ferrari’s prime objective with the big block V12 engine from designer Aurelio Lampredi was to create a power unit that could propel the Maranello firm to victory in Grand Prix racing. However, the Lampredi motor also became Ferrari’s engine of choice for top class Sports car racing throughout the early 1950s.
Having made its debut in 3.3-litre form under the hood of two works 275 Sports at the 1950 Mille Miglia, Ferrari went on to create the 340 America for 1951 and ‘52 which was offered in both competition and road-going form.
Famously, Luigi Villoresi and Piero Cassani took the first of many significant victories for the 340 America driving a works entered Vignale Berlinetta in the 1951 Mille Miglia.
Currently on offer at the Girardo & Co. showroom in Oxfordshire is a spectacular example of the 340 America with Spyder bodywork by Carrozzeria Touring of Milan.
Originally sold to American privateer William Spear, chassis 0118 A was handsomely configured in a patriotic blue and white colour scheme complete with matching blue upholstery. It joined a 166 Mille Miglia that Spear had purchased in 1950 (chassis 0054 M).
Over the course of the next 16 months,Bill Spear’s 340 America went on to record several victories, after which it was sold Los Angeles-based privateer Charles Brown who contested another half dozen domestic events before the car was retired from competition duty at the end of 1953.
Today, this phenomenal example of Ferrari’s most potent early 1950s model is presented fresh from a $1.3m restoration at the expert hands of Patrick Ottis & Motion Products.
