As the 375 America was the most expensive Ferrari on the market, was to be expected to be very soon replaced. And it happened only after eleven units sold. In 1955 at the Paris Auto Show Ferrari unveiled the 410 Superamerica as a naked chassis, followed by the complete car at the Brussels Salon early in 1956. Ferrari built three different 410 SuperAmerica Series.

The first series was built on a 2800mm long wheelbase and were designed by Pininfarina, with the design very similar to the 250 GT coupe one. They were finished in a white over pale metallic blue color scheme, split by a chrome trim that circumnavigated the car from either side of the wide oval radiator grille.

The Series II SuperAmerica were revealed in 1957. They were built on a wheelbase reduced by 200mm, while the Lampredi's V12 engine delivered up to 360bhp. Ferrari built only six Series II 410 SuperAmerica: four were designed by Pinin Farina, one being designed and built by Scaglietti while the other was a custom Pinin Farina creation for Jan de Vroom.

1956 - 1959 Ferrari 410 Superamerica

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 1956 - 1959 Ferrari 410 Superamerica
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

The chassis' for the Series I and II cars, with factory type reference 514 were numbered in the odd number road car sequence carrying an "SA" suffix, and were similar in concept to the concurrent 250 GT units, whereby the main chassis tubes passed above the rear axle, as opposed to under the axle on the 375 America. The front and rear track was also increased over that of the 375 America. The suspension was independent at the front, via wishbones with individual coil springs and shock absorbers, whilst the rigid rear axle was supported on semi elliptic leaf springs, and fitted with hydraulic shock absorbers. Hydraulically operated drum brakes were fitted all round, with a cable operated handbrake to the rear wheels.

The Series I and II engines, with factory type reference 126, were a further development of the Lampredi "long" block unit used in the 375 America, increased in capacity to 4962cc, by enlarging the bore from 84mm to 88mm diameter, whilst retaining the same 68mm stroke. Triple twin choke Weber 40 DCF carburettors were fitted, with a twin coil and distributor ignition system, to provide a claimed power output of 340bhp. This was coupled to a four speed all synchromesh gearbox, driving through a propeller shaft to the rigid rear axle, for which a range of ratios were available. The engine of the first Pinin Farina "Superfast" derivative was fitted with a twin spark plug per cylinder arrangement, developed directly from the Formula 1 and sports racing cars, and had larger 42mm twin choke carburettors.

The Series III 410 SuperAmerica was revealed at the 1958 Turin Salon. The V12 engine was now delivering 400bhp at 6500rpm. These additional horses came thanks to redesigned heads and the spark plugs being relocated to outside of the V.

There were 12 Series III all designed by Pininfarina: seven of the 12 Series III 410's were completed with similar nose configurations, the remaining five all being built with traditional open headlights.