1959 Ferrari 410 Superamerica Series III SWB

One early owner reported mile after mile in the 135 mph–150 mph range through Canada and Nevada, during cross-country drives to California

by John Apen

It can be argued that the 410 Superamerica Series III was the high point of the entire line of luxury high-performance Ferraris. In his privately published book, Series III 410 America, Ferrari 410 s/n 1355SA owner Dyke Ridgley wrote, “Here was a car of such presence and power for its era, as to almost defy description.” Road & Track tested a 1959 Series III, s/n 1477, owned by Bill Harrah, and achieved 0–60 mph in 6.4 seconds and estimated top speed at 165 mph.

Introduced in 1955 at the Paris Auto Show, Ferrari’s 410 Superamerica used the 4.9-liter, 60-degree Lampredi V12—based on the engine in the 410 Sport—which was built to contest the 1955 Carrera Panamericana road race. It was rated at 340 hp at 6,000 rpm, and it took the 410 to 60 mph in about six seconds, with a top speed of 150 mph.

The 410 Superamerica was built in three series: The first series consisted of 17 cars; the second series six. In 1958, Ferrari made major changes to the 410...