1951 Ferrari 340 America Coupe

“Prime Motoring Fool” Bob Sutherland took a savage pleasure in driving anything, but said his 340 Mexico was just too awful

by Thor Thorson

Intended primarily as a competition car for wealthy privateers, the 340 was directed specifically at a new and increasingly profitable market—the United States. Aptly named “America,” the 340 became the first of many subsequent sports racing Ferraris built to meet the demands of the American market, where it proved to be both competitive and profitable.

In the 340 America, the 4.1-liter Lampredi V12 engine developed 220 to 230 horsepower at 6,000 rpm. A 5-speed non-synchromesh gearbox was fitted behind the engine in the typical Ferrari twin-oval, parallel-tube chassis with its unequal length parallel wishbone and transverse leaf front suspension. Rear suspension was by solid axle with semi-elliptic longitudinal leaf springs, parallel trailing arms, and the same Houdaille shock absorbers as in front.

As was commonplace for Ferrari, body construction was handled by independent carrozzeria like Touring, Vignale, and in the case of 0150A, Ghia. Only...