The 1950 Ferrari 275S 340 America Barchetta by Scaglietti Chassis 0030 MT is one of only two 275S barchettas ever built and was originally bodied by Carrozzeria Touring and became the first Lampredi-engined Ferrari sports racer. Ferrari gave the 275S its new power plant a trial by fire, gallery.adamsviews.net/artofsteel2015/ing around Maranello, then the 1950 Mille Miglia where it failed to finish. The car returned to Maranello and was upgraded to 340 America 4.1-liter V-12 specifications.
The car was next purchased by Scuderia Marzotto, who continued to race the Ferrari throughout Italy, including the Mille Miglia in 1951 and 1952. Following an amazing racing career in Italy ending in 1957, the car was sold to the United States and purchased by Peter Markowski in 1967 and he kept the car for over 30 years. The Ferrari eventually made its way back to Europe, where it was returned to competition as a historic racer.
Background and History
- Manufacturer: Ferrari
- Designer/Coachbuilder: Scaglietti, an Italian coachbuilder renowned for crafting elegant and lightweight bodies for high-performance cars.
- Production Year: 1950
Specifications
- Engine: The Ferrari 275S 340 America Barchetta was equipped with a 4.1-liter V12 engine.
- Power Output: The V12 engine produced approximately 220 horsepower.
- Transmission: It featured a 4-speed manual gearbox.
- Chassis: The car utilized a tubular steel frame, contributing to its lightweight and robust structure.
Design and Features
- Body Style: The Barchetta (meaning "little boat" in Italian) style denotes a small, open-top, two-seater sports car. The design was characterized by smooth, flowing lines and an aerodynamic profile.
- Interior: The interior was minimalistic, focusing on weight reduction and functionality, with basic instrumentation and lightweight materials.
- Coachwork: Scaglietti's craftsmanship was evident in the car's sleek and purposeful design, emphasizing performance and aesthetics.
Performance
- Top Speed: The 275S 340 America Barchetta could reach a top speed of around 150 mph (241 km/h), making it one of the fastest cars of its time.
- Acceleration: It was capable of impressive acceleration, thanks to its powerful V12 engine and lightweight construction.
- Racing Pedigree: The car was designed with racing in mind and participated in various competitions, including the Mille Miglia and Le Mans, showcasing Ferrari's engineering prowess and competitive spirit.
Legacy
- Significance: The 275S 340 America Barchetta by Scaglietti is considered one of the early masterpieces of Ferrari, embodying the brand's commitment to high performance, innovation, and style.
- Rarity: This model is extremely rare, with only a few units ever produced, making it highly desirable among collectors and enthusiasts.
- Collectibility: Due to its historical importance, limited production, and exceptional design, the 275S 340 America Barchetta commands high prices at auctions and is revered in the classic car community.
Taken at the Amelia Concours.
You may purchase a print of the 1950 Ferrari 275S 340 America Barchetta by Scaglietti in our dElegance 2015 online gallery.
