Description
The Ferrari 340 America Barchetta by Touring Superleggera is one of the earliest and most evocative examples of Ferrari’s post-war sports racing machines. Built in 1951, this open two-seater was part of the exclusive 340 America series, a model line created for wealthy privateers and serious racers looking to dominate both the road and the track. Just a handful of these cars were made, with Touring of Milan crafting some of the most striking and lightweight bodies using their patented Superleggera (super light) construction technique.
At the heart of the 340 America Barchetta was the powerful 4.1-liter Lampredi V12 engine, developed by Aurelio Lampredi for use in Ferrari’s Formula One and endurance racing programs. In this configuration, the engine produced around 220 to 240 horsepower, depending on tuning and specification. It was mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox and gave the Barchetta impressive performance figures for the era, with top speeds exceeding 220 km/h (137 mph).
The Superleggera body construction used a network of small steel tubes over which thin aluminum panels were hand-formed. This approach allowed Touring to create a lightweight, aerodynamic shape that enhanced both speed and handling. The Barchetta design was minimalist and purposeful, featuring exposed front fenders, an open cockpit with a small wraparound windshield, and a clean, flowing tail. Every line was focused on reducing weight and drag while maintaining the visual elegance associated with Italian design.
The chassis was Ferrari’s early sports car frame—tubular steel with independent front suspension and a live rear axle. Braking was handled by large drum brakes on all four wheels, suitable for competition use but still demanding considerable skill from the driver during endurance events.
The interior was bare and race-focused. Leather bucket seats, a simple three-spoke steering wheel, and a set of essential gauges made up the spartan cockpit. There were no concessions to comfort or luxury—this was a machine designed for the Mille Miglia, Le Mans, and Carrera Panamericana, not leisurely road touring.
Only a few Ferrari 340 America Barchettas were built with Touring Superleggera bodies, making them exceptionally rare and valuable today. These cars were often entered in international endurance races, with varied success depending on setup, driver skill, and race conditions. Their rarity, raw performance, and beautiful construction have made them coveted centerpieces in major Ferrari collections.
The 340 America Barchetta Touring represents the moment when Ferrari truly began to dominate the world of high-performance sports cars, combining brutal power with elegance and craftsmanship in a form that remains iconic more than 70 years later.