Description
The Ferrari 410 Superamerica Ghia Coupé is one of the most distinctive and rare one-off creations in Ferrari’s early history. Built in 1956, it was the only 410 Superamerica bodied by the renowned Italian coachbuilder Ghia, known at the time for its bold and extravagant designs. While most 410 Superamericas were clothed by Pinin Farina in elegant and understated forms, Ghia’s interpretation was far more flamboyant, showcasing dramatic styling cues that reflected the era’s fascination with jet-age motifs and futuristic aesthetics.
Underneath the unique Ghia bodywork lay the formidable mechanicals of the 410 Superamerica Series I. Power came from a 5.0-liter Lampredi V12 engine, producing approximately 340 horsepower. This engine was originally developed for Ferrari’s large-displacement racing cars and gave the 410 Ghia Coupé top speeds in excess of 160 mph (260 km/h). A four-speed manual transmission delivered smooth, direct power to the rear wheels, ensuring that the car’s performance matched its bold appearance.
The exterior design of the Ghia Coupé was dramatically different from its Pinin Farina-bodied siblings. The front end featured a tall, upright grille flanked by heavily sculpted fenders and deeply recessed headlamps. A wide chrome bumper wrapped around the body, emphasizing the car’s width and presence. The sides were marked by pronounced creases and sculpted intakes, while the rear showcased a dramatic taper with pronounced fins and jewel-like tail lamps. The design was unapologetically extroverted, combining elements of American and Italian styling in a way that made the car instantly stand out.
The interior of the car, while less documented, was expectedly luxurious. It would have been trimmed in the finest leather, with bespoke instrumentation and handcrafted details tailored to the original owner’s tastes. As with all Superamericas, the cabin reflected Ferrari’s commitment to comfort and craftsmanship, designed to accommodate long-distance grand touring in style.
Only one Ferrari 410 Superamerica Ghia Coupé was ever produced, making it an ultra-rare collector’s item. It was likely built as a show car to display Ghia’s capabilities and attract elite clientele, and it appeared at several high-profile auto salons during the mid-1950s. Despite its unique and polarizing design, the car remains an important piece of Ferrari’s custom-bodied history and a fascinating example of the era’s coachbuilding artistry.
Today, the 410 Superamerica Ghia Coupé is remembered not only for its rarity but for its bold departure from Ferrari’s usual design themes. It stands as a one-off expression of mid-century style and power—a blend of flamboyant design and serious performance that could only have come from the golden age of coachbuilt grand tourers.