Ferrari heads know that the years where the Prancing Horse first reigned supreme were the 50s, 60s, and 70s, when the 24 Hours of Le Mans loomed large and Pinin Farina was at the helm of body design. That’s why it’s so exciting that this Ferrari is gracing the auction block. Meet the 1955 Ferrari 375 MM Berlinetta, a marvel of engineering and design.
Before you know it, Gooding Christie’s will offer this timeless example at their Amelia Island Auctions from March 6 – 7. Of course, you can also register to bid on it here, or peek at the rest of the auction catalogue if you want to find more gems.
A bit of Ferrari history for the newbies – at Le Mans in 1953, Scuderia Ferrari entered the 375 Berlinetta, bodied by Pinin Farina. It was derived from the 375 F1 Grand Prix, which earned Ferrari their first-ever Formula One championship win.
Ferrari only built 22 of the new 375 MM chassis with a front independent suspension with transverse leaf springs and shock absorbers, aka the traditional Ferrari method to match the Lampredi engines – with this one bearing a 4,522 cc tipo 108 SOHC 60º V-12 engine.
And of course, we’d be remiss if we didn’t bring up the iconic coachwork. This 375 MM boasts the traditional “Ferrari look” with large egg-crate grilles, trails of exposed rivets, impressive proportions and sporty lines. It’s a marvel of Italian design.
Of the 22 375 MMs, there were only six Berlinettas, and even fewer that were tailored for road use. So not only is this car so beautiful, but it’s also very rare.
This car was specially ordered for VIP customer Alfred Ducato, a personal friend of Enzo Ferrari and Luigi Chinetti. Of course, he detailed a list of requests, which are documented on file with this car. In 1956, Mr. Ducato debuted his new car at the 7th Annual Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance®, where it won First in Class for European Sports Cars over $10,000.
The third owner of this magnificent car was Fred Leydorf, aka the Ferrari Club of America’s 4th President, who chaired its technical committee. With technical prowess in mind, it makes sense that he curated a car which is a complete mix of a roadgoing sports car with F1 underpinnings.
Because Mr. Leydorf had such a trusted network of Ferrari friends, he was able to carefully restore this model, chassis 0472 AM. It was then exhibited selectively and with great acclaim, but often secreted away, where he quietly enjoyed it for 55 years.
Without a doubt, Leydorf’s greatest contribution to this car had to be the careful curation of its history file – but the car also comes equipped with factory build sheets confirming it retains the matching-numbers engine, gearbox, and differentials.
Did we mention there are also personal letters between the first owner, Alfred Ducato, and Enzo Ferrari himself? Sounds like music to our Cavallino-atuned ears.
This beautiful standalone Ferrari is going on sale soon at Gooding Christie’s Amelia Island Auctions. In the meantime, you can learn more through the Gooding Christie’s online catalogue or register to bid if you’re ready to take home a Berlinetta.
