Class Grand tourer
Layout FR layout
Production 1950—1952
Body style(s) 2-door coupe
2-door roadster
Engine(s) 4.1 L V12
The first America Ferrari was the 340 and it was the first production car to use Ferraris upcoming Aurelio Lampredi engine. Called the long block or a 'Formula One design' it was the larger than any previous Ferrari engine. The company used its large displacement to nearly win the 1951 Formula Championship, but, this engine really became a staple for Ferrari's sports cars a year before. The Lampredi design first debuted at the 1950 Mille Miglia in two 275 S experimental sports cars (0030 MT and 0032 MT) having a 3322cc displacement. Both cars retired due to gearbox problems, but their initial success helped Ferrari conceptualize the 340 America, and move forward with Lampredi's engine.
Chassis appointments for the 340 were very similar to the type 166, with an increased length to accommodate the new engine. Following Ferrari's typical practice, the car was supported by a ladder-type steel tube frame. This chassis was heavy and rigid which did not make many concessions for weight savings. Fortunately, like many other Ferraris from the period, the bulky 340 chassis was overshadowed by a fantastic engine.
As a full-on competition car, the 340 first appeared at the 1950 Paris Auto Salon. By 1951, regular production began and multiple cars contested the Mille Miglia or Le Mans for 1951 and 52. The highlight victory came at 1951 Mille Miglia when chassis 0082A driven by Villoresi took the overall win. A Le Mans victory eluded the 340, with stiff competition coming from the Jaguar XK120C, Talbot Lago T26GS and Aston Martin DB2.
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