Ferrari 340 America Barchetta

The Ferrari 340 America Barchetta by Carrozzeria Touring was a limited-production open sports car constructed between 1951 and 1952. It was based on the 340 America chassis developed by Ferrari as a dual-purpose platform for both grand touring and competitive racing. The model was equipped with a high-displacement Lampredi-designed V12 engine and clothed in lightweight, aerodynamic bodywork executed by Touring using the Superleggera construction method. The 340 America employed a front-mounted 4,101 cc V12 engine, featuring a single overhead camshaft per bank and fed by three Weber 40DCF carburetors. The engine produced approximately 220–230 horsepower at 6,000 rpm. The powertrain was paired with a five-speed manual gearbox, transmitting power to the rear wheels via a rigid rear axle. Front suspension consisted of independent wishbones with a transverse leaf spring, while the rear employed semi-elliptic leaf springs. Braking was provided by hydraulic drums on all four wheels. Carrozzeria Touring designed and built a small number of barchetta-style bodies for the 340 America chassis. The term “barchetta” refers to the open, two-seat configuration with minimal windscreen and a focus on weight reduction and aerodynamic efficiency. The Touring body featured long, uninterrupted fender lines, an egg-crate front grille, faired-in headlamps, and simple cycle-style rear wings. The interior was minimal, with exposed metal surfaces, basic instrumentation, and utilitarian trim. A total of six examples of the Ferrari 340 America Barchetta were bodied as barchettas by Touring. Each vehicle was built to order, with chassis numbers and specifications varying slightly according to client requirements. Notable examples include chassis 0116/A, delivered in 1951 and entered in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and 0118/A, which competed in major American sports car events during the early 1950s.