Ferrari 340 MM Berlinetta

The Ferrari 340 MM Berlinetta by Pinin Farina, produced in 1953, was a limited-series competition automobile constructed by Ferrari for international sports car racing homologation under the International Sports Car Championship regulations. The model formed part of the broader 340 MM series, which included both open barchetta and closed berlinetta body styles, all equipped with large-displacement Lampredi-designed V12 engines. The Berlinetta variant was bodied by Pinin Farina and developed specifically for high-speed endurance competition. Only three examples of the Berlinetta configuration were constructed: chassis numbers 0318AM, 0320AM, and 0322AM. Each car was built on the short-wheelbase 2500 mm chassis and fitted with a 4.1 to 4.5-litre naturally aspirated V12 engine, capable of producing approximately 300 to 340 horsepower, depending on the variant and state of tune. These specifications placed the 340 MM Berlinetta among the most powerful and purpose-built racing Ferraris of its time. All three cars were factory-entered in major events during the 1953 racing season. At the 24 Hours of Le Mans, 0318AM, driven by Alberto Ascari and Luigi Villoresi, retired following a clutch failure while running among the leaders. Chassis 0320AM, driven by Mike Hawthorn and Giuseppe Farina, was disqualified during the same event for refueling infractions. Chassis 0322AM completed the race, finishing fifth overall and first in class. In other events, the 340 MM Berlinettas achieved outright victories. Notably, chassis 0322AM won the 1953 Spa 24 Hours with Hawthorn and Farina, and chassis 0320AM won the 12 Hours of Pescara with Hawthorn and Umberto Maglioli. The 340 MM Berlinetta was also entered in the 1953 Carrera Panamericana. Two of the three cars finished the race, placing fourth and sixth overall, further demonstrating the model’s endurance capabilities. Although the series was limited in production and lifespan, it contributed directly to Ferrari securing the 1953 World Sportscar Championship title. Surviving examples of the 340 MM Berlinetta are held in private collections and have appeared in historic racing events and international concours. Chassis 0320AM and 0322AM remain extant, while 0318AM is believed lost or untraceable.