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THE ITALIAN COACHBUILDER SITE

Ferrari 400 Superamerica Pininfarina

1961Coachwork by Pininfarina

THE VEHICLE AT A GLANCE

Model dossier

Production period
1961
Body style
Cabriolet
Engine
V12
Type
Limited

THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE CAR

Coachbuilding, design & conversions

PRICE & SALES RECORD

Vehicle value

Original purchase price
ITL 9,200,000 1961-03-15Price source ↗
Latest recorded sale
Not documented
Price details & sale history ↗

01 / THE STORY

History & context

The Ferrari 400 Superamerica Pininfarina Cabriolet, chassis number 2331SA, stands as a remarkable example of Ferrari’s craftsmanship and luxury in the early 1960s. This Series 1, left-hand drive model was distinguished by its Bianco Ermellino Savid Metallic exterior and Blu Connolly 3282 interior, featuring open headlights and a rare hardtop. With a 2420mm wheelbase, this specific 400 Superamerica has a well-documented and fascinating history that spans over six decades. Chassis 2331 was first entered into the Pininfarina plant on November 24, 1960, where it received its custom coachwork. On February 13, 1961, the car was returned to Ferrari for final assembly. Shortly thereafter, on March 15, 1961, it was sold to its first owner, Commendatore Dr. Fortunato Gosce of Milan, Italy, for 9,200,000 Lire. The car was then exhibited as a showpiece at the Geneva Salon Show from March 16 to 26, 1961, displayed prominently on Pininfarina’s stand. Later that year, the car underwent a color change, being repainted Antilla Blue Savid 20527 with an Ivory 3323 interior. In 1962, it was featured at both the Alassio Concours d’Elegance and the Roma Concours d’Elegance, solidifying its status as an elite grand touring vehicle. Ownership changed hands in February 1965, when Alessandro Cesari Srl., Milan, acquired the car for 600,000 Lire. Two years later, on July 31, 1967, it was purchased by Marino De Medici of Rome, Italy, for 1,200,000 Lire. In 1970, chassis 2331 was exported to the United States, beginning a new chapter in its journey. In the early 1970s, the car was owned by James Pew of Spring Green, Indiana, followed by Paul D. Swartzel of Dubuque, Iowa, in 1973. These years marked its transition from an elegant European showpiece to an American collector’s gem. After decades in private hands, the Ferrari 400 Superamerica re-entered the public eye in February 1998, when it was offered for sale by Mike Sheehan of Costa Mesa, California, for $295,000. The following month, it was acquired by Peter S. Kalikow of New York, who purchased the car in a disassembled state, including its rare hardtop, for $250,000. Between 1999 and 2001, the vehicle underwent a full restoration by David Carte, receiving a new blue exterior with a brown interior. The restoration was so well-executed that the car became a regular winner at prestigious concours events, including Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in 2001, Cavallino Classic in 2002, FCA National Concours in 2002, Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in 2003, Cavallino Classic in 2009, The Quail in 2010, Ferrari Finali Mondiali in 2016, and the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in 2021. Chassis 2331 has remained in Peter S. Kalikow’s esteemed collection for over two decades, making appearances at prestigious events and continuing to exemplify the timeless beauty and performance of the Ferrari 400 Superamerica. The Ferrari 400 Superamerica Pininfarina Cabriolet chassis 2331SA is an enduring icon of the golden age of Italian automotive design. With its rich provenance, stunning aesthetics, and numerous awards, it stands as a testament to Ferrari’s excellence in both engineering and artistry. Today, it remains one of the most distinguished and cherished examples of the Ferrari 400 Superamerica, captivating enthusiasts and collectors alike.

02 / TECHNICAL IDENTITY

Specifications & construction

Production & construction

Production type
Limited

Engine & performance

Engine configuration
V12

Design & manufacture

Coachbuilder / Body Builder · Documented
Pininfarina
Manufacturer · Documented
Ferrari

04 / INDIVIDUAL HISTORY

Chassis & provenance

Chassis 2331SA
Chassis number
2331SA
Year
1961

05 / VALUE

Value & price history

Original price

ITL 9,200,000

Candidate · 2331SA · 15 Mar 1961 · Original purchase price

Auction & sale history

Date Venue Chassis Record Status Amount
1998-03 Chassis 2331SA Historical sale Candidate · Reported Sale USD 250,000
31 Jul 1967 Chassis 2331SA Historical sale Candidate · Reported Sale ITL 1,200,000
1965-02 Chassis 2331SA Historical sale Candidate · Reported Sale ITL 600,000

Market observations describe documented transactions, estimates or offers. They are not themselves a current valuation of the vehicle.

06 / EVENTS & AWARDS

Events & awards

Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este General · legacy_preserved
Date
2003
Chassis
General

Preserved CI 1.0 relation. Evidence field: list_of_awards_0_events. No award inferred.

Villa d’Este General · From the historical archive
Date
2003
Chassis
General

08 / FROM THE ARCHIVE

Archive

No publishable archival references are currently catalogued for this vehicle.

10 / CONNECTED HISTORY

Timeline

Chronological history6 dated records
  1. 2331SA · Original price

    Original purchase price · ITL 9,200,000

  2. 2331SA · Auction

    Auction · Reported_sale · ITL 600,000

  3. 2331SA · Auction

    Auction · Reported_sale · ITL 1,200,000

  4. 2331SA · Auction

    Auction · Reported_sale · USD 250,000

  5. Unassigned chassis · Event

    Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este

  6. Unassigned chassis · Event

    Villa d’Este

THE CONVERSATION

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