Ferrari 375 America Coupé Vignale

Vehicle Overview

The Ferrari 375 America 0327AL Coupé by Carrozzeria Vignale is a unique masterpiece designed by Giovanni Michelotti. Alfredo Vignale, the founder of the carrozzeria, employed a distinctive method in his work; rather than relying on a body buck, he transformed full-scale drawings into aluminum sculptures using his keen eye, a process that historian Stan Nowak described as achieving “a spontaneity of line.” This approach lent Vignale’s designs a particular liveliness and inventiveness, especially evident in his earlier creations. Established in 1948, Vignale’s workshop became renowned for its effective use of chrome and stainless-steel embellishments, appealing particularly to American tastes. The vision for the 375 America Coupé began with a forward-looking fastback profile, featuring a large wraparound rear window that would have been at home on a Detroit-built sports or muscle car a decade later. Vignale’s designs contrasted sharply with the relatively unadorned flanks of the Pinin Farina cars, incorporating scallops and ducts that added depth to the sides. Notably, just behind the front wheels, a series of chromed louvers evoked the look of exposed side-exit exhaust pipes, a styling cue echoed by another set of louvers behind the side windows. Chassis no. 0327 AL was one of two 375 Americas finished by Vignale to a similar design, the other being 0337 AL. However, 0327 AL was distinguished by unique front and rear lights, with the front lights deeply set into the fenders and a striking two-tone color scheme—Amaranto and metallic grey, with a beige interior—another hallmark of Vignale’s style. The car’s debut was marked by its exhibition on both sides of the Atlantic in 1954. It was first showcased on the Chinetti Motors stand at the New York World Motor Sports Show at Madison Square Garden in January, and later at the Geneva Motor Show at the Plainpalais in March. Following these displays, the car was delivered to its original owner, Robert C. Wilke of the Leader Card Company in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, who personally traveled to Modena to collect his exquisite new vehicle.