Ferrari 375 America Coupé Vignale

Vehicle Overview

Vignale’s vision for the 375 America Coupe began with a surprisingly forward-looking fastback profile; its large, wraparound rear window would not have looked out of place on a Detroit-built sport or muscle car a decade newer. In contrast to the relatively unadorned flanks of the Pinin Farina cars, scallops and ducts add depth to the sides Vignale renditions. Just behind the front wheel are a series of chromed louvers that, from some angles, evoke exposed side-exit exhaust pipes; this styling touch is echoed by another cluster of louvers just aft of 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. It was set apart, however, by unique front and rear lights, the former set deeply and sensuously into nacelles of the front fenders, and a striking two-tone color scheme (also a Vignale trademark). The result is and was fresh, dramatic, and modern.

Finished in its original Amaranto and metallic grey livery, with a beige interior, the car was exhibited on both sides of the Atlantic in 1954: first on the Chinetti Motors stand at the New York World Motor Sports Show at Madison Square Garden in January, then in March at the 1954 Geneva Motor Show at the Plainpalais. Later that year it was delivered to its original owner, Robert C. Wilke of the Leader Card Company in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, who traveled to Modena to collect his new toy.