This stunning Berlinetta by Pinin Farina remains one of the most intriguingly unique and beautiful one-off automobiles and also one of the most recognized of the Ferrari ‘classic period’.
Unveiled at the 1956 Paris Auto Show, its obvious this car became the crowning masterstroke representing the collaboration of Enzo Ferrari and coachbuilder Pinin Farina.
Previewing the Superamerica line…the Superfast 1 looked like nothing ever produced by Ferrari prior…plus these cars were outrageously powerful and wickedly fast. The styling of this series would influence Ferrari models for the next decade.
Intent on enticing State-side buyers…Ferrari emulated the “new fin design” being widely used in American models.
Housing a 4-speed manual gearbox with a triple plate clutch, the Superfast 1 was also fitted with a competition racing engine.
Sourced from the 410 Sport racers…the Tipo 126/C single overhead camshaft 60-degree Lampredi V12, aka…the Ferrari long-block was modified for more power. The Superfast 1s engine came with a twin-plug head, dry-sump lubrication, and 3 enormous Weber 46 DCF carburetors. With a beast for an engine and advanced aerodynamic design…the Superfast was capable of 380bhp at 7000rpm. It was estimated to be the fastest road car of its era reaching top speeds of 170+ mph, and conquering 0-60 in 5.5 seconds with ease.
The Superfast 1 was also constructed on a unique chassis with a shortened 2600mm wheelbase. The chassis was a conventional tubular steel ladder type frame manufactured by Gilco Autotelai in Milan. A few unique features of this stunning car include a cantilevered roof with no A-posts, dramatic tail fins, headlights mounted behind streamlined covers, a wiper for the large rear windscreen, and a two-toned paint scheme of silver and white.
After the Paris show this stunning Ferrari was indeed brought to America, and recently restored to its original magnificence by Bacchelli & Villa in Italy. This one-off masterpiece can now be seen at prestigious concours events globally, and recently won the “Enzo Award” at Pebble Beach in 2021. This impressive, important, and unique treasure has not been for sale for many decades…however, it’s value is estimated to be well over $3million.
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