At the 1960 Brussels Motor Show, Ferrari unveiled the latest evolution of its traditional, top-of-the-range gran turismo – the 400 Superamerica. Although it retained the hallowed Superamerica moniker of the previous 410 series, the new car shared little with its predecessor. To begin with, the 400 SA chassis was based largely on the well-developed 250 GT series and featured several noteworthy mechanical refinements, including four-wheel Dunlop disc brakes, telescopic shock absorbers, and a fully synchronized gearbox with overdrive.

The most significant change, however, was the powerplant. While the early “America” models had all used the Lampredi long block, Ferrari ceased production of the motor in 1959 and instead employed a much larger variation of the Colombo V-12 for the newest Superamerica. Displacing four liters and topped by three substantial Weber carburetors, the V-12 produced as much power as the outgoing 410 Superamerica while benefiting from improved low-rpm torque and ease of maintenance.

The debut of Pininfarina’s sensational Superfast II show car and 250 GT Sperimentale (Experimental) competition car in 1960 and 1961, respectively, inspired a distinctive line of coachbuilt bodies for the 400 Superamerica chassis. Many of the aesthetic features found on these one-offs were incorporated into Pininfarina’s Coupé Aerodinamico. The result was one of the most extraordinary series of road-going Ferraris ever built.

While each Coupé Aerodinamico was handcrafted to individual tastes, all examples benefited from elegant proportions, a large greenhouse, a tapered tail section, and graceful, fluid lines. Inside, the lucky occupants were treated to a sumptuous interior, replete with comfortable seats upholstered in Connolly leather hides, a spacious luggage platform, a fluted headliner, and an ample selection of auxiliary gauges to monitor the status of the magnificent machine.

At a customer’s request, any number of additional features or materials could be specified – Ferrari was only too happy to oblige. This was not an unusual instance given that the list of original 400 Superamerica owners included influential clients such as Gianni Agnelli, Nelson Rockefeller, George Arents, Michel Paul Cavalier, Count Volpi, Count Somsky, and Felice Riva.

Between 1960 and 1964, Ferrari built approximately 35 examples of the 400 Superamerica, the series divided between the short-wheelbase Series I and long-wheelbase Series II variants. Due to their exclusive status and breathtaking 150 mph performance, this rare breed remains one of Ferrari’s most memorable creations.

The 400 Superamerica presented here is a marvelous example that boasts the most desirable specifications, Ferrari Classiche certification, and an exquisite presentation in distinctive original colors. Chassis 3221 SA is one of just 14 examples of the Coupé Aerodinamico built on the original short-wheelbase chassis exclusive to the Series I 400 Superamericas. The Series I Coupé Aerodinamicos – constructed on the same specification chassis as Pininfarina’s legendary Superfast II show car – possess a particular purity of design, more sporting proportions, and a greater variety of bespoke details compared to the later Series II versions.

In total, just seven examples of the Series I Coupé Aerodinamico were originally specified with the desirable covered-headlight treatment, a signature Pininfarina flourish that enhances the already streamlined characteristics of this body style. According to factory records, this Coupé Aerodinamico, body no. 99519, was originally finished in Bianco (White) and upholstered in Grigio (Gray) Connolly leather, a subtle combination that perfectly complements the dramatic lines of the coachwork.

Echoing the appearance of the Superfast II show car, 3221 SA possesses many desirable coachwork details such as covered headlights, a chrome-trimmed hood scoop, polished belt molding, and rear spats. The cockpit is beautifully appointed as well, with the preferred two-gauge instrument configuration, fresh air vents on either side of the dashboard, and an adjustable passenger-side headrest.

Though each 400 Superamerica is unique, 3221 SA shares many of its desirable qualities with two similar examples: 2373 SA, the first Coupé Aerodinamico built, and 2861 SA, which was delivered new to famed car collector and casino magnate William Harrah and tested in the June 1963 issue of Road & Track magazine.

Completed by Ferrari in March 1962, chassis 3221 SA was sold new through Ferrari’s official French importer, Franco-Britannic Autos Ltd., to its first owner, Hubert Charpentier of Paris. It is believed that M. Charpentier retained the 400 Superamerica until 1966, when it was sold to fellow Frenchman Jacques André. From there, the Ferrari passed through the Marquis de St. Didier and, by 1967, it was offered for sale by the Citroën agent in Gennevilliers, France. At this time, the used Superamerica was reported to be in rather poor condition, with damage to the roof and rear end. Later in 1967, 3221 SA was sold to M. Launay and subsequently spent many years in a Luxembourg-based collection, where it was registered as “L 1316.”

In 1986, Alain Dominique Perrin, then serving as Director of Cartier International and Cartier SA, acquired 3221 SA for his private collection. A well-known patron of the arts who is often credited with the creation of the Cartier Foundation for Contemporary Art in Paris, M. Perrin commissioned a restoration of the 400 Superamerica, entrusting the work to Italian specialists. In 1988, M. Perrin sold 3221 SA to Ferrari France and, for many years, it was maintained among the prestigious Pozzi Collection in Levallois-Perret, France.

In 2005, 3221 SA was bought by noted Belgian Ferrari enthusiast Philippe Lancksweert. Soon after joining his collection of Italian thoroughbreds, the Ferrari was sent to the renowned Carrozzeria Autosport of Bastiglia for a complete restoration that would see the glamorous Superamerica faithfully returned to its original appearance. As the restoration neared completion, Mr. Lancksweert had 3221 SA certified by the Ferrari Classiche Department, who issued a Certificazione di Autenticità and Red Book in June 2007. The accompanying Ferrari Classiche Red Book confirms that 3221 SA retains its original chassis, body, suspension, brakes, engine, gearbox, and rear end.

Following its restoration, 3221 SA was selectively displayed at leading concours d’elegance in Italy, England, and the US, garnering attention and admiration wherever it was seen. Having been maintained by respected American collectors for the past 15 years, the Ferrari presents in outstanding order and the restoration has mellowed nicely, a testament to the high quality of the work performed. Notably, the Superamerica has not been displayed at a major show in over a decade, allowing its new owner to participate in events with a car that has not already made the rounds of the concours circuit.

A magnificent expression of power and exclusivity, the 400 Superamerica Coupé Aerodinamico exudes the individual character and artistry of a bygone era in custom coachbuilding. These exotic, large-displacement gran turismos were the most expensive and refined road-going Ferraris of the early 1960s, built in extremely limited numbers for Enzo’s most important clients. Because of their unmatched quality, style, and sophistication, these special Ferraris have always maintained a peerless reputation and a vibrant international following. Fifty years after their introduction, the precious few 400 Superamericas reside in many prestigious collections and their appeal is such that several owners have acquired multiple examples of the model.

As one of only seven covered-headlight, short-wheelbase Coupé Aerodinamicos ever built – and one of considerably fewer outfitted with such desirable features – this 400 Superamerica must be considered among the most important coachbuilt Ferraris in existence. Brilliantly presented in its original color scheme, documented by Marcel Massini, and certified by the Ferrari Classiche Department, 3221 SA is a Pininfarina masterpiece fit for the connoisseur.