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 impressive Superamerica moniker of the outgoing 410 series, the new car shared little with its predecessor. The 400 SA chassis, designated tipo 538 U, was based on the well-developed 250 series and featured the latest mechanical refinements, including four-wheel Dunlop disc brakes, telescopic shock absorbers, and a fully synchronized gearbox with overdrive.

The most significant change, however, was under the hood. While the earlier 375 America and 410 Superamerica had utilized the Grand Prix-derived Lampredi long block, Ferrari ceased production of that engine family in 1959. For the new 400 Superamerica, a large-displacement version of the traditional Colombo V-12 was used, designated as tipo 163. Despite its smaller four-liter capacity, the 400 Superamerica’s engine produced as much power as the earlier 4.9-liter 410 Superamerica, offered better low-end torque, and was far easier to maintain.

Pininfarina’s sensational Superfast II and 250 GT Sperimentale, which debuted from 1960 to 1961, inspired an exciting new style of coachwork for the 400 Superamerica. Many of the aesthetic elements found on these one-offs were incorporated into the new 400 Superamerica Coupe Aerodinamico’s design. Pininfarina’s dynamic jet-age styling, in combination with Ferrari’s top-of-the-line chassis resulted in one of the most extraordinary series of road-going Ferraris ever built.

While each Coupe Aerodinamico was hand built to individual specifications, all benefited from the same elegant proportions, graceful and fluid lines, and tapered tail section. Exterior details were exquisitely designed; interior appointments represented the height of luxury. Inside, passengers were treated to Connolly leather upholstery, a spacious luggage platform, and a full complement of instrumentation to monitor the workings of the magnificent machine.

At a client’s request, any number of custom 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 notable individuals such as Gianni Agnelli, Nelson Rockefeller, Count Volpi, and Felice Riva.

Between 1960 and 1964, Ferrari built approximately 35 examples of the 400 Superamerica, a number that includes both short-wheelbase Series I and long-wheelbase Series II variants. Pininfarina produced a few cabriolets for each series, but most were fashioned with Coupe Aerodinamico coachwork. Due to their exclusive status and breathtaking 150 mph performance, this rare breed remains one of Ferrari’s most memorable creations.

The Ferrari 400 Superamerica presented here, chassis 4251 SA, is a longwheelbase Series II example, constructed on the extended 2,600 mm wheelbase chassis. Completed in February 1963, and identified by Pininfarina job no. 99549, this Coupe Aerodinamico features the highly desirable covered headlight arrangement and was originally finished in Oro Longchamps, a tasteful medium gold metallic, with black Connolly leather upholstery.

Shipped directly to North American distributor Luigi Chinetti Motors, the new Ferrari was publicly unveiled at the 7th New York International Auto Show, held inside Manhattan’s Coliseum between April 13 and 21, 1963. Later that year, Chinetti sold the Superamerica to its first owner, Leo Holt of Chicago.

During the late 1960s and 1970s, 4251 SA passed through the ownership of several American enthusiasts, was repainted burgundy, and eventually settled in California around 1980. Dan Duncan of San Francisco owned the Superamerica during the first half of the decade and then sold it, in 1986, to Ferrari enthusiasts Murray Cogan and Jake Silberberg of Los Angeles. During their ownership, the Ferrari was shown at the FCA National Meet in Watkins Glen, New York, and the International Meet in Monterey, as well as in several events staged on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, California.

In 2003, the consignor, a well-known Ferrari collector who has owned some of the finest coachbuilt and competition models, acquired 4251 SA after a long search for an ideal example. Eager to return the grand Superamerica to its former splendor, he commissioned Wayne Obry of Motion Products Inc. in Neenah, Wisconsin, to completely restore the Coupe Aerodinamico.

Over the next 18 months, Motion Products Inc. – one of the most respected Ferrari specialists in the US – undertook a no-expense-spared restoration, addressing both cosmetic and mechanical elements, as is documented by a sizable collection of invoices and correspondence included in the car’s history file. The current owner selected the sophisticated, period-correct color scheme of silver over green, and tasked Motion Products Inc. with reproducing a two-piece set of fitted luggage, trimmed in green leather to match the interior upholstery.

Since the restoration’s completion in 2005, 4251 SA has won numerous awards at the leading international concours d’elegance. In addition to receiving multiple Platinum and special awards at Cavallino Classic, this 400 Superamerica earned Best of Show honors at the Ferrari National Meet, the Enzo Ferrari Award at Pebble Beach, the Pininfarina Trophy at Villa d’Este, and Best in Class at Amelia Island. Despite its concours accolades, this Ferrari is not merely a show car. It has been road proven on several long-distance tours including two Louis Vuitton Classic runs in Europe, as well as successful entries on the Colorado Grand, Copperstate 1000, and Quail Rally.

Having been shown, maintained, and driven by one passionate owner for the past 18 years, the Superamerica still presents in outstanding condition. The restoration hardly shows its age, a testament to the high quality of the work performed and care it has since received. In anticipation of its offering at auction, the Ferrari was recently serviced, detailed, and fitted with a set of new Pirelli Cinturato tires, as were specified when new. Accompanying the sale is an extensive history file that includes a history report produced by Marcel Massini, restoration records and articles. Also included are copies of the factory build sheets, which confirms 4251 SA retains its matching-numbers engine.

A magnificent expression of power and exclusivity, the 400 Superamerica LWB Coupe Aerodinamico exudes the individual character and artistry of a bygone era in custom coachbuilding. These exotic, large-displacement Ferraris were the most expensive and refined road-going automobiles of the early 1960s, built in extremely limited numbers for Enzo’s most important customers. Because of their unmatched quality, style, and sophistication, these Ferraris have always maintained a special reputation and, today, most examples reside in prestigious collections.

A covered-headlight Coupe Aerodinamico is one of the most important and sought-after of all coachbuilt Ferraris; this example, Luigi Chinetti’s 1963 New York show car, is among the very best. Brilliantly restored by one of the leading Ferrari specialists, documented by Marcel Massini, and highly decorated on the international concours circuit, 4251 SA is a Pininfarina masterpiece fit for the connoisseur.

*Please note that this vehicle is titled 1962 and as 400SA4251.