Beschreibung:

The ex-Michel Paul Cavalier/aluminum bodied + 1951 FERRARI 340 AMERICA BERLINETTA COACHWORK BY GHIA Chassis No. 0148A Engine No. 0148A Dark blue aluminum coachwork with light blue leather interior Engine: V12, single overhead camshaft per bank, dry sump, 4,101cc., 250bhp at 6,500rpm; Gearbox: five-speed manual; Suspension: front, independent with transverse leaf springs, rear semi-elliptic leaf springs; Brakes: four wheel hydraulic drum. Right hand drive. Ferrari 0148A is part of a very aristocratic lineage of Ferraris as it is equipped with the famous Lampredi V12 which would go on to contribute to Ferrari's first victories in F1 in its 375 F1 version. Lampredi's decisive contribution to Ferrari history almost came to naught as he had left the company after a brief previous stint, but was persuaded to return. He then set about his big block task as very much a man of his own independent thinking, though with some advice from legendary consultant Jano. It is Lampredi who convinced Enzo Ferrari that Maranello was going about their F1 engine route the wrong way. Ferrari had opted for the supercharged 1500cc, but its 125 F1 unit was too finicky. Thus Lampredi, a man who later designed everything from pile drivers to chimneys after a stint in aviation, went to work. In the 340 version the 4,101.6cc capacity develops 260hp at 6500rpm. It was a legendary 'motore' that was several steps above the standard 250 production unit and went on to spawn its elder siblings, the 375MM and 410 Sport of fearsome reputation for their power and awe inspiring roar. This notoriety is reflected in both the type's rarity and also the famous owners that were destined to enjoy the 340 America series. Carrozzeria Ghia bodied no more than one coupe and four berlinettas. This car was first built for Michel Paul Cavalier, President of the large French industrial concern Pont a Mousson. The distinguished Mssr. Cavalier became one of Ferrari's first repeat customers and thus a precious one, as well as a friend. While little is known about him, he became perhaps the only non-Italian member of the early Ferrari board and it is believed that his industrial savvy was most useful as the factory's growth mushroomed amidst the hectic demands of competition and Maranello's incredibly creative, almost frantic, engineering development. He owned several very special Ferraris through the years, cars that were truly tailor made for him, such as his 250 GTO and it is a measure of his lore in Ferrari history that these cars are now to be found in the finest collections, such as the legendary Mas du Clos collection in central France. Chassis 0150A for example went to the noted race entrant Tony Parravano, an Italian construction magnate whose California based team started off the careers of many a young American racing star such as Phil Hill and Dan Gurney. 0142A on the other hand went to none other than Argentinian ruler Juan Peron and was the subject of one of the most painstaking restorations ever completed. 340 Americas are by no means boulevard Presidential parade cars however, as proven by the 5th place of the McAfee pair who drove one in the grueling and very fast Carrera Panamericana road race across the length of Mexico. 0148A remained in France after Cavalier sold it to a watch merchant who in turn passed it on to Michel Dovaz. The latter has a rather infamous private museum in Nemours France where it stayed for a number of years before passing on to a Parisian doctor and then a Dutchman. The current owner then acquired it and, being a man of his own mind and an eclectic enthusiast who has partaken in the epic Paris-Beijing historic rally, decided it was time to go all the way with a frame-off restoration. This was undertaken in Italy by no less than the great firm of Zagato aided by Gabliati who specialize in aluminum bodies, a definite plus since 0148A is believed to be the only alloy bodied car in this small series. The engine, which was already in running