1952 Ferrari 342 America Cabriolet (Vignale coachwork)
- Engine
- Lampredi V12, 200 hp
- Colour
- Metallic green with white
Chassis 0232 AL is the earliest of just six Ferrari 342 Americas built, a short-production ultra-luxury model powered by a Lampredi V-12 and distinguished by its extended wheelbase. It is the first of three open-bodied examples, bodied as a cabriolet by Vignale with distinctive fender-recessed slotted taillights. Completed at the factory in October 1952, it was delivered to a Swiss client in January 1953, later exported to the United States, and underwent a colour restoration in California in the 2000s. Documented in Marcel Massini's Ferrari by Vignale and Cavallino magazine.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$2,255,000
- 1953-01-14 →Factory deliveryOdofranco 'Otto' Wildfull documentation
Based in Muri, Switzerland; an early Ferrari patron and collector of distinctive coachbuilt European automobiles. A Zurich-sourced radiator tag may date from this period of ownership.
- → 1971Acquisition unknownT. Dan Smithpartial documentation
Los Angeles-based owner who received the car after it was exported to the US, likely during the late 1950s or early 1960s. By his ownership the bodywork had been refinished in metallic silver and bumpers removed.
- 1971 → 2004Private saleNorman Snartfull documentation
Hayward, California enthusiast who held the car for roughly two decades with minimal public display; registered locally as 'NMB 316'. Later recounted ownership in a published Cavallino article.
- 2004 → 2007Private salePaul Forbespartial documentation
- 2007 →Private saleCurrent ownersfull documentation
Had the car restored in California to its present metallic green and white livery with matching interior; dashboard was engine-turned and a front bumper with overriders added. Fewer than 250 miles driven post-restoration.
Competition
- 1992FCA Pacific Region Ferrari Concours d'Elegance, Quail Lodge
One of very few public appearances during Norman Snart's lengthy ownership; concours display rather than a competitive race.
Maintenance & restoration
- —Bodywork
Body refinished in metallic silver and bumpers removed at an undetermined point before or during Norman Snart's ownership period.
Condition noted at the time of Snart's acquisition in 1971; exact date and workshop unknown.
- —Restoration
Comprehensive restoration carried out in California returning the car to a metallic green and white exterior with a coordinating white and green leather interior; dashboard received an engine-turned finish and a front bumper with overriders was fitted.
Commissioned by the current owners after their 2007 acquisition; the car had covered only roughly 210 miles since the work was completed at time of cataloguing.
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