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 engine 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 debuts 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 its 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 desirable specifications, distinguished provenance, and Ferrari Classiche certification. Chassis 2631 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.

The fifth 400 Superamerica Coupé Aerodinamico built, 2631 SA was completed by the factory on November 3, 1961, finished in the spectacular colors of Blu Lancia (Lancia Blue) over a Blu Grigio (Blue Gray) leather interior with matching carpets in Blu Scuro (Dark Blue).

According to Ferrari historian Marcel Massini, 2631 SA remained in Italy with its first owner, Emanuele Rivetti, for just a year before being exported to the US. Shipped to Luigi Chinetti Motors in 1962, the Ferrari was then sold by successful privateer racing driver and dealer Bob Grossman to racing team owner John Mecom Jr. Mecom was the son of a Texas oil magnate and ran the Mecom Racing Team, which campaigned Ferraris quite competitively and competed in the FIA World Sportscar Championship, Formula, and other series. Prior to its delivery to Mecom and while the Superamerica was still with Bob Grossman, it was tested by Car and Driver and graced the cover of its April 1963 issue.

Chassis 2631 SA remained with Mecom for the following seven years and was then sold to Paul Schreiber of Palos Park, Illinois. During his ownership, the car was shown at Emilio Tosi’s Ferrari Club of America Meet in Illinois in October 1973 and made another appearance at a Ferrari Club of America event at Joe Marchetti’s Como Inn in Chicago in April 1978. The Ferrari was then traded among Midwest collectors, including noted enthusiast Tom W. Mittler, for the next several decades. In 2011, the Superamerica received Ferrari Classiche certification, confirming that it retains its original body, chassis, engine, gearbox, and differential. It then resided in an important West Coast collection alongside a stable of other important Ferrari road and race cars, and the consignor, a European Ferrari enthusiast, acquired it in 2021.

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. Sixty 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 14 short-wheelbase Series I Coupé Aerodinamicos ever built, this 400 Superamerica must be considered among the most important coachbuilt Ferraris in existence. This example also has a distinguished provenance, having been sold by successful privateer racer Bob Grossman to John Mecom Jr., both of whom had strong ties to Ferrari’s competition program. Fitting for such a blue-chip collectible, its history is also quite well documented. The Ferrari is accompanied at auction with a report by marque historian Marcel Massini and offered with its Ferrari Classiche Red Book, tool kit, and an original copy of the April 1963 issue of Car and Driver.

As stunning a design now as it was in 1961, 2631 SA is a Pininfarina masterpiece fit for the connoisseur.

*Please note that this vehicle’s Dutch ownership document lists its chassis number as 400SA2631.