| Ferrari 375 Plus | |
|---|---|
 Ferrari 375 Plus as part ofRalph Lauren Collection | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Ferrari |
| Production | 1954 8 made (one was converted from 375 MM)[1] |
| Designer | Pinin Farina |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | |
| Layout | Front mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 5.0 L (4954.34 cc)Tipo 113LamprediV12 |
| Power output | 330 PS |
| Transmission |
|
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,600 mm (102.4 in) |
| Curb weight | 1,030 kg (2,271 lb) (dry) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Ferrari 375 MM |
| Successor | Ferrari 410 S |
TheFerrari 375 Plus is asports racing car produced byFerrari in 1954. The model competed internationally, winning many major races, including24 Hours of Le Mans,Carrera Panamericana,1000km of Buenos Aires, Agadir GP and Silverstone.[2]
The Ferrari 375 Plus received the newLamprediV12 engine with displacement enlarged to almost 5-litres. This newtipo 113 was partially based on the375 MM with its 84 mm of bore and combined 74.5 mm of stroke from the375 Formula One car.[3] The resulting capacity was 4,954.34 cc (5.0 L; 302.3 cu in). Most cars could produce 330 PS (243 kW; 325 hp) at 6000 rpm and some even up to 345 PS.[4] This was enough for a top speed of 280 km/h. The engine had a single spark plug per cylinder configuration with two magnetos and was fed by threeWeber 46DCF/3 carburettors. A single camshaft per cylinder bank was standard for theLampredi V12s, unlikedry sump lubrication adopted for the last of the 'long-block' powered models: the 375 Plus and the410 S. A 4-speedmanual or 5-speed manual gearbox was used, mounted en bloc with differential.[5]
Although the wheelbase on the 375 Plus and its predecessor, the375 MM, was the same at 2,600 mm (102.4 in), the chassis was of a newtype 505. Also created of a steel tubes, elliptical in section. The front suspension was the same as on the previous models, independent with unequal-length wishbones and transverse leaf springs. The rear suspension however received a newde Dion axle, twin radius arms with transverse leaf springs andHoudaille shock absorbers in place of an old live axle with semi-elliptical springs.[5] New setup greatly improved balance and road-holding.[4] The fuel tank had 190 litres fuel capacity, especially welcomed on long-distance races. Drum brakes were standard all round.[4]
Bodywork was an evolution of the 375 MMPinin Farina Spyder style with an exception of a bigger fuel tank bulge in the rear.[2] One car, s/n 0478AM, was converted from 375 MM and rebodied by Sutton.[6][7]
A one-off, two-seater Cabriolet was created on a 375 Plus' chassis, s/n 0488AM.King Leopold III of Belgium commissioned its creation toPinin Farina. They created an elegant and stately gran tourer with an imposing front portion and unusually wide front grille.[8] This special road-going Cabriolet was left-hand drive, received covered headlamps and was completed in 1955.[9] Finished in black over ivory leather interior it was repainted red at a one point in its history.[10]
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The Ferrari 375 Plus debuted slowly at first, not finishing the Giro di Sicilia nor theMille Miglia races.José Froilán González andMaurice Trintignant won the1954 24 Hours of Le Mans, for the first time since 1949,[11] ahead of the worksJaguar D-type.[12] The Agadir GP[13] and the Silverstone International[14] were also won by the 375 Plus. The most significant victory, however, was byUmberto Maglioli at the1954 Carrera Panamericana.[15] It would also be the last as the race was cancelled next year due to theLe Mans disaster. The1954 World Sportscar Championship was achieved by Ferrari in due honour of 375 Plus that won two out of six rounds. The last major victory was at the1955 1000 km Buenos Aires. That year, the World Sportscar Championship was dominated by theMercedes-Benz 300 SLR.
The 375 Plus also won many races in both North and South Americas.[16] In 1957-1958Dan Gurney in 375 Plus scored wins inParamount Ranch and Palm Springs[16] and a second place in Grand Prix Riverside, part of1958 United States Grand Prix for Sports Cars.[17]
Low production numbers and undisputed racing pedigree makes the 375 Plus highly collectable and sought after. S/n 0384AM, Ferrari works car from the Mille Miglia, Le Mans and Silverstone was offered by Bonhams at the "Goodwood Festival of Speed Sale" auction and sold for £10.7 million in 2014.[18][19] S/n 0398TF is part of Ralph Lauren Collection, who purchased the car in 1990.[20]
