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16/11/2025 6:43 am
1956 Ferrari 410 SuperAmerica Ghia Coupe
http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/chassis/644/Ferrari-410-SuperAmerica-Ghia-Coupe-0473SA.html
1956 ferrari 410 superamerica ghia coupe
1956 Ferrari 410 Superamerica Ghia Coupe is a highly unique, one-off grand touring car. It features a distinctive American-inspired design with large tailfins, an oversize grille, and a powerful V12 engine.
History and Rarity
This particular car, built on chassis 0473 SA, was a special commission for American businessman Robert Wilke. The body was designed by Giovanni Savonuzzi of the Italian coachbuilder Carrozzeria Ghia and was the last Ferrari project the company undertook. The design, with its dramatic fins and heavy chrome accents, was considered extreme by Enzo Ferrari, who never commissioned another Ghia-bodied car. Only one example of the Ghia Coupe was ever produced, making it an incredibly rare and unique collector's item. In total, less than three dozen Ferrari 410 Superamericas were built across all body styles and series.
Specifications and Features
The Ghia Coupe was based on the standard 410 Superamerica chassis and powered by Ferrari's 5.0-liter Lampredi V12 engine.
- Engine: Front, longitudinal 60° V12 engine with a total displacement of 4962.96 cc.
- Power: The engine produced around 340 horsepower at 6000 rpm.
- Performance: The car had a top speed of around 160 mph, making it well-suited for high-speed touring.
- Design: Notable exterior features included an oversize grille, inboard headlights, partial wheel enclosures, massive knife-edge tailfins with integrated taillights, and a wraparound windshield.
- Interior: The cockpit was upholstered with two-tone black and white leather seats and door panels and featured ten custom gauges on a unique dashboard design.
Collectibility and Value
The uniqueness and provenance of the 1956 Ferrari 410 Superamerica Ghia Coupe (chassis 0473 SA) make it highly valuable. While exact auction results for this specific one-off car were not readily available in the search snippets, other Pinin Farina bodied 410 Superamericas have sold for millions at auction. For example, a 1956 Ferrari 410 Superamerica Coupe Series I by Pinin Farina (Chassis 0497 SA) sold for $2,810,000 in 2023. The Ghia version's singular status and unique design contribute significantly to its high collector appeal.
John Bono
North Jersey
16/11/2025 7:29 am
Whoa! you've outdone yourself my friend. This is one I haven't seen before. Indicative of its time, those are SOME fins that Prancing Horse is sporting. Minimize them to that of the '56 Lincoln Premiere height and you have something.
But as a "Something Different", man John, you nailed it. Fantastic link and total spec information - thank you sir; I love all the series and fun and all the auto knowledge you research and bring us.
16/11/2025 7:50 am
It bears a striking resemblance to the 1956 Chrysler Dart Diablo Roadster concept cars, which isn't surprising since both were done by the Italian stylist Ghia in the same year.
Virgil Exner, the man responsible for Chrysler's finned "Forward Look", seems to be credited as the actual stylist of the Diablo, or at least he dictated specific design features like the wraparound windshield and fins that he wanted Ghia to turn into a finished styling concept.
It looks like Ghia then tried to get his money's worth out of the concept by flogging it to Ferrari. He just made it a bit shorter and fatter!
Incidentally, Matrix did the Chrysler Diablo in 1:43. I got one and have it tucked away somewhere. It's very nice except that the beautifully crisp chrome lettering on the nose says "DIRBLD" instead of "DIABLO".
This post was modified 5 months ago by Graeme Ogg
Graeme.M. Ogg
London U.K.
16/11/2025 7:52 am
16/11/2025 9:04 am
I think it's fortunate that only one of the Ferrari 410 was made with those hideous fins. Enzo was right in saying the design was "extreme".
16/11/2025 9:51 am
A great read guys, on both accounts. I can't say I like the styling, but it is unique. 😊
Tony Perrone and John Bono reacted
16/11/2025 10:07 am
@bob-jackman +1 I agree but do like the Diablo.
John Bono and Tony Perrone reacted
16/11/2025 10:34 am
@jack-dodds I agree the Diablo is a nice looking car.
John Bono and Tony Perrone reacted
16/11/2025 11:01 am
A Ferrari version that I do not remember seeing before. I can see why Enzo disliked it with the extreme wings. To me the Diablo is much more balanced. A bit more discretion with the tail design, and Ghia might have received more Ferrari chassis to play with in the future.
Thank you John. Another interesting, this time controversial vehicle. Love these ‘Something different’ reviews.
16/11/2025 12:19 pm
And yet in 1956 at the Paris Salon, Ferrari showed the Pininfarina bodied 410 Superfast, one of my favorites for its audacity. Its style predicted many Ferraris that followed, all sans fins. I have the Matrix 1/43rd and couldn't wait to get it.
This post was modified 5 months ago by Ed Glorius
Retired in Dunedin, Florida.
16/11/2025 12:22 pm
Here's the Superfast at the Salon with ill-fated Alfonso de Portago.
Retired in Dunedin, Florida.
16/11/2025 12:30 pm
That Paris Salon car looks so much more balanced, Ed with the much reduced fin height.
17/11/2025 12:02 am
great post gents, initiated by John B of course. Tonys comment says it all!
I'm with Bob, Jack and Enzo (now there's a trio!) Fins too dominant in the overall design.
17/11/2025 9:47 am
I'm sure that Jack agrees that we are glad Enzo shares our opinion.
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