Auction 1956 Ferrari 410 Superamerica Coupe Series I by Pinin Farina *BARN FIND*

1956 Ferrari 410 Superamerica Coupe Series I by Pinin Farina
Offered from the Lost & Found Collection
Estimate: $1,600,000 - $2,200,000 USD | Offered Without Reserve
Selling on Thursday 17 August as part of RM Sotheby's Monterey 2023 Auction

Indubitably rare, this enchanting 410 Superamerica is the 10th of 12 Series I examples bodied by Pinin Farina. According to the research of marque expert Marcel Massini, chassis number 0497 SA entered the Pinin Farina workshop in May 1956, and the coachwork was finished in Blu Artico paint over an interior of Naturale vaumol leather from Connolly. Blu Artico is one of the rarest paint colors to be found on a vintage Ferrari, which therefore endows this car with a very special build provenance.

In October 1956 the Ferrari experienced its most prominent brush with grandeur when it was displayed on the manufacturer’s stand at the Paris Salon. As depicted in a period photograph, the Superamerica and a 250 GT Berlinetta flanked the Superfast concept car, brilliantly conveying the marque’s focal points of competition, luxury, and advanced design.

Following this auspicious debut, the 410 was sold new to Samuel Norman, a resident of Geneva, Switzerland. In 1958 the Superamerica was imported to Sweden by the well-known marque distributor Tore Bjurström, and in April 1958 the car was sold to Växjö resident Sven Esmark. Six months later, for reasons unknown the Ferrari was returned to Bjurström.

In 1959 the Superamerica was offered by the famed Swedish racing driver Joakim Bonnier, who had made a home in Rougemont, Switzerland. Bonnier was reportedly unable to find a European buyer for the 410, and it was eventually exported to the United States and sold into American ownership.

During the 1960s the Ferrari came into the care of the well-known marque collector Carl de Bickero, who resided in Illinois at the time. About a decade later the 410 was sold to racing enthusiast Pete Sherman of Maitland, Florida, by which time the cosmetics had been refreshed in the current color combination of rosso over black leather.

Acquired by Walter Medlin in 1974, the Ferrari went on to enjoy a long sabbatical—49 years of warehouse storage—during which time the car was unfortunately compromised in August 2004 by the brute strength of Hurricane Charley. Despite the car’s current condition, however, it is interesting to note the presence of so many authentic details, like the Talbot side mirror, Marchal lamps, Veglia gauges, and the huge Weber 42 DCZ 3 carburetors.

For the future caretaker seeking to steward an important prestige car through the challenges of a faithful restoration, the Lost & Found Collection’s 0497 SA offers a tremendous opportunity. In particular, the rare color combination of Blu Artico over Naturale leather would greatly distinguish this car at concours d’elegance and marque gatherings. As a remarkably original blank slate that has enjoyed single ownership for 49 years, this flagship Maranello supercar is poised for a potential return to the collectable Ferrari niche, where it might capitalize on its important identity as one of the marque’s unique 1956 Paris Salon show cars—and a progenitor of the Superamerica legend.

For more images and a full history file, as well as to register interest, please visit: https://rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/mo23/monterey/lots/r0059-1956-ferrari-410-superamerica-coupe-series-i-by-pinin-farina/1358218?utm_source=Forum&utm_medium=FerrariChat&utm_campaign=MO23_r0059_Forum