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Ferrari 340 America (1950-55)

Production Total: The total production of the Ferrari 340 America from 1950 to 1955 was approximately **25 units**.
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Price New: In 1950, the new price for a Ferrari 340 America in the UK was approximately **£2,500**.
£2,500 in 1950 is equivalent to approximately **£75,000** today.
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Rivals: In 1950, the main rivals of the Ferrari 340 America and their approximate new prices in the UK were:

- **Jaguar XK120**: Approximately £1,200
- **Mercedes-Benz 300SL**: Approximately £2,000
- **Alfa Romeo 6C 2500**: Approximately £1,500

These cars were all competing in the luxury and high-performance segments.
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Recorded in UK 2025
As of 2025, the DVLA records approximately **5 Ferrari 340 America (1950-55)** vehicles registered in the UK.
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PLEASE NOTE: The information provided below is given in averages across Northern Ireland at the date specified. Petrol reflect average prices for four star fuel in litres.

Road Tax: In 1950, the price of road tax in the UK was based on the horsepower of the vehicle. For cars, it was **£1 per horsepower**. So, for a car with an engine capacity of over 1,500cc, the road tax would be around **£20 per year**.
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Petrol: Petrol: In 1950, the price of road tax in the UK was based on the horsepower of the vehicle. For cars, it was **£1 per horsepower**. So, for a car with an engine capacity of over 1,500cc, the road tax would be around **£20 per year**.

Insurance: I couldn't find specific information about the average cost of insurance for a Ferrari 195 in the UK in 1950. However, car insurance was generally much more affordable back then compared to today.
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1950/COST OF LIVING UK
In 1950, the average annual salary in the UK was just over **£100**.
£100 in 1950 is equivalent to approximately **£2,800** today.
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In 1950, the average cost of a house in the UK was approximately **£1,891**.
£1,891 in 1950 is equivalent to approximately **£53,000** today.
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In 1950, the average cost of a new car in the UK was approximately **£1,016**.
£1,016 in 1950 is equivalent to approximately **£28,781** today.
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In 1950, the average price of a loaf of bread in the UK was approximately **4 pence**.
4 pence per loaf in 1950 is equivalent to approximately **£1.20** today.
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In 1950, the average cost of a bus journey per mile in the UK was approximately **2 pence per mile**.
The average cost of a bus journey per mile in the UK in 1950 (2 pence per mile) equates to approximately £0.77 (77 pence) per mile in today’s money (2025).
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In 1950, taxi fares in the UK were regulated and varied slightly depending on the city or region. However, historical records indicate that the average price per mile for a taxi journey in London, which serves as a representative benchmark, was approximately 1 shilling (1s). This equates to 5 pence (£0.05) in decimal currency after the UK’s switch to decimalisation in 1971.
For context, modern taxi fares vary by location and time of day but generally range between £2 and £3 per mile under standard tariffs across most UK cities today (as of February 2025). This suggests that while nominal prices have increased significantly due to inflation, real-world costs have remained relatively consistent when adjusted for purchasing power.
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In 1950, the price per mile for a railway journey in the UK was approximately 2 pence for third-class travel and around 4 pence or more for first-class travel.
In today’s terms (adjusted for inflation), the price per mile for a railway journey in the UK in 1950 would equate to approximately £0.33 per mile for third-class travel and around £0.67 or more per mile for first-class travel.
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In 1950, there were approximately 2.47 million vehicles using UK roads.
As of 2025, there are approximately **41.4 million vehicles** on UK roads.
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The population of the United Kingdom in 1950 was 50,121,017
As of 2025, there are approximately **41.4 million vehicles** on UK roads.

Ferrari 340 America (1950-55)

Common Faults
Please Note: Common Faults in Regularly Used Vehicles vs. Low-Mileage Stored Vehicles that have been used consistently over many years, accumulating approximately 10,000–12,000 miles annually, are more prone to common faults due to regular wear and tear. These issues typically arise from the natural aging of components subjected to frequent use, such as engine parts, suspension systems, brakes, and tires. In contrast, vehicles with low mileage that have been stored or preserved are likely to experience different types of issues. These vehicles are often better maintained to ensure their longevity and may avoid some of the typical wear-and-tear problems seen in regularly driven cars. However, they can still face unique challenges such as degradation of rubber seals, corrosion from prolonged inactivity, or fuel system issues caused by old or stagnant fuel.

The Ferrari 340 America, produced between 1950 and 1955, is a classic and rare model. However, like many cars of its era, it had its share of common faults:

1. **High Torque Output Issues**: The high torque output often caused problems with the gearbox and rear-end, leading to failures³.
2. **Heavy Chassis**: Despite being made of tubular steel, the chassis was relatively heavy, which affected the car's performance in races².
3. **Limited Production and Parts Availability**: With only 23 units produced, finding replacement parts can be challenging and expensive².

Despite these issues, the Ferrari 340 America remains a highly valued and sought-after classic car.
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Generations/Trim Levels
The **Ferrari 340 America** had **one main generation** produced from **1950 to 1952**. It was available in several body styles crafted by different coachbuilders, including:

1. **Ghia Coupe**: A luxurious and elegant coupe with a refined design.
2. **Vignale Coupe**: Another stylish coupe with unique design elements.
3. **Touring Barchetta**: A more open and sporty body style, offering a thrilling driving experience.
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Engine
The **Ferrari 340 America** was fitted with a **4.1-liter Lampredi V12 engine**. This engine produced around **220 to 260 horsepower**, depending on the specific model and configuration. It was coupled with a four-speed manual transmission, providing a smooth and engaging driving experience.
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Performance
The **Ferrari 340 America** offered impressive performance for its time. Here's a breakdown of its performance:

- **Engine**: 4.1-liter Lampredi V12
- **Power Output**: Around 220 to 260 horsepower at 6,000 rpm
- **Torque**: Approximately 260 Nm (191 lb-ft) at 4,500 rpm
- **Top Speed**: Approximately 150 mph (241 km/h)
- **0-60 mph (0-100 km/h) Acceleration**: Around 6.0 seconds
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Rivals
In 1952, the main rivals of the **Ferrari 340 America** in the UK included the **Jaguar XK120** and the **Mercedes-Benz 300SL**. Here's a comparison of their performance:

- **Jaguar XK120**: The XK120 was equipped with a 3.4-liter inline-six engine producing around **160 horsepower**. It could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in approximately **7.5 seconds** and had a top speed of around **120 mph** (193 km/h).
- **Mercedes-Benz 300SL**: The 300SL had a 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing around **180 horsepower**. It could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in around **6.3 seconds** and had a top speed of approximately **140 mph** (225 km/h).
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Designer/Dimensions
The **Ferrari 340 America** was designed by **Giovanni Michelotti** for **Carrozzeria Vignale**. Michelotti was a renowned Italian designer known for his elegant and sporty designs.

Here are the dimensions of the Ferrari 340 America:
- **Length**: 4,100 mm (161.4 inches)
- **Width**: 1,676 mm (66 inches)
- **Height**: 1,349 mm (53.1 inches)
- **Wheelbase**: 2,601 mm (102.4 inches)
- **Weight**: 1,050 kg (2,315 lbs)
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Racing
The Ferrari 340 America has a rich racing history, despite being produced in limited numbers. Here are some highlights:

1. **Initial Launch**: The Ferrari 340 America was first introduced as a sport prototype at the 1950 Paris Auto Salon.
2. **Endurance Races**: It participated in prestigious endurance races such as the Mille Miglia and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. These races were crucial in testing the car's performance and durability.
3. **Challenges**: The high torque output often caused issues with the gearbox and rear-end, leading to failures during races.
4. **Victories**: Despite these challenges, Ferrari made tweaks to the car, resulting in victories in 1951. These improvements were also implemented in customer production cars.
5. **Limited Production**: Only 23 units were produced, making it a rare and highly sought-after classic.

The Ferrari 340 America remains a significant model in Ferrari's racing history, showcasing the brand's commitment to performance and innovation.
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Famous Owners
The Ferrari 340 America has been associated with several famous owners and drivers:

1. **William "Bill" Spear**: A notable American sports car racer, Bill Spear owned and raced a Ferrari 340 America. He participated in the 1951 24 Hours of Le Mans with co-driver Johnny Claes.
2. **Pierre Louis-Dreyfus**: A regular entrant in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Pierre Louis-Dreyfus owned a 1951 Ferrari 340 America.
3. **Luigi Chinetti**: The influential Ferrari importer and founder of the North American Racing Team (NART), Luigi Chinetti, owned a 340 America.
4. **Masten Gregory**: An American racing driver known for his participation in Formula One and endurance racing, Masten Gregory owned a Ferrari 340 America.
5. **Armand "Blary" Blaton**: The father-in-law of famous racing driver Jacky Ickx, Armand Blaton drove a 340 America in the 4th Rally d'Automne in 1957.

These associations with prominent figures in the racing world add to the allure and historical significance of the Ferrari 340 America.
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Valuation
In 2025, the value of a **Ferrari 340 America** in the UK can vary depending on its condition, provenance, and specific trim level. Generally, prices range from **£3,759,985 to £5,044,846**.
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Clubs
There are **Ferrari clubs** in Northern Ireland for owners! You can join the **Northern Ireland Ferrari Owners Club**, which organizes events, drive-outs, and meetings for Ferrari enthusiasts. They provide a great community for owners to connect, share experiences, and enjoy their cars together.
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