‘The Ferrari 340 Mexico: because sometimes, elegance and insanity can share the same garage.’
1952, Ferrari created a masterpiece for the world’s most dangerous race—the Carrera Panamericana.
The 340 Mexico, with its sleek Vignale design and roaring 4.1-litre V12 engine, blends elegance and brute force. It is capable of 174 mph.
With only four ever made, it’s a story of ambition, danger, and legacy. Fancy a glimpse into this rare Ferrari’s thrilling tale?
1952 Ferrari unveiled the 340 Mexico, a race car explicitly crafted for the Carrera Panamericana, a 2,100-mile odyssey of danger and endurance.
Giovanni Michelotti designed the striking and robust car for Vignale. Only four examples were built: three Berlinettas and one Spyder.
At its core, a 4.1-litre Lampredi V12 produced 280 horsepower and propelled it to 174 mph. It is based on the 340 America chassis, engineered to conquer the gruelling Mexican terrain.
In its racing debut, entered under Franco Cornacchia’s Scuderia Guastalla banner, the 340 Mexico faced off against Mercedes-Benz’s formidable 300SLs.
Luigi Chinetti and Jean Lucas piloted one to third place, battling treacherous roads and fierce competition.
Although John Fitch’s Mercedes finished ahead, it was disqualified, pushing Ferrari to the podium.
The other two, 340 Mexico’s succumbed to the race’s harsh conditions.
Today, all four cars survive, prized as treasures of motorsport history. One of them fetched over $4.3 million at auction.
The 340 Mexico symbolises Ferrari’s daring, beauty, and engineering excellence. It is a masterpiece that continues to captivate.
‘If you ever feel underappreciated, remember this: the 340 Mexico came third and still stole the spotlight from Mercedes.’
