Of the various coachbuilt gran turismos built by Ferrari in the 1950s and 1960s, few were as magnificent as the 410 Superamerica. Unveiled in 1955 as the successor to the 375 America, the latest thoroughbred from Maranello possessed all the qualities that contributed to the Ferrari mystique: extraordinary power, fashionable styling, and unmatched exclusivity. Compared to its predecessor, the new, top-of-the-line Ferrari was more modern and refined, benefiting from a strengthened chassis, coil-spring front suspension, and fully synchronized gearbox. At the heart of the 410 Superamerica was the ultra-exotic 4.9-liter Lampredi V-12 – a lightly detuned version of the engine that powered Ferrari’s 375 Plus, the legendary sports racer that won both the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Carrera Panamericana in 1954. Producing 340 bhp with tremendous low-end torque, the 410 Superamerica was the fastest road car of its day, capable of 150 mph.

Pinin Farina was the predominant coachbuilder of these mighty Ferraris. In total, the Torino-based firm constructed 12 similar coupe bodies for the 410 Superamerica Series I on both the original 2,800 mm and subsequent 2,600 mm Series II chassis. The remaining chassis were entrusted to Boano and Ghia, who built flamboyant designs influenced by American concept cars. While in production, the 410 Superamerica had no real rival; it was truly in a class of its own. It was among the world’s most expensive automobiles and, although pricing was always established “in accordance to specifications,” at least one car is known to have retailed for approximately $17,000.

The 410 Superamerica presented here, chassis 0493 SA, entered the Pinin Farina custom workshop on April 4, 1956, and was assigned job no. 15255. The bodywork was completed that fall, finished in a magnificent bright blue with a contrasting ivory roof and natural leather upholstery. True to its reputation as a “car of kings,” this Ferrari was sold into royalty; its first owner was none other than Bao Dai, the last reigning emperor of Vietnam.

Born in 1913, Bao Dai was the 13th and final emperor of the Nguyen dynasty, the last ruling dynasty of Vietnam. Educated in France, he became emperor upon his father’s death in 1926, but did not ascend to the throne until 1932. His rule lasted until 1945, and following a period of transition, he was officially removed from power in 1955, when Prime Minister Ngo Dinh Diem declared himself president of the new Republic of Vietnam. In 1956, Bao Dai returned to France, where he lived in exile for the rest of his life.

It was around this time that Bao Dai acquired 0493 SA, which served as a more civilized companion to his other Lampredi-powered Ferrari, a 375 Mille Miglia Spider, chassis 0450 AM. About a year into his ownership, following an accident in his 375 MM Spider, Bao Dai had Joseph Cattaneo’s garage switch engines between the two Ferraris. Minor modifications to the firewall and hood scoop were made to the Superamerica to accommodate the 375’s tall, rear-mounted magnetos. Meanwhile, the wrecked 375 MM was shipped to Scaglietti in Modena, where it was re-bodied in the style of a Tour de France Berlinetta. To this day, 0493 SA’s original engine remains in 0450 AM, which is a fixture in the famed National Automobile Museum in Mulhouse, France.

Following Bao Dai’s ownership, the 410 Superamerica passed through a succession of French owners. The last, Agnes Claudine Müller, acquired the Ferrari by January 1979 and registered it in Paris as “550 CMJ 75.” In 1988, 0493 SA was sold to Italian car collector Fabrizio Violati and was displayed in his famous Maranello Rosso museum among the finest Ferrari and Abarth competition cars. In 1996, 0493 SA was involved in a trade deal orchestrated between Symbolic Motor Car Company and German Ferrari collector Harald Mergard, whereby engine 0450 AM was removed from 0493 SA and the car was sold, engineless, to Swiss dealer and auctioneer Al Guggisberg. The Superamerica remained in California for about a year before being sold to Ferrari collector, parts specialist, and FCA master judge Tom Shaughnessy. Mr. Shaughnessy installed the engine and gearbox from a 342 America and drove the car for several years, exhibiting it at events throughout Southern California. In 2009, he acquired the original engine for 0495 SA, the next 410 Superamerica built after 0493 SA, and sold this engine and car as a package to the current owner. Eager to return 0493 SA to its original 4.9-liter specification, the consignor commissioned Patrick Ottis and Bill Attaway, two of the most respected early Ferrari specialists, to perform an extensive mechanical restoration. This process, which took nearly a decade to complete, included a no-expense-spared engine rebuild and overhaul of the suspension, driveline, and braking system. As this work was being carried out, the consignor worked with Ferrari Classiche to certify 0493 SA, which involved purchasing a new, correct-type gearbox. Today, 0493 SA is offered with a Ferrari Classiche Red Book and Certificate of Authenticity – a proud testament to its thoughtful mechanical recommissioning. Accepted to the 2023 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance®, 0493 SA completed the 50-mile Tour d’Elegance® without fault, was displayed in the Postwar Preservation class, and earned the prestigious FIVA Award for the best-preserved postwar vehicle.

Today, the Ferrari is reported by the consignor to be mechanically “on the button” and its charming, highly original appearance is a testament to its remarkable provenance and early life in France. The Superamerica proudly features Bao Dai’s royal crest, and it still wears a French registration sticker and registration plates issued in 1979. The Ferrari’s interior has been beautifully preserved, with its original Connolly leather upholstery displaying a rich, inviting patina. In keeping with its superb presentation, 0493 SA is offered with a voluminous file of supporting documentation. This includes a history report produced by Marcel Massini, copies of the factory build sheets, and period photographs, as well as recent restoration photos and invoices. Also included is a custom book covering 0493 SA’s history and assorted ephemera related to Emperor Bao Dai.

With just 12 examples built, the 410 Superamerica Pinin Farina Series I Coupe is among the most exclusive road-going Ferraris of the 1950s. These were truly cars built for the world’s elite, powered by Ferrari’s inimitable Lampredi 12-cylinder engine and hand built by the craftsmen who perfected the art of bespoke, custom coachbuilding. The history of 0493 SA is clear and well documented, and its provenance is noteworthy, having been built for Emperor Bao Dai and later owned by noted Ferrari collectors, including the great Fabrizio Violati. Mechanically restored at great effort and expense, yet retaining the irreplaceable charm and appeal of an unrestored survivor, this Superamerica would be the ideal car to enjoy at events like the Colorado Grand or the Ferrari Cavalcade Classiche – where on fast, open roads, one can experience the true nature of a classic GT Ferrari. A fascinating, historically significant example of an incredibly rare breed, 0493 SA has remained an object of immense desire since Emperor Bao Dai first took delivery of it in Paris nearly 70 years ago. Its new owner will also have the great pleasure of acquiring one of the most charismatic coachbuilt Ferraris extant.