The Ferrari 375 Plus received the new LamprediV12 engine with displacement enlarged to almost 5-litres. This new tipo 113 was partially based on the 375 MM with its 84 mm of bore and combined 74.5 mm of stroke from the 375 Formula One car.[3] The resulting capacity was 4,954.34 cc (5.0 L; 302.3 cu in). Most cars could produce 330 PS (243 kW; 325 hp) at 6000 rpm and some even up to 345 PS.[4] This was enough for a top speed of 280 km/h. The engine had a single spark plug per cylinder configuration with two magnetos and was fed by three Weber 46DCF/3 carburettors. A single camshaft per cylinder bank was standard for the Lampredi V12s, unlike dry sump lubrication adopted for the last of the 'long-block' powered models: the 375 Plus and the 410 S. A 4-speed manual or 5-speed manual gearbox was used, mounted en bloc with differential.[5]
Chassis and suspension
Although the wheelbase on the 375 Plus and its predecessor, the 375 MM, was the same at 2,600 mm (102.4 in), the chassis was of a new type 505. Also created of a steel tubes, elliptical in section. The front suspension was the same as on the previous models, independent with unequal-length wishbones and transverse leaf springs. The rear suspension however received a new de Dion axle, twin radius arms with transverse leaf springs and Houdaille shock absorbers in place of an old live axle with semi-elliptical springs.[5] New setup greatly improved balance and road-holding.[4] The fuel tank had 190 litres fuel capacity, especially welcomed on long-distance races. Drum brakes were standard all round.[4]
Ferrari 375 Plus' 5-litre Lampredi V12 engine
Bodywork was an evolution of the 375 MM Pinin Farina Spyder style with an exception of a bigger fuel tank bulge in the rear.[2] One car, s/n 0478AM, was converted from 375 MM and rebodied by Sutton.[6][7]
Cabriolet
A one-off, two-seater Cabriolet was created on a 375 Plus' chassis, s/n 0488AM. King Leopold III of Belgium commissioned its creation to Pinin Farina. They created an elegant and stately gran tourer with an imposing front portion and unusually wide front grille.[8] This special road-going Cabriolet was left-hand drive, received covered headlamps and was completed in 1955.[9] Finished in black over ivory leather interior it was repainted red at a one point in its history.[10]
Racing
Ferrari 375 Plus that won Silverstone International in 1954
Low production numbers and undisputed racing pedigree makes the 375 Plus highly collectable and sought after. S/n 0384AM, Ferrari works car from the Mille Miglia, Le Mans and Silverstone was offered by Bonhams at the "Goodwood Festival of Speed Sale" auction and sold for £10.7 million in 2014.[18][19] S/n 0398TF is part of Ralph Lauren Collection, who purchased the car in 1990.[20]
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