1952 Ferrari 340 America Vignale Spider

Editor's Note: We are proud to partner with Bonhams on this film in excited anticipation of their upcoming January Scottsdale Auction. We encourage you to learn more about this auction online at www.bonhams.com...
“I searched for a car to compete in the Mille Miglia. It was quite a long process to find the right car…so I searched, but there was one problem, how to convince my wife?” says Michael Stehle. “I convinced her to come with me…I showed her the car…‘Wait, wait, let’s start the engine’- ‘OK, you can start the engine’,” she said back. Once this ex-Works 1952 Ferrari 340 Spider by Vignale had cleared its throat, the verdict was in: “OK, you can buy this car,” his wife said.
In the early 1950s, this was Ferrari’s supercar. This very car drove the Mille Miglia in 1952, with Enzo Ferrari appointing his top driver Piero Taruffi to race it-leading for much of the race before being felled by transmission troubles. Still, it would race in a number of other period events, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Targa Florio, always placing well against other top machines.
“This car, you can like it or you can love it; but in my opinion, it’s a pure racing design, it’s reduced to a minimum,” Stehle says. “In comparison to Pininfarina, this coachbuilder tried to make the car more beautiful, maybe, but Vignale was just functional-I fell in love with the shape, it’s the minimum of design.”
His first time driving the car was at the Mille Miglia, and that at first, it wasn’t easy to drive- 280 horsepower and a very lightweight body made him cautious until he grew more familiar with the car and, eventually, began to overtake his fellow drivers. But when the car was stopped during his first Mille Miglia, it was the Italian people’s unmatched respect for Ferrari that was perhaps most surprising.
“They kiss the body, they want to see inside, because they appreciate the car so much,” Stehle says. “In 1952, this was the most important car for Ferrari at that time, they didn’t make too many cars; they didn’t have too much money. So they invested time, money, and all the effort in this car.”
“For me, it’s an honor to drive this car because it’s part of this fantastic history of Ferrari.”
Drive Tastefully®
Petrolicious.com
/ petrolicious

[@nickmcarr617]

For an obviously rich man to buy a car like this instead of some showy modern monstrosity speaks volumes for the owners passion for it's history. Well done that man.

[@robertgorham3755]

I'd take a 458 speciale any day.

[@forzanovitec419]

robert gorham Ok but with that model you can buy minimum 10 Speciale

[@Spartan168]

@@robertgorham3755then you don’t know cars lol

[@hyder404]

How can this channel just sit at half a million subs. This is prime time tv production quality.

[@Genjinai]

You're acting like 450.000 subscribers is nothing. That's a lot for youtube, this is a well known and respected channel. The format of the clips doesn't lend itself for tv, they are too short. Maybe as a special segment in a bigger car show, they could show one of these clips every show, that could work...

[@Genjinai]

Hyder Zaman And what does this say to you about this site then? Maybe it's a site for retarded kids? :D I don't know man, it's always been this way. Just look at music, Justin Bieber has one of the biggest channels on youtube. :D

[@mrfredcoco]

Hyder Zaman

[@mcomet]

I'm more confused how the heck 10 people dislike a video like this. Heh.

[@v_alexiadis]

Gives you an idea about society...

[@joshcorvette]

"I searched for a car to compete in the Mille Miglia". Must be nice.

[@apancher]

I've met a handful of collectors of this level. It does look like a damn nice life to live.

[@cjid1020]

I like his wifes approval after hearing the engine :)

[@ThatMumboJumbo]

Absolutely stunning.

[@MineSpotNL]

Mumbo Jumbo It is indeed a stunning car. It would be amazing to own such a car one day.

[@letslag947]

True. .. love your videos man :D keep up the great work

[@tailopez5106]

Mumbo Jumbo Amen

[@lewisscott8664]

WASSUP MUMBRO that wasn't a typo

[@joepapa6329]

I’m addicted to car porn. LMAO

[@DeltaSniperZRR]

Great video as always, but I noticed that you guys never let us hear the sounds of the car many times in the videos like you did before (see for example the Ferrari 250 GTO video). Please, let us hear the car sounds more often!

[@mattagnew206]

I used to record car sounds and the first, and best, car I ever recorded was a 340 America. I was fully unprepared for how feral it was and remember jumping back when it started. Would love to have a video on this car with as much hard running as the Petrolicious GTO video - that was phenomenal. enginemusic.com/ferrari340america2.mp3

[@BruceBoschek]

Another beautiful and well-planned video. It would be presumptuous of me to say anything about this rare and beautiful car, aside from the fact that the exhaust note makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up. Hats off to Mr. Stehle for keeping this car in beautiful condition and driving it, and to his wife for appreciating it. Thanks again to Petrolicious.

[@foreignerhill]

You have the best wife ever, good sir.

[@willdog3]

Honestly, fam, if you are married to a woman and she doesn't get wet for a car like this, then she is trash and you should divorce her immediately.

[@mrdjsubz]

Perhaps, as long as she wants her husband to be happy with his hobby for cars, then that is enough. We'd mostly all be single men if we followed your advice brother.

[@willdog3]

Even girls that aren't "car people" will still appreciate the classic styling of this car, even if the Ferrari emblem doesn't make them. Anyone who doesn't like this car is just spiteful in my opinion. But it's just my opinion. Luckily I have a girlfriend who appreciates car design a lot, and she would love this one too.

[@mrdjsubz]

Will Thornton True true. Design and style can be universal.

IMO I think he only wants his wife to participate of his dream come into reality... He will buy it anyway, it's not the approval it's the partnership! That's the way I see it... But who cares, at the end of the day, the only thing that matters is if you are happy!

[@RichyPink]

there was a comment that still hangs around my mind everytime i watch a video from this channel, the comment said " i like how the car fits the owners so perfectly" this video is another prime example, is like these cars are design for their owners :D

[@nunocarvalho3008]

This is What i call "Art" Thank you, for sharing this with us

[@raydm4015]

*sharing. Now you know :P

[@Punisher9419]

It's a really elegant car. It puts modern cars to shame.

[@GuardianSmurf]

True. Curvy, simple design, elegant & beautiful. And what a sound!

[@mcldsn]

No matter the brand of the car in the video, i'll always watch these videos.

[@LuxLazar]

"Nineteen hundred fifty two"

[@MrBurgerphone1014]

"Nineteen hundred fifty seven"

[@dosko9980]

That's the germanized way of saying it

[@LuxLazar]

Dominiq Akoraa it makes it sound so legit and old. I'm going to start saying the date this way. lol

[@Knezicdex]

If you get bored of saying it that way, try "One thousand nine hundred and fifty two"

[@X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X]

It's wrong anyway.

[@cf5914]

Thumbs up for a man who is enjoying and appreciating the fruits of his labor.

[@lamonstra1464]

This car makes an excellent leaf blower too, sounds much better than most leaf blowers.

[@primarycircle]

This video has every element of amazing. Beautiful scenery and amazing sounds! Love it guys, keep them coming.

[@mahdiahmad]

These videos are like mini movies. While I love the car and think it's a work of art, this channel produces videos like works of art. Who direct these videos? Cinematography is stunning.

[@themidcrewr1131]

This is just a masterpiece of design and engineering. Anyone that says cars can't be art should watch this video! The things I would do to even drive this car...

[@bredlo]

Well done, Mr. Stehle. It's often said that people don't own historic, special cars like this one... but rather are caretakers of them. You've obviously shown that passionately enjoying it while preserving its history are not mutually exclusive goals. I hope your car is lucky enough to continue being served by loving caretakers.

[@shankarbalan3813]

Such a soft spoken person this owner. What impeccable taste!

[@tomasmartins4378]

Power,Art,History in just one car simply amazing.Fantastic car and vídeo thanks Petrolicious.

[@John514s]

The owner looks like Aaron Eckhart as Harvey Dent in Chris Nolan's Batman series.

[@MrBlueSnowmanProduc]

Petrolicous, the best channel on youtube? Some say not, but I am a firm believer. Keep up the good work!

[@aleoimpala]

To me, this is one of the most beautiful Ferrari ever and what a great sound too.

[@MaxiProductionsLable]

Painting this beauty right now... found this video. it's like i understand the personality behind the car even better! what an enrichment. Thank you!

[@Optatius]

Is anyone else seeing these roads as much as the cars.

[@MrGaryGG48]

Definitely.... who wants to watch someone driving along I5 at rush hour! ;^)

[@kikowner]

YES! This is what cars are about! Thanks once again for the goosebumps and the smiles Petrolicious!

[@targaflorio3239]

Every time you post one of these Italian or British Classics, the Magic is Back Petrolicious. What a sensational tribute.

[@anonharingenamn]

I just want to point out that this car is ONE OF ONE. They build ONE 340 Vignale Spider.

[@lewgoogle5530]

I think there is a short movie of Roberto Rosselini driving his 340, photographed by his then wife, Ingrid Bergman. It is part of a documentary film in which Bergman's work as a cinematographer of her own life and family was collected. Saw it at a film festival a few years ago.

[@AndrewC89]

"Thank you for letting me buy a $2,530,000 car with my own money babe!" - No one ever

[@stevemiller1626]

You must not be married.

[@mcolegt]

what it's all about. I'm jealous of those amazing German roads, I hope this guy appreciates them because we nothing like that where I live. Driving a vert on the cold is awesome, did that with a 458 last winter and it was amazing.

[@Pulsonar]

These classic cars have such history, provenance and influence that I am beginning to feel that cars of such great and rare vintage should be the property of the country and not just a few wealthy and privileged individuals. They are simply more than works of art from the famous masters.

[@bullmoose458]

Probably one of the best Vignale designs ever.

[@Djuro92]

A true piece of history, fantastic!

[@YachtReport]

Wow stunning car! Bravo to the owner for continuing to use it also.

[@thomaspatrickparker6648]

I love these videos. They are made so well and you really can feel that the people in them care about their cars. Seeing people that are passionate about something is really refreshing.

[@robcicero8530]

Beautiful car and beautiful scenery too.

[@EuroEnthusiast-xd6us]

1:02 saving for myself for the beginning of a symphony

[@HiKennyS]

Drinking Game! - Take a Swig everytime he says "Nineteen Hundred Fifty Two"

[@richardwintle1020]

So that would be a 1952 Ferrari then, would it? ;)

[@davidlong2168]

Or every time he says "this/the car"....! LOL.

[@jofair]

Kenny, Richard, and David: How many languages do you speak? Live and let live. Can't tolerate it can you? Petty complaints for petty minds. You American?

[@danemagee3334]

In 1900 and 52

[@ps3shakes123]

WOW that steering column, linkage, and steering wheel alone had me drooling. What a work of art .( yeah, cliche but true)

[@ginge82]

So in love with the car and its history that he wants to sell it...

[@JJsAutomotive]

Well, it costs unreasonable (personal subjective opinion) amount of money which one might need somewhere else one day.

[@holdshiftt2run308]

I hope he sells it for only 1900 and 52.

[@madstoppie]

LMAO!!! @@holdshiftt2run308

[@beegee22]

Sold for $ 6.38 million. Time for the next caretaker. Wonder what he gets next?

[@christiancontreras5349]

I think Shelby got the design from this Ferrari to make his original Cobra

[@the4thgen_tfl]

That was my exact thought when I saw it.

[@cedb7115]

christian contreras American Shelby was using bodies from AC, an already established British car manufacturer.

[@ZenDude65]

The original Cobra was from a company called A.C. in England, Shelby just put a big ass American engine in it.

[@djjmann]

A/C may have received inspiration from this car....

[@TehRuiAlv3z]

Pretty sure the A/C Ace was already being sold when this was designed (yes, the Cobra was based on a 20 year old design by A/C, a british company) - watch The Smoking Tire's video on a 1952 (if I'm not mistaken) Ace Coupé.

[@micahgunnell]

Another great one, and wow! What an exhaust note!

[@philn7708]

wow, what an absolute beauty... truly amazing car and great piece of history...

[@keithsclassicgarage1133]

This car does it all!

[@TheJagjr4450]

I love the exhaust note...

[@frmadeira]

The guy didn't bought it for the pleasure of driving, basically he just bought it as an investment to resell. Considering that he's about to get rid of it. This is basically an advertisement.

[@Rtechmobile]

It's an ad for Bonhams with a little car porn thrown in.

[@frmadeira]

Apex Attitude He literally bought the car for the 2014 mille miglia and yes i searched for it, car nr 245. Put one more race in it to build race pedigree, wait a couple years to add some bucks, pure business.

[@Fielder5757]

The reason he bought the car doesn't really matter to anyone but him. We still get to see a video about an amazing car on the internet for free.

[@michaeljamieson3582]

There's nothing more beautiful than a pre-1970 Ferrari.

[@michaelh.9866]

Beautiful! Thank you.

[@markd1810]

that sound!

[@karlviolin]

what a sound the motor makes !! ferrari ferocity, like an iron fist in a kit glove wOw !!!

[@Noukz37]

Dear Gods! Beautiful story, stunning camera/sound work, excellent editing and a truly rare and sexy Ferrari! Thank you guys for your amazing hard work!

[@mag69691]

Always great to watch. Never been disappointed.

[@Dethmeister]

Great scenery. Beautiful car and sound. I think I'll buy it at the auction.

[@velocita8842]

Just another beautiful gem from Petrolicious!

[@geoffreycarter3020]

Wife said (or whispered in ear): "You can buy it". So sensual... lol

[@smportis]

Amazing sound

[@Chunkerdunkers12]

my ears when he started the car XD amazing machinery!!

[@bearbon2]

I imagine you have to bite your tongue when someone says "wow, nice Cobra". I remember we had one of these in the shop when I worked at a Ferrari dealer back in the 60s.

[@danekeeper1]

Wonderful car....very well presented...Thank you for sharing your car and it's story.

[@CarsPassion]

Magnifique Ferrari, this story is emotional ❤️🏁

[@CedricRBR]

Gotta love that Swiss country-side

[@bullmoose458]

Does more look like German country-side. :-)

[@ark9823]

This was filmed in and around Überlingen. (Germany)

[@CedricRBR]

Bono Vox Darn it, was worth a shot though. Thanks for pointing it out :)

[@ark9823]

***** You're welcome.

[@MashleyMedia]

Another fantastic film. Interesting car and equally interesting driver. Your content is the inspiration for my own channel.

[@danielsandoval8345]

Why do these old cars age better than their creators, a paradox that's fascinating and, yet, mystifying

[@johnforeman634]

Holy shit, that car must be worth a fortune.

[@numberninelarge3121]

i got goose bumps cuz of that engine note

[@Davidthorough]

As great as ever... really one of the best. The car is great... the guy is good... but as always, where the car is driven... is of VERY great interest! Obviously you guys know what you are doing with this channel and I don't feel qualified of offer a suggestion, but... just from a common sense stand point, I don't understand how at least some sort of general location for where the cars are driven in Petrolicious videos isn't included int the notes!?! It just defies all explanation!!!

[@eddyquette]

I concur - it'd be nice not to have to work it our for oneself every single video. In this case, the static shots were filmed near Schloß Salem on Lake Constance. Seeing as the guy (Michael Stehle) used to own a company in the area, I'm assuming the driving was filmed somewhere around Owingen (company HQ and presumably Mr Stehle's home).

[@julianporte7677]

Unforgettable Ferrari!

[@Muhlogan]

I wish I had a dollar for every time he said "Nineteen Hundred Fifty Two"

[@boatdude12]

Great video and one of the best interviews.

[@MrStevoovets]

This beauty is going up for sale in January. An estimated 9 million. Im just a few pennies short.

[@michaelmurphy75]

AC must have picked up some styling notes, sometime after nineteen hundred 'n fifty two

[@LAOVideoFiles]

great video, great job as usual thanks for sharing!

[@RollYourRock]

Are you guys at Petrolicious on vacation?

[@jc222223]

Beautiful car

[@ahmedshamsi9737]

`you can like it or... you can love it` hah cocky bastard Love the car though

[@TheAslakVind]

I can stand up and lift my hat, just what we needed on a dark november day! :)

[@ezpages]

Are you guys planning to upload in 4k?

[@Tommy_Mac]

Wonderful car and video. Thanks Petrolicious!Anyone know why the car is right hand drive?

[@MrRobster1234]

Does Petrolicious rake leaves across the road so that they can drive through them ? The old "swirling leaves and admiring glances" adage.

[@bsmukler]

What a beautifully made video!

[@shauntvr]

Art on wheels

[@tristanclark7795]

That car sounds mean!

[@rmdmrod]

Such beautiful car! Great video.

[@DwainDwight]

looks like some old Austin Healey. probably goes after though. likely costs more too. :) very cool car

[@VictorylaneMag]

A beautiful car! Thanks for sharing!

[@lukeinglee1984]

That. Sound.

[@ranazeshan5125]

best video made evet

[@capitan280]

Beauty car. I like it

[@simonkemp156]

Gorgeous gorgeous thing. Might even be better than my Renault Clio.

[@badsanta518]

take a shot every time he says "the car" in the first minute

[@stephenoverstreet9898]

Amazing as always, Petrolicious! The sound of that engine firing up...pure masculinity! Wish my wife was that understanding...

[@ittotaq]

Is it just me or the audio in this video all over the place? Its not usually like this...

[@MrFloris]

Only 1080p on iPad?

[@Catroqui]

Where is 4k?

[@blackstonedaze8983]

this looks more like where carol shelby got his idea for the cobra than anything else I've heard of

[@dgarage9]

Beautiful car, beautiful video.

[@pklimbic]

The car seems to have Italian plates, the owner is German and the roads look Swiss. Where is it registered?