1953 Ferrari 340 MM Competition

This is the Bill Spear, Phil Hill Ferrari built in April 1953 for Spear because he wanted the most competitive 'open' Ferrari to enter 1953 Le Mans. It was painted night blue and white by Ferrari to distinguish an American driver. It was delivered to Spear and Hill at the Ferrari factory and driven by Hill from Maranello to Reims for the upcoming Reims 12 Hour Endurance race. During the drive from Maranello to Reims, Spear had an accident in his Bentley road car while following behind Hill. Spear cut his leg severely requiring Hill to apply a tourniquet. As Spear was unable to drive Phil Hill and Luigi Chinetti were substituted as drivers. Late in the race, while leading, Hill was forced to withdraw due to fading brakes. Bill Spear imported the car to the United States in August 1953 and raced extensively around the country. Built for full competition it has a powerful Lampredi 4.1 liter motor, Formula One type aluminum finned drum brakes, Grand Prix Magnetti Morelli magnetos and a 40 gallon fuel tank.

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