Letterman's Ride Is Definitely in the Top 10.(Escape Roads)(David Letterman's 1963 Ferrari 400 Superamerica)

Byline: Mike Covello

Celebrities don't pick up the phone unless the caller has been cleared. So after first introducing myself to an assistant as a freelance writer at AutoWeek, I had to laugh when a familiar voice came on the line and quipped, "Mike Covello from AutoWeek, are you calling about my subscription?''

When asked what appeals to him most about his 1963 Ferrari 400 Superamerica, Late Night host David Letterman wasn't joking when he said, "It's that ridiculous power. You just have to laugh that in the early to mid-'60s, Ferrari decided that what Americans needed were two-seat sedans that would go 160 mph.''

Isn't that what everyone needs?

"It's just big and loud,'' Letterman boomed. "I love the way it smells, and I love the way it sounds. It's kind of that king-of-the-road feeling when you get behind the wheel.''

Early Ferraris were designed for competition, but in the early '50s the 250 GT series introduced the world to the concept of a production, albeit limited, road Ferrari. A contingent of well-off folks coaxed Ferrari into making even more luxurious offerings. The 410 and 400 Superamericas epitomized this bloodline.

Starting in 1956, three series of 410 Superamericas were constructed in very limited numbers. There were 16 Series I cars in 1956, six Series II cars in 1957 and 12 Series III cars built in 1958-59. The 410 Superamerica used a 4962-cc Lampredi long-block V12 rated at 340 hp in the first two series and 400 hp in the third. Royalty and industry giants commissioned these cars, and each was tailored to its new devotee. For a production run, the cars' bodywork varied widely, even by Ferrari standards. Pininfarina designed most of the bodies, but Gian Paolo Boano drew three (including the only convertible) and Sergio Scaglietti also tried his hand.