The Legend of Ferrari and Pininfarina’s Partnership: When Enzo Met “Pinin”
How a secret dinner, a bold promise, and a young Sergio Pininfarina led to six decades of Ferrari design greatness. This is the origin story every gearhead needs.
The Ferrari 375 America 0315AL Coupé Pininfarina.
The Ferrari 375 America Coupé Pininfarina, chassis #0315AL, is a noteworthy example of Ferrari’s blending of luxury, performance, and design sophistication. Delivered on July 20, 1954, this car originally started life as a 250 Europa model, before undergoing significant modifications to transform into the 375 America version, complete with a Pininfarina-designed body. The car was assigned Pininfarina job #12550, and its original exterior color was Rosso 02027, paired with a Pelle Naturale leather interior, reflecting the opulence and craftsmanship characteristic of Ferrari’s early offerings. This car was first showcased at the 1954 New York Auto Show, before being purchased in November of the same year by Dr. Guido Balestra of Ascoli Piceno, Italy. The factory, recognizing the opportunity to upgrade the car’s performance, later sent it back to Pininfarina, where it was updated with the more powerful 375 America engine specifications. The factory also performed a one-off front-end treatment, fitting the car with covered headlamps, which distinguished it from other Ferrari models of the era. By the late 1950s, the car underwent further modification, receiving a nose treatment inspired by the Ferrari 375 MM, a move that enhanced its aesthetic appeal and performance capabilities. By the early 1960s, the car had found its way to Edward L. Mills of Littleton, Colorado, making it one of the first Ferrari 375 America Coupés to be imported into the United States. The car’s ownership history is extensive, passing through several owners and being sold at various auctions, including the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction in 1993, where the high bid reached $255,000. In the mid-1990s, the car underwent several mechanical modifications, including the installation of a 4.0-liter 330 GT engine, which was paired with a long hood scoop for enhanced racing performance. It was also fitted with modern racing seats, a roll-bar, and other racing-specific modifications, including preparations for events such as the California Mille and the Copperstate 1000. In the years following, the Ferrari 375 America 0315AL was driven regularly to Ferrari Club events and track days at Virginia International Raceway, cementing its reputation as both a collector’s item and a functional, performance-oriented vehicle. In 2005, it was sold at RM’s Vintage Motor Cars auction in Arizona for $198,000, before being acquired by Pat Craig, who later undertook a complete restoration and repainting of the car in a more striking Rosso Amaranto color.
Chassis
How a secret dinner, a bold promise, and a young Sergio Pininfarina led to six decades of Ferrari design greatness. This is the origin story every gearhead needs.
Discover the fascinating journey of Pininfarina, a name synonymous with luxury automotive design and innovation. From its inception in 1930 to its status as a leader in the industry, this article explores the milestones, iconic vehicles, and visionary designers who shaped the brand’s legacy. Delve into the evolution of Pininfarina, highlighting notable achievements such as the Ferrari 550 Barchetta, the Cambiano concept, and the introduction of Automobili Pininfarina. Join us as we celebrate the artistry and engineering excellence that has defined Pininfarina through the decades.
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