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 Coupé Speciale chassis 0355AL
by Pininfarina.
The Ferrari 375 America Coupé Speciale, chassis 0355AL, is a unique and remarkable example of Ferrari’s collaboration with Pininfarina, crafted as a bespoke one-off for the prominent Italian industrialist and Fiat heir, Gianni Agnelli. The car was completed in November 1954 and entered the Pininfarina plant in Torino for its construction. It was displayed at the 1955 Turin Motor Show and featured a distinctive color combination of Verde Scuro with a Bordeaux roof and red leather interior, paired with a transparent sunroof — a striking feature of its design. The car’s coachwork was designed by Pininfarina, under their job number 13442, and the car was powered by a Ferrari 375 America chassis, equipped with a V12 engine. This unique Ferrari was initially delivered to Agnelli in 1955 and remained a symbol of his prestigious taste in automobiles. The car was used by Agnelli for several years before it returned to Ferrari in 1959. After its return, it passed through several owners, including renowned Ferrari dealer Chinetti Motors in New York and private individuals such as George Shapiro and Arthur C. Kyle in the U.S. In 1967, the car was acquired by Edward N. Andrews in Illinois for $5,000 and was subsequently sold to a series of collectors throughout the following decades, including notable owners like Wayne Golomb, Mike Sheehan, and Fred Peters. During its ownership by the latter, the car was exhibited at high-profile events such as the Ferrari at 50 Exhibit in 1997 at the Petersen Museum in Los Angeles and at various Concorso d’Eleganza events. Jack Thomas, a prominent Ferrari collector, acquired the 375 America Coupé Speciale in the early 2000s. Under his ownership, the car underwent a complete restoration by Wayne Obry’s Motion Products. Following the restoration, it debuted at the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in 2003, where it won numerous awards, including the “Best of Show GT” at the Cavallino Classic in 2004. Throughout the years, 0355AL has been shown at a wide range of prestigious events, including the Louis Vuitton Classic, The Quail, and the Concours of Elegance at Windsor Castle, where it has garnered top honors and cemented its place as one of Ferrari’s most iconic and sought-after automobiles. Its continuous presence at world-renowned concours highlights its exceptional restoration, rich history, and ongoing admiration among collectors and Ferrari enthusiasts worldwide.
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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