The Enigma of Ferrari Pinin: Unraveling the Secrets Behind Its Creation

Mysteriuos Breeds - For decades, the idea of a four-door Ferrari seemed inconceivable. The legendary brand was synonymous with sleek sports coupes and roadsters, steadfastly sticking to its roots, largely due to Enzo Ferrari's aversion to straying from this tradition. However, with the introduction of the Purosangue, Ferrari's first SUV, the landscape has shifted.

The elegant and clean lines of the Ferrari Pinin were designed by Diego Ottina under the direction of Pininfarina’s head of design, Leonardo Fioravanti. (Picture from: Below-The-Radar)

Yet, this isn’t Ferrari's first venture into the four-door territory. Nearly four decades before the SUV’s debut, Ferrari, in collaboration with Carrozzeria Pininfarina, attempted to create a four-door sedan, famously known as the Ferrari Pinin Concept, was unveiled in 1980 at the Salone Internazionale dell'Automobile Torino, or Turin Motor Show, to celebrate Pininfarina’s 50th anniversary. The concept also made an appearance at the Los Angeles Auto Show that same year.

The Ferrari Pinin was unveiled in 1980 at the Salone Internazionale dell'Automobile Torino, or Turin Motor Show, to celebrate Pininfarina’s 50th anniversary. (Picture from: Below-The-Radar)

Initially, it was conceived as a design study, a vehicle without an engine or drivetrain, but it showcased several revolutionary design elements and aerodynamic features. Leonardo Fioravanti was responsible for the Pinin's design, working with Diego Ottina, who created the initial silhouette. The most striking feature was its flush glazing. Years before Audi introduced its sleek 100 saloon with a drag coefficient of 0.30, the Pinin achieved a Cd of about 0.35.

The Ferrari Pinin's grille was flanked by 'Homofocal' headlights developed by Lucas, featuring multi-reflectors for brighter illumination. (Picture from: Below-The-Radar)

The heavily tinted glass disguised the pillars, creating the illusion of a continuous sheet of glass around the car, achieved by bonding the glass to black-painted pillars. This design, while visually impressive, had the flaw of non-opening windows. The windscreen wipers were hidden behind a retractable flap at the base, and the door handles were flush, concealed within a recessed belt line along the body.

The Ferrari Pinin’s dimensions were impressive, with an axle distance of 108.7 inches, comparable to the Mercedes-Benz 280 sedan. (Picture from: Below-The-Radar)

The grille was flanked by 'Homofocal' headlights developed by Lucas, featuring multi-reflectors for brighter illumination. Unlike traditional headlamps, the Pinin's lower, sleeker lights produced more light, eliminating the need for pop-up lights to achieve a low bonnet line. The Carello-made rear lamps, known as High Contrast illumination, were much brighter than usual. When not lit, they blended seamlessly with the body color, making them almost invisible.

The heavily tinted glass disguised the pillars, creating the illusion of a continuous sheet of glass around the car, achieved by bonding the glass to black-painted pillars. (Picture from: Below-The-Radar)

Inside, the Ferrari Pinin boasted luxurious Connolly leather upholstery and a computerized control system that seemed straight out of a science fiction film from that era. The car’s dimensions were impressive, with an axle distance of 108.7 inches, comparable to the Mercedes-Benz 280 sedan, providing ample legroom and comfort for passengers.

The Ferrari Pinin Concept may not be red, but the all-Ferrari attitude remains, even with four doors. (Picture from: Roarington)

Despite Enzo Ferrari’s initial consideration of the Pinin as a production model, it was never realized. The extensive funding and development required to transition the Pinin from prototype to production proved insurmountable. Ultimately, Ferrari’s executives decided against it, leaving the Pinin as a one-off concept that would eventually join a private collection.

The Ferrari Pinin's interior boasts opulent Connolly leather upholstery and an advanced computerized control system, reminiscent of a science fiction film from that era. (Picture from: Below-The-Radar)

There was speculation that Fiat, which owns Ferrari, might produce the Pinin. However, Fiat chose to focus on smaller, more affordable models like the Fiat Uno. Consequently, the Pinin concept was shelved, deemed unprofitable. It remained in the Pininfarina Museum Collection until 1993, when it was purchased by Belgian collector Jacques Swaters, a Ferrari brand importer and the man behind Ecurie Francorchamps.

The Ferrari Pinin's two rear seats underline the sporting nature of the car that demanded that each occupant was sat firmly in place. (Picture from: Roarington)

In 2008, the Ferrari Pinin found a new owner, Gabrielle Candrini, the manager of Maranello Purosangue, a purveyor of some of the world's finest historic Ferraris, based near the Ferrari factory. Under the guidance of Ferrari expert Ing. Mauro Forghieri, Candrini restored the Pinin to full operational status.

The Ferrari Pinin as it looks today after the engineer Mauro Forghieri transformed it into a running vehicle by mounting an authentic 12-cylinder engine of the 512BB. (Picture from: Below-The-Radar)

The restoration included equipping the car with a 5.0-liter flat-12 engine, identical to those in the Ferrari Berlinetta Boxer and Testarossa of the same era, and a 400GT gearbox. The suspension and braking systems were also upgraded. Now, the Ferrari Pinin can perform like any regular car, boasting up to 360 horsepower.

The Ferrari Pinin features a very classic rear, that doesn’t push the stylistic boundaries of the brand, but remains highly functional. (Picture from: Roarington)

The Ferrari Pinin has since graced various prestigious automotive events, including the 2011 Goodwood Festival of Speed and the Concours of Trieste. It has also been displayed at the Ferrari Museum in Maranello, celebrated as 'The Great Ferrari of Sergio Pininfarina'. After remaining unsold at several auctions from 2010 to 2011, the Pinin finally returned to Maranello Purosangue. It was then sold to a US-based enthusiast, who, it is hoped, now uses it at least occasionally, although the car seems to have disappeared from public view. | 3prbrwISZa8 |

This unique piece of automotive history reflects Ferrari’s willingness to explore new frontiers while honoring its heritage. The Ferrari Pinin Concept, though never mass-produced, continues to captivate car enthusiasts and stands as a remarkable chapter in Ferrari’s storied legacy. The car symbolizes both the brand's innovative spirit and its commitment to excellence, ensuring that Ferrari remains at the forefront of automotive design and performance. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARBUZZ | ROARINGTON | CARTHROTTLE | BELOW-THE-RADAR | WEIRDWHEELS ]

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