Ferrari 400 Superamerica Coupé Speciale

Vehicle Overview

The Ferrari 400 Superamerica Coupé Speciale, with chassis #1517SA, is a distinctive and historically significant vehicle. This unique Ferrari made its debut at the 1959 Turin Auto Show, commissioned for Fiat boss Gianni Agnelli, the “Avvocato”. In an unusual directive, Gianni Agnelli requested a design that did not look typically like a Ferrari, presenting a challenge that PininFarina embraced with creativity and innovation. Pininfarina’s design for the 400 Superamerica drew inspiration from earlier models, specifically the 410 Series II and the one-off 375 Coupé Speciale built for Agnelli in 1955. The design featured a squared-off front radiator and a wraparound windshield, elements taken from the earlier show car. However, much of the car’s design retained the characteristics of the Ferrari 410 Series II, including the twin front headlights. When initially presented to Agnelli, the car underwent significant modifications upon his request. The original split-bumper design was replaced with a full-width bumper, and the side flanks were enhanced with stainless-steel panels, giving the car a more polished and unique appearance. These modifications were completed in time for the car’s appearance at the 1959 Salone di Torino, where it garnered significant attention. From 1959 to 1962, chassis #1517SA served as Gianni Agnelli’s personal vehicle. During this period, it became a symbol of luxury and bespoke automotive craftsmanship. However, Agnelli later decided to replace the Ferrari chassis with that of a Maserati 5000 GT, retaining the Pininfarina body. This unusual switch reflected Agnelli’s eclectic taste and desire for a unique driving experience. The Ferrari 400 Superamerica Coupé Speciale remains an exceptional example of Pininfarina’s design prowess and Ferrari’s engineering excellence. It stands as a testament to the bespoke nature of high-end automotive design during the late 1950s and early 1960s, highlighting the unique demands and tastes of one of Italy’s most influential industrialists.