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A Closer Look14 November 2024 by Andreas 67 Viewed

The Ferrari P4/5 by Pininfarina was the real F80

Ferrari P4/5 by Pininfarina

Imagine taking one of Ferrari’s most celebrated supercars, the Enzo, and reimagining it with a design that channels the golden age of 1960s endurance racing. Now, picture this vision brought to life by Pininfarina, one of the most revered names in automotive design. That’s exactly what James Glickenhaus, a passionate car collector and filmmaker, achieved with the Ferrari P4/5 by Pininfarina.

Unveiled to the public in 2006, the P4/5 is more than just a car; it’s an artistic statement, an engineering marvel, and a love letter to Ferrari’s racing history. With a modern powertrain, bespoke design, and a story as captivating as its curves, the P4/5 continues to enchant car enthusiasts worldwide. Let’s dive into its unique history, groundbreaking design, remarkable performance, and enduring legacy.

A Collector’s Dream Becomes Reality

In 2005, Glickenhaus approached Pininfarina with an audacious vision: to transform the Ferrari Enzo into a one-of-a-kind homage to Ferrari’s iconic “P” series endurance racers of the 1960s. The goal was to blend the evocative spirit of Ferrari’s racing past with the technological sophistication of a modern supercar.

Under the guidance of Andrea Pininfarina, Chairman and CEO of Pininfarina S.p.A., and Paolo Garella, then-Head of Pininfarina Special Projects and founder of M.A.T., a talented team embarked on this ambitious project. Ken Okuyama, Director of Pininfarina Styling, played a pivotal role in shaping the P4/5’s breathtaking exterior, while Jason Castriota contributed significantly to its design evolution. Together, they collaborated closely with Glickenhaus, creating a true masterpiece of automotive design.

This extraordinary effort came with an equally extraordinary price tag—approximately $4 million—but the result was worth every cent. The Ferrari P4/5 by Pininfarina would become one of the most celebrated bespoke automobiles of all time, capturing the imagination of car enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Design: A Perfect Fusion of Past and Present

The P4/5’s design is a tribute to Ferrari’s golden age of endurance racing while incorporating modern engineering and materials. The car’s lines were inspired by legendary racers like the Ferrari 330 P3/4, blending soft muscularity with contemporary aerodynamics.

Crafted entirely from carbon fiber, the Ferrari P4/5 is both lightweight and visually stunning. Its aerodynamic tapered front end emphasizes both performance and elegance, while the butterfly doors add a touch of drama. The rear is dominated by a teardrop-shaped transparent window, which serves as an engine cover and evokes the racing cars of the 1960s.

The 20-inch aluminum wheels are a perfect example of this fusion of modern technology and classic aesthetics. Milled from solid blocks of aluminum, these wheels are not only functional but also visually striking, showcasing the technical prowess involved in the car’s creation. The car’s lighting is another standout feature, with custom bi-xenon headlamps incorporating an innovative yellow and white LED system. This unique lighting setup serves both an aesthetic and functional purpose, blending performance with style.

As you move to the rear of the car, the ceramic-coated exhaust tips are a nod to vintage racing cars, designed to evoke the spirit of Ferrari’s racing heritage. These elements are a visual cue that this is no ordinary road car, but one that has been crafted with both performance and history in mind. The exposed aluminum and stainless steel hinges further enhance the P4/5’s industrial elegance, providing a modern contrast to the sleek carbon fiber body while underscoring the car’s meticulously engineered nature.

These design elements, from the wheels to the exhaust tips, are not just details—they represent the culmination of over 200 unique components developed specifically for the Ferrari P4/5. Each element was crafted to enhance the car’s performance, aesthetic appeal, and connection to Ferrari’s racing lineage, making it a true work of art on wheels.

Inside, the P4/5 reflects Glickenhaus’ personal vision. The interior was completely redesigned to include custom carbon-fiber seats, high-quality leather upholstery, and modern conveniences like climate control and a tablet-based navigation system. Every detail, from the materials to the ergonomics, was tailored to meet Glickenhaus’ and his family’s preferences, creating a personal touch rarely seen in automotive design.

Engineering Excellence

While its design pays homage to the past, the P4/5’s performance is firmly rooted in the present. Based on the Ferrari Enzo, the car retains the Enzo’s 6.0-liter V12 engine, which delivers an exhilarating 660 horsepower. It rockets from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in just 3.0 seconds and reaches a top speed of 225 mph (362 km/h).

The P4/5 underwent extensive aerodynamic testing at Pininfarina’s Grugliasco wind tunnel facility. These tests resulted in a remarkable drag coefficient of 0.34, showcasing the team’s ability to blend aesthetics with functional performance. The car’s carbon-fiber construction further enhances its capabilities, reducing its weight to just 2,645 pounds (1,200 kilograms)—an impressive 617 pounds (280 kilograms) lighter than the Ferrari Enzo.

A Legacy of Collaboration

What sets the Ferrari P4/5 apart is the close collaboration between Glickenhaus and Pininfarina’s design team. Glickenhaus was deeply involved in every stage of the project, from the initial sketches to the final wind tunnel tests. His input was instrumental in creating a car that reflected not only Ferrari’s legacy but also his personal passion for automotive history.

Ken Okuyama, reflecting on the project, emphasized the elegance and simplicity of the P4/5’s design, which he described as a modern interpretation of Pininfarina’s timeless style. This harmonious relationship between client and creator resulted in a car that seamlessly combines artistic vision with engineering excellence.

Awards and Global Acclaim

The P4/5’s debut at the 2006 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance was met with universal acclaim. Automotive enthusiasts and industry insiders praised its design, innovation, and execution. Over the years, the P4/5 has continued to receive accolades, including recognition at prestigious events and awards for design and engineering excellence.

Notably, the car was honored with the Most Beautiful Car in the World award, a testament to its enduring aesthetic appeal and the craftsmanship that went into its creation.

The Enduring Legacy of the Ferrari P4/5

For many Ferrari enthusiasts, the Ferrari P4/5 by Pininfarina is what the Ferrari F80 could have been—a stunning blend of Ferrari’s racing heritage and modern design. With its aggressive lines and striking presence, the P4/5 stands as a timeless icon that still looks futuristic today.

Created by James Glickenhaus with the expertise of Andrea Pininfarina and Ken Okuyama, the P4/5 is more than just a car. It’s a tribute to Ferrari’s history, a showcase of innovation, and a masterpiece of bespoke design. Its unique combination of performance, artistry, and cutting-edge engineering continues to captivate car enthusiasts, securing its place as one of the most iconic vehicles ever created.

The Ferrari P4/5 is a perfect example of what’s possible when passion meets precision, and it remains a symbol of automotive excellence that continues to inspire.

the author

Andreas

Italian classic car enthusiast with German roots. Renowned as a respected figure in the classic car community, he serves as a jury member at various international concours d'elegance, including the Classic Gala Schwetzingen and Mantova. As a content creator, Andreas passionately shares his profound knowledge and appreciation for vintage automobiles. His heart beats for cars designed by Giovanni Michelotti, showcasing his discerning taste and dedication to preserving the timeless elegance of automotive history.

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Sultan Brunei Car Collection

Everyone has heard stories about the Sultan of Brunei’s immense and almost mythical car collection, but few details have ever been confirmed. Shrouded in secrecy, this legendary fleet of rare and bespoke automobiles has fascinated enthusiasts for decades. Recently, a handful of insider photos emerged online, offering a glimpse into the hidden treasure trove.

What many don’t realize is that much of the collection’s extravagance can be traced back to the Sultan’s younger brother, Prince Jefri Bolkiah. With the Royal Family’s extraordinary fortune; largely built on Brunei’s vast oil and gas reserves; Prince Jefri spearheaded an era of unparalleled spending in the 1980s and 1990s. The Sultanate’s wealth was immense, with the Sultan’s net worth reportedly reaching $30 billion, enabling extravagant purchases on a scale that stunned the world.

At its peak, the Royal Family’s car collection was rumored to include around 7,000 vehicles, valued at over $5 billion. This included custom Ferraris, Bentleys, Rolls-Royces, and bespoke models from almost every luxury automaker, many of which were tailored to the exacting tastes of Prince Jefri. It’s estimated that the family’s spending on Rolls-Royces alone exceeded £480 million during the 1990s, making them the brand’s single most important clients.

Italian design house Pininfarina played a vital role in bringing many of the family’s automotive visions to life. From reengineering Ferraris like the 456 into custom sedans and wagons to crafting entirely unique vehicles, Pininfarina became deeply entwined with the Royal Family’s car projects. However, this dependence on the Sultan’s commissions came at a cost. When the family’s spending spree came to an end, Pininfarina faced severe economic difficulties, forcing it to sell parts of its private collection to survive.

In this article, we dive into some of the most iconic custom cars from the Sultan’s collection, focusing on the Italian masterpieces created by Pininfarina and other renowned coachbuilders. From bespoke Ferraris to completely reimagined Bentleys, these cars showcase an extraordinary chapter in automotive history—one driven by unparalleled wealth, obsession, and creativity.

Paolo Garella: The Architect Behind the Collection

Paolo Garella is an Italian engineer whose career spans over three decades, defined by his blend of technical expertise and creative innovation. His journey began at Goodyear’s Technical Center in Luxembourg, where he honed his skills in advanced testing and vehicle dynamics. His ability to solve complex problems and his leadership potential quickly became apparent, leading him to PTI-Albatech, where he worked on hybrid and electric vehicle projects.

In 1992, Garella joined Pininfarina, where he would become a key figure in the company’s development. He rose through the ranks, managing the Prototype Engineering and Manufacturing Department, and later founding Pininfarina Special Projects in 2002. Under his leadership, this division produced bespoke, one-off cars for clients with unique tastes, reinforcing Garella’s reputation as a master of tailored automotive solutions.

Sultan Brunei Car Collection

A defining chapter of his career was his work with the Sultan of Brunei’s legendary car collection. Garella’s ability to navigate the pressures of working with the royal family and his focus on creating personalized, exceptional vehicles earned him their trust and solidified his position as a leading figure in automotive design.

After leaving Pininfarina in 2009, Garella continued to contribute to the automotive world, founding Manifattura Automobili Torino in 2014. Throughout his career, he remained focused on craftsmanship, collaboration, and innovation, earning respect not only for his technical expertise but for his leadership and dedication to creating extraordinary cars.

Pininfarina and the Right-Hand Drive Conversions

Pininfarina’s collaboration with the Sultan of Brunei involved a unique challenge: converting left-hand drive performance cars, like the Ferrari 288 GTO and F40, to right-hand drive, as preferred by the Sultan. Led by Paolo Garella, Pininfarina’s engineers had to re-engineer the entire car, from repositioning the dashboard to adjusting the suspension, all while maintaining the cars’ performance.

In addition, Garella and his team upgraded the air-conditioning systems to handle Brunei’s tropical climate, ensuring comfort without compromising the cars’ high-performance standards. This project wasn’t just technical; it was an opportunity for Pininfarina to blend craftsmanship with engineering, creating bespoke vehicles tailored to the Sultan’s exact needs. Each car became a one-of-a-kind masterpiece, reflecting the Sultan’s vision of luxury.

The love for the 456 GT

The Ferrari 456 designed by Pietro Camardella became a key part of the Sultan of Brunei’s collection, with Pininfarina tasked to create unique versions, all known as “Venice” models. In total, around 42 bespoke Ferraris were built, including four-door sedans, five-door wagons, and two-door convertibles, all tailored to the Sultan’s preferences. Notably, Pininfarina adapted a night vision and a Porsche 928 automatic transmission to the 456, as the Sultan preferred automatic gearboxes.

Sultan Brunei Car Collection

Additionally, the cars received modifications to suit Brunei’s tropical climate, including enhanced air-conditioning and subtle design tweaks. These Venice versions weren’t just custom cars; they were a blend of luxury and innovation, each reflecting the Sultan’s distinctive vision.

The Ferrari 550 Bahar

Sultan Brunei Car Collection

The Ferrari 550 Bahar is a unique one-of-a-kind vehicle commissioned by the Sultan of Brunei for his son, Prince Bahar. Built by Pininfarina with Paolo Garella managing the project, it’s a bespoke version of the Ferrari 550 Barchetta, created before the official release of the model.

The most notable modification is the custom hardtop, transforming the open-top Barchetta into a coupe-like design for a more weather-resistant, luxurious experience. The car also features a front-mounted automatic gearbox from Mercedes-Benz, offering greater comfort compared to the traditional Ferrari manual transmission. The roof system was borrowed by the Mercedes-Benz R129 SL, but was widened for improved structure and elegance. Only three units were built, making the 550 Bahar an exclusive creation.

The Ferrari FX

Sultan Brunei Car Collection

The Ferrari FX is a unique, bespoke car created by Pininfarina for the Sultan of Brunei. Only few units were produced, featuring a flat-twelve engine from the Ferrari Testarossa and a 7-speed sequential manual transmission from Williams F1, allowing it to reach a top speed of 205 mph. Each car was custom-built to the Sultan’s specifications, blending luxury with performance. While five were delivered to Brunei, the fourth car was cancelled by the Sultan and later acquired by Dick Marconi. This car is now displayed at the Marconi Automotive Museum in California, making the Ferrari FX a rare and exceptional part of automotive history.

The Ferrari Mythos

Sultan Brunei Car Collection

Unveiled at the 1989 Tokyo Motor Show, the Mythos is a stunning concept car by Pininfarina, based on the Ferrari Testarossa. Designed by Pietro Camardella, it features a bold, wedge-shaped body with a 4.9-liter flat-12 engine producing 390 hp, paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. Though not intended for production, the Sultan of Brunei commissioned several specimens, one in red and another in turquoise, adding them to his legendary collection. The Mythos’ design would later inspire the Ferrari F50, and its story is further connected to the Ferrari F90, a proposal that became a limited production for Prince Jefri of Brunei.

The F90

Sultan Brunei Car Collection

The Ferrari F90 is a unique creation that emerged from Enrico Fumia’s rejected concept for the 1989 Tokyo Motor Show. Although the design wasn’t chosen for the show, it was revived in 1988 when Prince Jefri of Brunei requested a bespoke supercar. Fumia’s design was adapted and approved for the Prince, leading to the creation of the F90.

Unveiled in 2005, the F90 featured a Targa roof, sleek lines, and functional yet stylish elements like elliptical front motifs. It retained the Testarossa’s V12 engine but introduced innovative design features. The car was tested secretly and remained largely unknown until a 2002 photo revealed one in the Sultan’s garage. Ferrari officially recognized the F90 in 2005.

Today, the six Ferrari F90s remain part of the Sultan of Brunei’s private collection, with Fumia hoping one day to share his creation with the world.

The Bolide

Sultan Brunei Car Collection

The Ferrari F50 Bolide was an ambitious project by the Brunei Royal Family and Pininfarina in the late 1990s. The plan was to convert six F50s into right-hand-drive models and create six unique track-focused Bolide variants. While a full-scale model was made, featuring a wooden chassis and foam body, the project never reached production.

The Bolide was envisioned with a V10 engine derived from Ferrari’s F1 technology, offering a true performance experience. However, financial and logistical challenges led to its cancellation, leaving only the model as a legacy. The F50 Bolide remains a fascinating “what if” in automotive history.

The Love for Bentey

Bentley was one of the Sultan of Brunei’s favorite brands, and his collection of bespoke vehicles crafted in collaboration with Pininfarina is a testament to his love for luxury and exclusivity. These unique creations, most assembled by the Italian coachbuilder Coggiola, reflect the Sultan’s penchant for personalization and his desire to own the finest automobiles in the world.

Among the standout pieces is the Bentley Azur 2-Door Convertible, a one-of-a-kind vehicle based on the Bentley Turbo R. Finished in a striking black-on-black color scheme, it combines high performance with supreme elegance, featuring a 6.75-liter V8 engine and a rare four-wheel-drive system. The Azur 4-Door Convertible, also a custom creation, reimagined the original design into a four-door version, finished in an elegant blue with a matching interior, and similarly equipped with four-wheel drive to meet the Sultan’s specific preferences.

The Bentley B2 Coupé, originally introduced in 1994, underwent a significant interior retrofit inspired by the Bentley B3, a model the Sultan of Brunei favored for its more refined and successful cabin design. While only 13 units of the B2 were ever built, this bespoke grand tourer reflected the Sultan’s desire for exclusivity. The Bentley B3, another highly exclusive creation, was based on the Bentley Continental R and produced in an even more limited run of just 12 units. Renowned for its elegant design and luxurious interior, the B3 set a benchmark for the Sultan’s bespoke fleet, influencing the modifications made to the earlier B2 Coupé. Among the Sultan’s unique collection was also the Bentley Phoenix Cabriolet, a striking and rare model from the 1990s, with only five examples ever made. One of these was finished in the Sultan’s official shade of yellow, further enhancing its uniqueness. Additionally, the Bentley Spectre Convertible, introduced in 1995, showcased the pinnacle of personalized luxury, combining exclusive design with tailored craftsmanship to suit the Sultan’s precise tastes.

The Aston Martins

The Aston Martin AM3 and AM4 were custom creations commissioned by the Sultan of Brunei in 1995, designed by Pininfarina’s Scott A. Barras. Both models were built on the Aston Martin Vantage 600 chassis, with only three units of each produced.

The AM3 features a sleek, modern design with a composite nose cone and unique rear lights, offering a forward-thinking take on Aston Martin’s classic grille shape. The AM4, on the other hand, blends retro styling inspired by the DB5 and DB6 with modern elements, creating a muscular yet elegant silhouette.

Both cars reflect the Sultan’s desire for luxury and exclusivity, with each being a rare and distinctive addition to his extraordinary collection.

The Argento Vivo

Sultan Brunei Car Collection

The Honda Argento Vivo, unveiled at the 1995 Tokyo Motor Show, was a futuristic two-seater convertible with a sleek aluminum frame and a retractable hardtop. Captivated by its design, the Sultan of Brunei commissioned four unique versions based on the Mercedes-Benz SL73 AMG R129 platform, each with a powerful 7.3-liter V12 engine. Valued at over $1 million each, two of these bespoke vehicles were delivered to his collection, while the other two remained unfinished—one briefly appearing on eBay in 2009, and the other disappearing into mystery.

The Jaguar XJ220 Pininfarina

Sultan Brunei Car Collection

The Jaguar XJ220 Pininfarina, commissioned by the Sultan of Brunei in 1995, featured bespoke updates by Pininfarina and Coggiola. The custom design included fixed headlights, new rear lights, and a reworked rear wing, while the interior was upgraded to match its luxurious exterior in dark green. Retaining the original supercharged V6 engine and aluminum chassis, only two were made. One was destroyed in a fire, and the other’s location remains unknown.

The Cinquecento Pick-Up

Sultan Brunei Car Collection

The Fiat Cinquecento Pick-Up AH, a one-off creation by Pininfarina is a unique evolution of the original Cinquecento Pick-Up concept. Designed under the guidance of Paolo Garella, the car features a roll bar over the loading bed, Spiaggina-inspired doors, and an open-air design for a breezy, summer aesthetic. Finished in elegant “Agnelli” blue with a matching leather interior, it includes exclusive AH logos and Pininfarina badges. As a right-hand-drive model, it perfectly aligns with the Sultan’s preferences, blending compact functionality with luxurious design.

The Other Design Houses

The Rolls-Royce Majestic, created by Bertone for the Sultan of Brunei between 1995-1997, is an exclusive model with only six units built. Powered by a turbocharged V8, it features active seat belts and a luxurious interior designed to the Sultan’s specifications.

The BMW Nazca M12, a prototype designed by Fabrizio Giugiaro, was powered by a BMW V12 engine and was built as a lightweight supercar. While it never went into production, at least one was made for the Sultan, finished in a unique blue paint.

The Aston Martin Lagonda Vignale, a 1993 concept by Ghia Design, was powered by a Lincoln V8 engine, though it was intended to feature a V12. Only three units were built, with one going to the Sultan of Brunei, finished in a striking brown color and fitted with a V12 Jaguar engine.

The Legacy and Lessons of Brunei’s Automotive Obsession

The Sultan of Brunei’s car collection is a remarkable showcase of the artistry and craftsmanship that comes from working with renowned coachbuilders like Pininfarina. Each bespoke vehicle represents a unique blend of luxury, performance, and personalization, highlighting the Sultan’s deep passion for cars. From custom Ferrari 456s to one-off Aston Martins and Jaguars, these cars are not just machines but works of art. However, as the Sultan eventually stopped commissioning new cars, Pininfarina faced challenges due to their heavy reliance on this one client. With limited diversification, the company faced economic difficulties and was eventually forced to sell part of their private collection to stay afloat. It’s a reminder of how even the most successful collaborations can face challenges when they lack balance and diversification.

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