The new exhibition at the Museo Enzo Ferrari in Modena brings together the unique pieces that Ferrari built for Gianni Agnelli and meticulously personalized in close collaboration with him. This unique collection is a testimony to the symbiotic relationship that developed between two of the most charismatic and influential personalities of the 20th century and lasted over 50 years.
"Gianni Agnelli and Ferrari. The elegance of the legend" is the Maranello-based brand's tribute to one of its greatest draught horses, first as a loyal customer and later as a close confidant and partner, on his 100th birthday on March 12, 2021.
The official online opening of the exhibition took place on the same day on the Ferrari Museum's social media channels and website.
While we are still waiting for the MEF exhibition halls to reopen to the public, two free live virtual tours lasting around 30 minutes will be organized every day until 1 April. These can be booked on the museum's website from March 12.
Enthusiast and aficionado
Gianni Agnelli was an enthusiast of the Cavallino Rampante from an early age and was always polite and respectful in his suggestions for highly personalized special versions of certain models. Enzo Ferrari, for his part, was aware that the influence, aesthetic taste and personality of a customer who was both very close to the factory and familiar with working on exclusive projects could lead to successful and far-sighted choices. The duo's close relationship produced a collection of incomparably beautiful and seductive cars, which Gianni Agnelli drove with consistent understatement.
A car as elegant as the Ferrari 166 MM. Agnelli was so enthusiastic about it at the 1948 Turin Motor Show that he coined a whole new term for its sleek lines. The word "barchetta" (small boat) has been used in the industry for open-top racing cars ever since. The 166 MM was the first one-off Ferrari for the Avvocato (lawyer), as Agnelli was affectionately known.
The next car to be tailored to the personality of this very special customer was the 1952 Ferrari 212 Inter, which was given refined details and styling elements that set a whole new trend. Two shades of the "family" 456 blue were combined with a magnolia white roof, while two imposing headlights were intended to ensure undiminished driving pleasure on high-speed night drives.
The exhibition continues with the stunning, timeless 375 America, a coupé that Ferrari built in 1955 thanks to its symbiotic creative relationship with Battista "Pinin" Farina. The avvocato was immediately impressed and fitted his car with a unique, sophisticated interior, including a beautifully crafted clock in the center of the tunnel.
The now well-established relationship between Agnelli and Enzo Ferrari produced another masterpiece in 1959 with the Ferrari 400 Superamerica.
This one-off car, designed and equipped by Pininfarina and on display at the MEF, opened a completely new chapter in Ferrari GT design.
Another exhibit is the 365 P Speciale from 1966 with its racing-inspired lines. Pininfarina interpreted this car brilliantly in two three-seater prototypes with a central driver's seat. The version commissioned by Gianni Agnelli is characterized by a uniquely elegant silver paint finish with a narrow strip of black trim along the beltline.
In 1984, Ferrari unveiled the legendary Testarossa, a car for which no open-top version was planned. But two years later, the Avvocato commissioned a spider version of the famous model from Pininfarina, with some highly refined details, such as a redesigned engine cover and its signature paint colors: Magnolia White for the hood, Nürburgring Gray for the body and Navy Blue for the cabin.
Another ground-breaking icon that Gianni Agnelli's collection could not do without was the Ferrari F40. In 1989, the Avvocato ordered a special version with unusual black fabric seat covers and an electronic clutch from Valeo.
In 2000, Agnelli once again commissioned Pininfarina to produce an extreme one-off: a Barchetta, this time based on the 360 Spider. The vehicle, in silver-grey and elegant blue tones, was a wedding present for Luca di Montezemolo, then President of Ferrari.
The exhibition concludes with the 2003 Formula 1 car, the culmination of an extraordinary technological and racing journey.
The Scuderia presented it on February 7, 2003 and dedicated it to Gianni Agnelli, who passed away on January 24. This was a heartfelt gesture by the entire Ferrari community in memory of an unforgettable partner, customer and a refined, discreet and decisive companion on Ferrari's long journey.
Respect and passion
Ferrari President John Elkann said: "The exhibition tells the story of an extraordinary encounter. It combines the enthusiasm that the world's most beautiful cars inspire in people who love driving and the enormous respect and genuine passion that my grandfather had for the cars from Maranello. A passion that led him to make every Ferrari he owned special and that we would like to share with all enthusiasts."
Vice President Piero Ferrari recalls the mutual respect and appreciation the two great entrepreneurs had for each other: "My father was impressed by the Avvocato's power, acumen and business skills. They understood each other intuitively, and this relationship strengthened over the years, culminating in the 1969 agreement that created one of the strongest partnerships in the automotive world. I was with my father on that historic day and had the pleasure of meeting Agnelli. From then on, with FIAT by our side, we felt that our company had gained a guarantee of continuity and development."
For more information and to book virtual tours until April 1, 2021, visit the museum's website.
