THE VEHICLE AT A GLANCE
Model dossier
- Production period
- 2003
- Body style
- Barchetta
- Engine
- None
- Type
- One-off
- Production
- 1
THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE CAR
Coachbuilding, design & conversions
PRICE & SALES RECORD
Vehicle value
- Original price
- Not documented
- Latest recorded sale
- Not documented
01 / THE STORY
History & context
The Ferrari Rossellini car was unveiled as a “première” by Castagna Milano during the Concorso d’Eleganza di Villa d’Este, held in Cernobbio, Italy, from April 25th to April 27th, 2003. This unique vehicle is dedicated to the renowned Italian film director Roberto Rossellini, a fervent Ferrari enthusiast who commissioned several custom-built cars. Among his notable acquisitions was the famous 375 Mille Miglia, often seen driven by Ingrid Bergman. Designed by Gioacchino Acampora, the Rossellini mock-up was conceptualized to be mounted on a sporty Ferrari chassis, reminiscent of those that competed in the latest GT championships. The car’s design embodies the “barchetta” style—an elegant yet powerful form that highlights the vehicle’s impressive 720 horsepower, twelve-cylinder engine. The term “emotional ergonomics,” coined by a distinguished Italian architect, aptly describes the design philosophy behind the Rossellini. This approach marries advanced technology with a keen sense of style, ensuring that the car is not only a high-performance machine but also a work of art. The focus on emotional ergonomics means that every aspect of the car is designed to evoke a strong emotional response from the driver and onlookers, while also providing an intuitive and pleasurable driving experience. The Rossellini captures the passion and innovation that Ferrari brings to its car designs. It reflects the brand’s commitment to blending cutting-edge performance with timeless elegance. The dedication of this vehicle to Roberto Rossellini underscores the deep connection between Ferrari and its illustrious patrons, who have historically pushed the brand to new heights of automotive excellence. At the Concorso d’Eleganza di Villa d’Este, the Rossellini stood out not only for its homage to a cinematic legend but also for its striking design and engineering prowess. It represents a blend of historical significance and modern-day innovation, making it a fitting tribute to both the legacy of Roberto Rossellini and the enduring allure of Ferrari.
02 / TECHNICAL IDENTITY
Specifications & construction
Production & construction
- Production
- 1
- Production type
- One-off
Engine & performance
- Engine configuration
- None
- Specification notes
- TECHNICAL_NON_APPLICABILITY — full-scale 1:1 static styling mock-up; no engine fitted. Ferrari 550 Maranello mechanicals and 720 hp V12 describe the intended project brief, not the physical mock-up.
Design & manufacture
- Coachbuilder / Body Builder · Documented
- Castagna
- Manufacturer · Documented
- Ferrari
- Designer · Candidate
- Gioacchino Acampora
06 / EVENTS & AWARDS
Events & awards
Villa d’Este General · From the historical archive
- Date
- 2003
- Chassis
- General
07 / THE VEHICLE IN DETAIL
Photo gallery 12 photographs
Show 6 more photographs Show fewer photographs
08 / FROM THE ARCHIVE
Archive
References held in the vehicle dossier. Their inclusion does not establish that every historical claim has been independently verified.
| Reference | Source type |
|---|---|
| BMW Group PressClub — Villa d'Este 2003 concept cars www.press.bmwgroup.com | First party event press |
| AUTO(R) — Gioacchino Acampora / Castagna Milano www.automotivedesignconference.com | Designer biography archive |
| Aste Bolaffi — Carrozzeria Castagna Rossellini (lot 60) www.astebolaffi.it | Auction catalogue design archive |
| Carrozzieri Italiani — Ferrari Rossellini www.carrozzieri-italiani.com | Exact vehicle editorial with technical nonapplicability |











THE CONVERSATION
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