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THE ITALIAN COACHBUILDER SITE

Ferrari Rossellini

2003Coachwork by Castagna

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

08 / FROM THE ARCHIVE

Archive

References held in the vehicle dossier. Their inclusion does not establish that every historical claim has been independently verified.

ReferenceSource 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

10 / CONNECTED HISTORY

Timeline

Chronological history1 dated records
  1. Unassigned chassis · Event

    Villa d’Este

THE CONVERSATION

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