With its sleek silhouette and flowing design lines penned by Pininfarina, the Ferrari 456 GT belies its standing as a car that began production 30 years ago. Few could argue that the model has aged so well that it would hardly look out of place parked alongside much newer cars wearing the Prancing Horse badge. The timeless appearance of the 456 is a case study in iconic Pininfarina expertise, having been imagined by designers Pietro Camardella with Lorenzo Ramaciotti, and the Turin-based carrozzeria was responsible for manufacture of the model’s bodywork until Ferrari assumed responsibility for production in 1996.

For a Ferrari model to have such a strong connection with Pininfarina—a long-standing partner of the Maranello marque, forming some of the most recognisable shapes in automotive history over many decades—it is fitting that this particular car was owned by one of the most important figures in the history of the two companies. Sergio Pininfarina was born into the family business as son of company founder Battista “Pinin” Farina, and would work his way into increasingly senior positions before taking the reins of the carrozzeria in the 1960s. Under Sergio’s stewardship, the design house would lead on designs for some of the most iconic sports cars ever.

Records on file show that this example was completed in August 1994 and later supplied to Sergio Pininfarina in a direct factory sale. Among the Ferrari booklets and manuals found in the brown leather Ferrari folio that accompanies the car, Sergio Pininfarina’s name is listed alongside notes of the “Diretto” sale. This 456 was registered for the road for the first time in January 1995, and was acquired by its second owner in April 1998. It has had one further private owner prior to being offered for sale here. The car is offered for sale with a pair of leather luggage pieces, while this Ferrari’s history file extends to a certificate issued by Automobile Club d’Italia in February 2021, workshop invoices including a service by Cesarmeccanica Service of Salerno, also in February 2021, and correspondence between Ferrari headquarters with Sergio Pininfarina, and subsequent owners.

Such an opportunity to acquire a desirable V-12 grand tourer Prancing Horse with prominent owner history rarely arises, presenting collectors and fans of either Ferrari or Pininfarina the chance to acquire a piece of both companies’ history.