VIN: Gianni Agnelli's Ferrari 250 GT Coupe Speciale chassis 1017 GT

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HISTORY OF CHASSIS 1017 GT

The introduction of the second series 250 GT Coupe in mid 1958 brought about a further decline of special-bodied cars.

The elegant Notchback lines of the Series 2 replaced the Fastback design adopted by the Series 1.

Although a number of early Series 2 prototypes came with unusual features, subsequent production cars were highly standardised; by this stage, custom coachwork was only available to the most highly regarded and wealthiest Ferrari customers.

One such individual was Gianni Agnelli.

Agnelli was the grandson of Fiat founder, Giovanni Agnelli. He was named in honour of his grandfather, but went by the name Gianni to differentiate himself.

When he was 14, Gianni Agnelli’s father, Edoardo, died in an air crash.

Agnelli subsequently studied law at the University of Turin, but never practised.

When Italy entered World War 2 in June 1940, 19 year old Agnelli joined a tank regiment. Agnelli fought on the Eastern Front and in North Africa where he was shot in the arm by a German officer during a bar fight over a woman.

After Italy’s surrender, Agnelli, who was fluent in English, became a liaison officer with the occupying American troops.

When Agnelli’s grandfather died in late 1945, Fiat was temporarily put in the hands of company president, Vittorio Valletta. Agnelli would ultimately take the reins of the family firm upon Valletta’s retirement in April 1966.

Prior to his installation as Fiat boss, Agnelli led the life of a playboy.

During the 1950s, he ordered a fleet of high end cars, many of which were individually customised.

Agnelli’s first Ferrari was a blue 166 Mille Miglia Touring Spyder purchased in the summer of 1950 (chassis 0064 M). This was followed by a two-tone blue and white 212 Inter Vignale Coupe in 1952 (0211 EL). Ferrari number three arrived in 1955. It was a two-tone dark green and burgundy 375 America fitted with a unique Pinin Farina Coupe body (0355 AL).

The fourth Ferrari purchased by Gianni Agnelli was chassis 1017 GT: a 250 GT Series 2 Coupe Speciale.

Chassis 1017 GT featured several bespoke features.

Covered headlights similar to those seen on the Series 3 410 Superamerica were fitted. Like Agnelli’s 375 America, his 250 GT also came with a glass roof.

The Argento paintwork was complemented by dual stripes down each flank. The lower stripe was black while the upper stripe was dark blue to match the Borrani wire wheels and cockpit.

Inside, a custom dash was installed.

Upon completion, 1017 GT was displayed at the Turin Motor Show in November 1958.

How long Gianni Agnelli retained the car is unclear.

Many years later, 1017 GT was reputedly damaged in a fire. The original body is said to have been replaced by a standard one which was modified to resemble the original.

Text copyright: Supercar Nostalgia
Photo copyright: unattributed