The 1980 Ferrari Pinin concept shares much of the low-slung beauty of the 400i models, but none of their affordability.

This one-off concept is being sold by Museo Ferrari for $1.2 million.

Before you write off this design and its gob-smaking egg-crate grille, take a few minutes to twirl it around with 30 years perspective since its debut.

Yes, the nose is messy, and the clamshell hood shows some panel fit issues in some of the photos.

 

But Enzo Ferrari himself is also sitting in the car for some of the photos, evaluating it around Fiorano on a nice Spring 1980 day.

El Capo did not approve. You can almost see the list of problems on his face in the below.

 

But Enzo was a speed demon first, but a business-man first as well.

He may have torn this Pinin concept apart while knowing full-well that 4-door cars are a hard market in this price range.

So Enzo said “no” to the car, and it was mothballed into Ferrari lore that sedans are a no-go.

But reviewing this car is like seeing the ghosts of every luxury flagship ever since.

In various angles, this car clearly influenced the below models, among many, many others:

– 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300SEL

– 1986 BMW 735i

– 1988 Audi 5000

– 1990 Infiniti Q45

– 1990 Lexus LS400

– 1984 Ford Mustang

– 1986 Ford Taurus

– 1991 Cadillac Seville STS

– 1992 Chevrolet Caprice

– 1993 Maserati Quattroporte II and current QP

 

That is a big list, but it is the truth. And that is just the exterior!

Exterior Gallery – 1980 Ferrari Pinin

The interior is decadent, with its own bright ideas throughout. Most notable? the rear-seat entertainment station, window shades, twin purse or attache case holders in armrest, vanity lighting on roof, full-length roof electronics controls, and more.

Interior Gallery – 1980 Ferrari Pinin