Timeless Marvel: Who designed the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti?
Short answer? Pininfarina. But the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti is more than a line on a designer’s CV. It’s a proper grand tourer—the sort you point at the Alps on a Friday afternoon and arrive somewhere fabulous before dusk. The first time I slid behind the wheel of a 612, I noticed right away how unruffled it felt: big V12 breathing quietly, steering fluid, cabin serene enough to hear your kids arguing about playlists in the back. It’s a luxury GT that actually works as a car, not just a coffee table conversation piece.
Who designed the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti?
The Ferrari 612 Scaglietti was penned by Pininfarina, under design leadership that included Ken Okuyama during that era. The name “Scaglietti” nods to Sergio Scaglietti, the legendary Modenese coachbuilder whose workshop crafted some of Ferrari’s most beautiful bodies. The shape itself takes inspiration from a 1950s Scaglietti creation for Roberto Rossellini and Ingrid Bergman—hence why you’ll occasionally see the elegant hue “Grigio Ingrid” associated with these cars.
Ferrari 612 Scaglietti: What it’s like to drive today
I’ve driven a handful of 612s on everything from glassy-smooth Autobahns to bumpy coastal roads. The car’s character is consistent: unflappable at speed, surprisingly friendly around town.
- Engine: 5.7-liter naturally aspirated V12 (about 533 hp and 434 lb-ft).
- Performance: 0–60 mph in roughly 4.2–4.3 seconds; top speed near 199 mph.
- Transmissions: rare 6-speed manual or more common 6-speed F1 automated manual.
- Brakes: steel rotors early on; carbon-ceramic brakes arrived later and are prized.
- Chassis: front-mid engine placement with near-ideal weight distribution—secure and predictable.
On a fast, sweeping road the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti feels like a long-legged sprinter—calm heart rate, monstrous lungs. It isn’t a track rat, and it’s not trying to be. Instead, it makes the heavy-lifting bits of driving—passing slow traffic, covering distance—effortless and oddly relaxing.
Living with a Ferrari 612 Scaglietti
Ferrari calls it a 2+2, but the rear seats are legitimately usable. I’ve done airport runs with two adults in the back—knees not up around their ears—and a weekend’s worth of luggage. The Bose audio does a decent job, though at full song the V12 still steals the stage. Quiet enough for calls on the motorway, loud enough to raise hairs when you drop a few gears for a tunnel. Typical Ferrari, really.
Quirks? Sure. Early infotainment is fiddly, and the parking sensors are a godsend because the bonnet is a cruise ship’s bow. The F1 gearbox can feel abrupt at crawling speeds unless you let it work with a decisive throttle. And the soft-touch plastics of the era occasionally get “sticky” with age—nothing a patient detailer (or replacement parts) can’t fix.
Personalizing your Ferrari 612 Scaglietti
Bespoke touches suit this grand tourer. I’ve seen cars with tailored luggage, two-tone interiors, even subtle body kits that keep the factory elegance intact. One simple, high-impact upgrade: quality floor mats. The AutoWin sets I tried fit tightly around the footwells and tunnel, didn’t curl at the edges, and handled a wet weekend without going soggy. If you’re using the car as intended—school runs to ski-lodge dashes—durable mats are an easy win.
Buying and owning a Ferrari 612 Scaglietti
Prices are still sensible (relatively). You’ll see well-kept examples from roughly $70,000 to $150,000+, depending on mileage, spec, and whether it’s a later “OTO” car with upgraded trim and often carbon-ceramic brakes. Manuals are unicorn-grade rare and command a heavy premium.
What to check
- Service history: annual fluids, cooling system care, and regular inspections are essential.
- F1 gearbox: clutch life, pump condition, and smooth engagement when warm.
- Suspension and bushings: listen for knocks; the car should feel tight, not floaty.
- Brakes: carbon-ceramic discs last long if treated well, but replacement is expensive.
- Interior: look for “sticky” switchgear and infotainment gremlins; both are solvable.
Ferrari 612 Scaglietti vs. its rivals
| Car | Seats | Power | 0–60 mph | Drivetrain | Character |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ferrari 612 Scaglietti | 4 | ~533 hp (V12) | ~4.2 s | RWD | Elegant, long-legged GT; surprisingly usable |
| Aston Martin DB9 | 2+2 | ~450–470 hp (V12) | ~4.7 s | RWD | Romantic, lighter-feel GT; tighter rear space |
| Bentley Continental GT (W12) | 4 | ~552 hp (W12) | ~4.7 s | AWD | Plush, rapid, more isolation and heft |
| Maserati GranTurismo (early) | 2+2 | ~405 hp (V8) | ~5.2 s | RWD | Singular soundtrack, lighter on power |
Performance figures approximate and vary by model year and spec.
Real-world running
- Fuel economy: expect mid-teens mpg overall if you’re restrained; less if you aren’t.
- Insurance and maintenance: premium-tier, but not terrifying with a good specialist.
- Use it: these cars like to be exercised—regular drives keep everything happy.
Bottom line: the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti blends timeless design with real-world grand touring ability. And yes, it was designed by Pininfarina—a fact you’ll find yourself repeating every time someone rolls down a window at a petrol station to ask.
FAQ: Ferrari 612 Scaglietti
Who designed the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti?
Pininfarina designed the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti, with the car named in honor of famed coachbuilder Sergio Scaglietti.
When did the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti go into production?
Production began in 2004 and ran through 2011.
How many Ferrari 612 Scaglietti were built?
Approximately 3,025 units were produced over the model’s run.
How much does a Ferrari 612 Scaglietti cost today?
Condition, mileage, and specification drive prices, but most used examples range from around $70,000 to over $150,000, with rare manuals and late OTO cars commanding more.
Is the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti available with a manual?
Yes, but it’s extremely rare. Most cars have the F1 automated manual; a small handful were built with a 6-speed manual and are highly collectible.
