Formula 1 has an undeniably rich history that has been making headlines for decades with its adrenaline-fuelled races and movie-worthy rivalries. Thanks to the rapid evolution of the motorcar, this ever-changing sport has grown with the times and taken on a whole new modernity. However, one thing remains certain: the individuals who put themselves behind the wheel of the world’s most high-tech sports cars will be written in the history books as legends for years to come.

The first Formula 1 World Championship was held in 1950. Dominated by Italian manufacturers, Alfa Romeo came out on top with Giuseppe Antonio “Nino” Farina leading the three-car team to victory. Nino was known for his passion, courage and fearless persona, and often drove with apparent disregard for his own personal safety, offering jaw-dropping races that have resulted in his name being up alongside some of the greats.

The fearless motoring legend had always been closely linked to the world of motorcars. As the nephew of design icon and founder of Pininfarina, Battista Farina, Nino established his appetite for competition through the encouragement of his uncle. Battista took Nino to his first-ever race as a passenger, at the age of 16, and from there, the legend was born.

Now, in 2023, Nino Farina’s name has been brought back into the spotlight. Automobili Pininfarina, the newly launched sister company to Pininfarina, has created a new hyper GT inspired by its family legacy and design heritage.

‘This exclusive model pays homage to Nino Farina’s courageous and fearless persona, and his incredible achievements in motorsport,’ said Dave Amantea, chief design officer at Automobili Pininfarina. ‘It is our tribute to a family dynasty – to the man who will forever be known as the first driver ever to be crowned a Formula 1 World Champion and to our founder, the man responsible for igniting his passion for racing.’

The sports car’s deep red hue is a bespoke colour, “Rosso Nino”, and pays homage to the vehicles Nino Farina drove throughout his racing career. Elsewhere, there’s a bespoke “Nino Farina” engraving on the headlight, while the driver’s wing is enhanced with a bold graphic signature in tribute to the man himself. The interior design of the car perfectly complements the exterior, with the driver’s seat upholstery trimmed in luxurious and sustainable black leather, and passenger seat in contrasting beige and black Alcantara.

Mirroring the Battista and Battista Anniversario range, the Battista Edizione Nino Farina is powered by a state-of-the-art powertrain that delivers record-breaking performance. The world’s first pure-electric hyper GT utilises a high-capacity 120kWh lithium-ion battery contained within a strong but lightweight carbon fibre housing.

‘Our clients demand rarity, exclusivity and the quality of execution synonymous with unique and coachbuilt Pininfarina designs of the past,’ said Paolo Dellachà, chief executive officer for Automobili Pininfarina. ‘Battista Edizione Nino Farina combines all these elements, with the phenomenal performance of the most powerful car ever made in Italy, the Battista. In our imagination, Nino would have dreamt to drive with his uncle Battista, pushing the car to its limits. As he did every time he raced.’

automobili-pininfarina.com