Peter S. Kalikow interview

(President of HJ Kalikow & Co.,)



Why Pininfarina for your special car?
For as long as I can remember, Pininfarina has been designing coach work for Ferrari. The part of this business that always intrigued me was the special one off models done for auto-shows and special customers. As a Ferrari fan for 48 years, and a customer for 39 years, I was thrilled to have the opportunity of being one of those people to have a special Ferrari designed and constructed by Pininfarina.

Could you explain your personal involvement during the main phases of the Project?
When I received my first 612 my opinion was that this was one of the finest, if not “the finest” road car ever constructed by Ferrari. The more I drove it the more I was drawn to this conclusion. There were some details in the style, however, that I thought could be slightly improved upon. I was able to discuss this with Pininfarina, which was wonderful at carrying out my wishes. I made a few trips to Cambiano, but mainly we dealt through e-mail. It was kind of nice knowing that Pininfarina cared about my wishes enough to constantly seek my input was very gratifying.

Do you recommend Pininfarina to another enthusiast of the cars like you?
I would say that Pininfarina’s Special Projects Division, which handled the construction of my 612, was populated by some of the finest automotive engineers, stylists and technicians that I have ever come across. Everything was done in a first class manner, with detailed drawings that left no doubt that my wishes would be transformed to aluminum glass and leather. Anyone that  wants to enjoy the fullest extent of Ferrari ownership could do no better than having Pininfarina construct a special car for them.