The Legend of Ferrari and Pininfarina’s Partnership: When Enzo Met “Pinin”
How a secret dinner, a bold promise, and a young Sergio Pininfarina led to six decades of Ferrari design greatness. This is the origin story every gearhead needs.
The Ferrari 275 GTC (1966).
The Ferrari 275 GTC, constructed in 1966 by Carrozzeria Scaglietti, represents the final evolution of Ferrari’s front-engined gran turismo berlinettas intended for international competition. Built in a limited series of twelve examples, the 275 GTC was a homologated variant developed in response to the FIA’s Group 4 GT regulations. It was based mechanically on the road-going 275 GTB, but the execution was wholly reimagined for endurance racing purposes. The chassis retained the general layout of the tipo 596 platform but was reengineered using thinner-gauge steel tubes for reduced weight. The bodywork, executed in ultra-thin aluminum alloy, was hand-formed and affixed to the chassis with riveted joints. This approach minimized weight while allowing for ease of panel replacement during endurance events. The contours were subtly altered from the standard berlinetta, with wider arches, a lower front valance, and a revised rear profile including a Kamm tail treatment for aerodynamic stability. Plexiglas side windows and numerous magnesium castings in the drivetrain further reduced mass. The engine was a competition-specification variant of the Colombo-designed 3.3-liter V12, incorporating a dry-sump lubrication system and six Weber 40 DCN carburetors. In this configuration, it produced an estimated 275 to 290 horsepower at 7,700 rpm. The gearbox, mounted as a rear transaxle for balanced weight distribution, was paired with a lightweight clutch and racing-spec final drive. Chassis 09035 was delivered to the British Maranello Concessionaires team and secured first in class and eighth overall at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans, driven by Roy Pike and Piers Courage. Chassis 09027 was entered by Ecurie Francorchamps, finishing second in class at the same event with Claude Dubois and Pierre Noblet. Chassis 09007 was campaigned extensively in the Italian GT Championship by Sergio Tullio Marchesi, earning back-to-back titles in 1966 and 1967. The 275 GTC marks the terminus of Ferrari’s classical competition berlinetta lineage, combining traditional front-engine configuration with advanced materials and aerodynamic refinement. Rare in number and notable in achievement, these twelve chassis remain among the most historically significant Ferrari GT cars of the post-GTO period.
How a secret dinner, a bold promise, and a young Sergio Pininfarina led to six decades of Ferrari design greatness. This is the origin story every gearhead needs.
Discover the legacy of Carrozzeria Scaglietti, the legendary Italian coachbuilder behind some of Ferrari’s most iconic designs. Explore its history, craftsmanship, and lasting impact on the world of automotive excellence.
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