Ferrari 365 GTC/4 Spiaggetta — chassis 16017

The Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Spiaggetta, a unique creation by Giovanni Michelotti, was built on chassis 16017 and can be seen as Ferrari’s interpretation of the Fiat 850 Shellette beach car. Introduced in the early 1970s, this striking vehicle featured a combination of aesthetic and functional modifications that set it apart from other Ferraris of its time. Its design, influenced by beach car aesthetics, included wicker seats, the removal of both doors, a cut-down sill, and a flimsy canvas top, making it best suited for sunny weather and limited practicality in adverse conditions. Michelotti’s design focused on transforming the 365 GTB/4 into a stylish open-air experience, evident in the Spiaggetta’s unconventional features. The absence of doors and the lightweight canvas roof emphasized a carefree, beach-oriented vibe, aligning with the Spiaggetta’s intended lifestyle appeal. This bespoke model showcased Michelotti’s flair for integrating distinct elements of design while working within the Ferrari framework. In contrast, another notable Ferrari conversion by Felber was the Shooting Brake version of the 365 GTB/4, designed by Michelotti as well. This conversion bore a series of fundamental differences from the series production Pininfarina coupe. The Shooting Brake variant featured a completely reworked design from the windscreen back, including a newly shaped cabin, extended roofline, and a re-profiled rear end. This transformation gave the Shooting Brake a more angular, seventies feel, distinguishing it significantly from the Pininfarina’s more rounded and refined production version. First unveiled at the 1977 Geneva Salon, the Shooting Brake drew considerable attention due to its impressive and unconventional design. Despite its departure from traditional Ferrari styling, the Shooting Brake captured the imagination of enthusiasts and highlighted Michelotti’s ability to push the boundaries of automotive design while preserving the essence of the Ferrari brand.