Ferrari 275 GTB/4 Competizione Speciale

The Ferrari 275 GTB/4 Allegretti is an extraordinary vehicle with a fascinating history, closely tied to the success of the 250 GTO in road racing. As Ferrari sought to homologate a version of the new 275 GTB for the GT racing class, it became evident that the production model wasn’t fit for competition. Hence, a special group of cars was built, resembling the production 275 GTB but with significant design elements and components from the 250 GTO race cars. These special models, known as the 275 GTB/C Speciales, were constructed with aluminum alloy bodies and lighter, smaller-diameter chassis tubes than the standard production cars. The intent was to convince the FIA that these were production models. Only three of these Speciales were built by Ferrari’s competition department, each differing in specifications and design. Of these, chassis #06885 had a notable competition history, highlighted by a GT Class win and a third overall finish in the 1965 24 Hours of Le Mans. Following the Speciales, Ferrari built a series of competition versions of the 275 GTB for customers, known as the 275 GTB/C. These included ten alloy-bodied ‘short nose’ cars in 1965 and twelve ‘long nose’ cars in 1966. While they appeared similar to the road cars, these versions featured lightweight alloy panels, minimal soundproofing, larger fuel tanks, higher lift camshafts, and six Weber carburetors. Despite the introduction of the four-cam engine in the 275 GTB/4 in 1966, no competition versions were produced by the factory. The ‘Speciale,’ particularly chassis 06885, stood out and captured the imagination of Ferrari enthusiasts, including television producer Greg Garrison. Known for directing iconic shows like “Your Show of Shows,” “The Milton Berle Show,” and “The Dean Martin Show,” Garrison was also a dedicated Ferrari connoisseur with a personal relationship with Enzo Ferrari. In 1987, Garrison discovered the 275 GTB/4 chassis 09813 in Indiana. The car, damaged and stripped of its body, wiring loom, and seats, was transported to Modena. Garrison commissioned three renowned Ferrari shops to restore and recreate the car. Vaccari e Bosi, Ferrari’s chassis supplier, reconstructed the frame in six months. While waiting for Carrozzeria Allegretti to create a new body, Sport Auto rebuilt the mechanical components, engine, transmission, rear axle, and brakes. The result was a stunning rendition of the 275 GTB/C Speciale, chassis 06885, with a distinctive 250 GTO-style nose and a mesh-opening hood bulge, giving it a powerful and aggressive look. The rear fenders featured triple vents and reshaped upper panels for improved airflow and additional downforce. Garrison’s Ferrari 275 GTB/4 Allegretti 09813, with its exceptional workmanship and four-cam model base, provides a glimpse into what could have been had Ferrari continued down this path. The car’s reception among Ferrari insiders reflected its remarkable blend of competition car performance and refined finish, making it a standout piece in Garrison’s collection.