The Ferrari 275 GTB Competizione Speciale (275 GTB/C Speciale) was the first racing version of the 275. Led by Mauro Forghieri, it was intended to succeed the 250 GTO as Ferrari's GT class contender in 1965. Four cars were built, the fourth not until 1966. The Tipo 213 engine was tuned to 250 LM specification, producing around 290 to 305 bhp. The extra-thin aluminum bodywork (designed by Pininfarina, built by Scaglietti) resembled the 250 GTO more than the production GTB. The FIA initially refused homologation and only relented when Enzo Ferrari threatened to withdraw from the GT class.
Summarized from the sources cited below; every figure in the text was automatically verified against the sources.
Learn moreLightweight construction and technical details · The 1965 racing season · Two series
Lightweight construction and technical details
The chassis was a lightweight version of the production Tipo 563 frame using smaller-diameter tubes. Weight was saved through drilled interior panels, Plexiglas windows, and magnesium castings on parts of the engine and transaxle. The extra-thin aluminum body was significantly more streamlined than on the production GTB, resembling the 250 GTO and 330 LMB; all four cars featured slightly different hand-crafted bodies, possibly due to ongoing aerodynamic testing. The Tipo 213 used a dry sump rather than a wet sump.
The 1965 racing season
Due to the homologation delay, only one Speciale raced in 1965: chassis 6885. At the Targa Florio, it retired with Bruno Deserti and Giampiero Biscaldi; at the Nürburgring, it finished thirteenth overall with Biscaldi and Giancarlo Baghetti. At Le Mans, entered by Ecurie Francorchamps, it took third place with Willy Mairesse and Jean Blaton. That was followed by eleventh place at the Bridgehampton 500 km and victory in the Nassau Tourist Trophy.
Two series
According to an alternative account, an initial series of 10 or 14 cars, depending on the source, was built with bodies corresponding to the short-nose GTB. The second series of 1966 comprised twelve cars derived from the long-nose models and featuring an even more extensively reworked engine. The GTB/C had more bulbous fenders and cooling vents in the rear fenders.
Summarized from the cited sources; every figure was automatically verified against the sources.
Frequently asked questions about the Ferrari 275 GTB Competizione
When was the Ferrari 275 GTB Competizione raced?
The Ferrari 275 GTB Competizione made its racing debut in 1965.
How much power does the Ferrari 275 GTB Competizione have?
Power of the Ferrari 275 GTB Competizione: ca. 290–305 bhp.
What engine does the Ferrari 275 GTB Competizione have?
Engine of the Ferrari 275 GTB Competizione: Tipo 213. It is mounted at the front.
How many Ferrari 275 GTB Competizione were built?
4 units of the Ferrari 275 GTB Competizione were built.
1964
1966