Michael Satterfield
TGR Staff
This special, one-off Ferrari initially left Ferrari’s Maranello factory in 1965 as a 330 GT Series II with Pininfarina coachwork finished in Rosso (19.374) and a Beige interior (VM 3309); as a U.S.-specification example, it featured instrumentation in miles. The car was delivered new to Luigi Chinetti Motors in Greenwich, Connecticut. Chinetti sold the car to its first owner, Mr. Desy.
In 1967 the car returned to Chinetti Motors, at which time Luigi Chinetti Jr. decided to have the car rebodied in a unique shooting brake design. Chinetti Jr. collaborated with American illustrator Bob Peak to pen the new coachwork. The car was then professionally rebodied by the experts at Carrozzeria Alfredo Vignale in Turin, Italy. The one-off, station wagon design provided more comfortable seating for four with the added benefit of cavernous luggage space. It was refinished in metallic green with a gold metallic roof. At this time, it was noted that the car was fitted with engine no. 09269, the whereabouts of its original 07963 remains unknown. Vignale proudly displayed their work on their stand at the 50th Annual Torino Motor Show held at Parco Valentino. The car was returned to Chinetti Jr., who enjoyed the car for a number of years. From 1974 through 1977 the car was owned on the East Coast in the Philadelphia area and later New York.
In 1990 the Vignale-bodied shooting brake was purchased by Jean-Claude Paturau of Paris, France, who commissioned the car’s restoration. Paturau retained ownership into the 2000s, over which time he showed it at prestigious Concours, including the 9th Annual Automobiles Classiques Louis Vuitton Concours d’Elégance at Bagatelle in Paris, France; Défilé d’Elégance Automobile at the Golf and Tennis Club of Valescure in Saint Raphael, France; and Villa d’Este Concours d’Elégance in Como-Cernobbio, Italy.
In 2011 the unique Ferrari was purchased by Grammy Award-winning Jamiroquai frontman and noted Ferrari collector “Jay Kay” Jason Cheetham. Much like Paturau, Jay Kay enjoyed showing the car. It was displayed at the 3rd Kop Hill Climb Commemoration held near Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire, England; the 2012 Salon Privé Concours held at Syon Park, London; and the 2015 Cartier Style et Luxe Concours held during the Festival of Speed at Goodwood. Shortly after, Jay Kay offered the car for sale and was then sold to Danny Baker of Ohio.
Today, the car is presented in bronze metallic, having been repainted in 2017. Exterior features include a driver side view mirror, ANSA exhaust tips, and knock-off alloy wheels. The car is powered by a 300-bhp, 3,967-cc SOHC V-12 engine with three Weber carburetors; it is paired to a five-speed manual gearbox. The interior accommodates four passengers, each with their own bucket seat completed in tan leather. The wood dashboard houses Veglia Borletti instrumentation and features a black leather dash pad. A wood-rimmed steering wheel and Blaupunkt radio complete the interior. Power features include windows, steering, and brakes. The car is accompanied by hazard triangles, jack, and knock-off hammer and is documented by marque specialist Marcel Massini; his report is included in the sale.
Delivered new to one of the most renowned Ferrari importers, Chinetti Motors, and later rebodied with a design that is believed to be the last Ferrari to feature Vignale coachwork, this one-off example would make an excellent addition to any Ferrari collection, specifically if looking for the bookend of the beautiful work of Carrozzeria Vignale.
For more visit the auction listing here.
