The Ferrari That Daredevils Cut: Unveiling the Exclusive Targa Top Transformation
In an era where the thought of customizing a Ferrari might be met with raised eyebrows and hushed whispers of sacrilege, there was a time when such radical transformations were not only accepted but celebrated. Among these bold endeavors, one particular project stands out—a unique targa conversion of a Ferrari 365 GTC/4 orchestrated by Claudio Zampolli in the '80s. This narrative is not just about modifying a car; it's a testament to the fearless creativity and engineering prowess of a man who would go on to build the mythical Cizeta V16T.
Before this Ferrari became a symbol of automotive audacity, it was considered just another forgotten relic from Maranello's storied past. The early to mid-1980s, a period before the classic car market explosion, was a time when slicing into the metal of a 'used Ferrari' wasn’t met with gasps but with nods of approval and curiosity. This was the playground of Claudio Zampolli, a former Lamborghini engineer and the mastermind behind the rare Cizeta V16T supercar.
Zampolli's foray into the exotic car scene wasn't confined to his legendary creations. He operated an exotic car dealership in Los Angeles, where he catered to the automotive fantasies of celebrities like Eddie van Halen, selling and servicing Ferraris, Lamborghinis, and other exotic marques. It was during this time that the Ferrari 365 GTC/4, now a coveted piece on Bring a Trailer, underwent its dramatic transformation.
The result was nothing short of spectacular. The car received a meticulously engineered targa top conversion, projector headlights replacing the factory pop-ups, sleek fender vents, Scuderia shields adorning its flanks, and a distinctive ducktail rear spoiler. This transformed GTC/4 exuded such a natural elegance and cohesion that one might wonder why Ferrari never pursued such a design officially.
Ferrari never offered a targa or convertible version of the 365 GTC/4, a model that shared its underpinnings with the iconic Daytona but was overshadowed by its more famous sibling. With the classic car market's current valuation, a stock 1972 GTC coupe in good condition fetches $220,000, while a Daytona could command $575,000 or more. The rare Daytona Spiders? They're in a league of their own, valued in the millions.
This tale is much more than a piece of automotive history; it's a celebration of the fearless and unbound creativity that defines the very essence of car culture. At a time when custom wasn't a dirty word in the context of classic Ferraris, Zampolli's audacity to redefine the conventional allowed for the birth of a masterpiece that remains as compelling today as it was decades ago.
Powered by a slightly detuned 4.4-liter Columbo V12 engine, delivering around 320hp, and featuring a front-mounted gearbox distinct from the Daytona's transaxle setup, the 365 GTC/4 offered a grand tourer experience like none other. While Pininfarina's design didn't elicit the same awe as the Daytona, the inclusion of two small back seats and a more comfortable ride made it a true traveler's delight.
In the chronicles of Ferrari's illustrious history, the targa-top 365 GTC/4 stands as a bold emblem of innovation, showcasing what's possible when boundless creativity meets engineering excellence. It's a piece of automotive artistry that reminds us of the days when cars were not just commodities but canvases for unrestrained imagination.