Having won the 24 Hours of Le Mans three times as a driver (1932, 1934 and 1949), Luigi Chinetti is a true motorsports legend. A contemporary and close friend of Enzo Ferrari and many other greats of the era including Zora Arkus-Duntov, Chinetti migrated to the U.S. with the outbreak of World War II in Europe and went on to become Ferrari’s North American distributor in Connecticut and the founder of the famed North American Racing Team (NART). After the end of production for Ferrari’s 250 GT Cabriolets and Spyders, Chinetti Motors gained acclaim for its limited run of 10 beautiful Ferrari 275 GTB/4-based NART Spyders during the latter 1960s, which remain as famous for their glamorous owners as for their stunning styling and presence today. Luigi Chinetti Jr. played a leading role in his father’s business enterprise, reimagining and redesigning Ferrari’s latest road models to suit the Chinetti’s elite and very well-heeled clientele. In addition to a pair of 330 GT- and 365 GT-based shooting brakes and other daring custom-bodied Ferrari models, including the 365 GT-based “Tre Posti” during the 1960s, the younger Chinetti spearheaded at least one Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Spyder, plus 365 GT 2+2-based convertibles and other uniquely styled Ferrari creations. Numbered 12181, this achingly beautiful Ferrari 365 GT-based NART Spyder is one of one as produced. Of particular significance to committed Ferrari collectors and enthusiasts, it has been largely unknown until now. Designed and built by Luigi Chinetti Jr. and his father Luigi Chinetti of North American Racing Team fame, 12181 was purchased from Luigi Chinetti with corresponding documentation dated October 1987. Luigi Chinetti Jr., the driving force behind the project, was once quoted as saying that, “It’s one beautiful car, too pretty to be raced.” The last custom Ferrari started by Chinetti during the early 1970s, when he still had his dealership, but ultimately shelved, it was originally a 365 GTC coupe and finally competed during the 1980s. Garage-kept since completion and acquisition in 1987 from Chinetti Motors by first owner Harry Gibson of Fountain Valley, California, 12181 was passed to close friend and fellow Californian Bill De Carr. Powered by a 4.4L V-12 engine with NART racing history that is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission, 12181 is resplendent in its Rosso Corsa exterior that is complemented by a black interior. Other highlights include a classical Ferrari gated shifter for the 5-speed gearbox, the original glass window, a 250 GTO-style fuel tank and a competition-type fuel filler. This striking classic V-12 Ferrari has predictably graced the concours lawn several times since completion, including display at the 40th Annual Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in 1990. Other appearances include displays at Concorso Italiano held at Quail Lodge in Carmel Valley, California, and the 1997 Rosso Rodeo Concours on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, plus the 31st Annual Dana Point Concours d’Elegance. History of this beautiful open Ferrari is documented in a December 2013 Forza magazine feature article entitled “Chinetti Conundrum,” by Mike Daly. Offered with just 13,074 kilometers (8,124 miles), this 365 GTC NART Spyder Conversion is accompanied by a factory tool kit and marks one of the most interesting classic V-12 Ferrari models with Chinetti/NART provenance to come to market in recent years.
