Curious Ferrari Collaborations: 7 Unique and Quirky Car Designs

7 Bizarre Prancing Horses - Before we dive into the world of Ferraris, let's explore a unique side of this iconic brand - the most bizarre Ferrari cars ever created. The Maranello-based premium automaker has a rich history of collaborating with various coachbuilders, resulting in some unconventional designs that have raised eyebrows among enthusiasts.

Ferrari's prancing horse emblem on Ferrari 330 GTC Zagato Convertible. (Picture from: MobiMoto)

In this article, we will introduce you to seven of the most unusual Ferrari cars throughout history, each with its distinctive story and design quirks.

1. 1956 Ferrari Superamerica 410 (Ghia)

In 1956, Ghia, an Italian coachbuilder renowned for their work with Chrysler, embarked on a project that produced an unexpected result. The Ferrari Superamerica 410 designed by Ghia had striking similarities to American cars of the 1950s, including a wrap-around windshield, heavy chrome bumpers and grille, chrome panels along the waistline, and even tailfins. It was a departure from the traditional Italian Ferrari aesthetics.

1956 Ferrari SuperAmerica 410. (Picture from: Forza-Rossa)

Despite its peculiar design, some might argue that this car is too elegant to bear the iconic 'Prancing Horse' logo. In retrospect, it appears more American than Italian. Interestingly, this collaboration marked the last time Ghia worked with Ferrari, as they were acquired by Ford in 1970.

2. 1965 Ferrari 330 GT 'Shooting Brake' (Vignale)

The Ferrari 330 GTC, initially styled by American Tom Tjaarda at Pininfarina, was considered one of the most beautiful Ferrari road cars of its time. However, its 'Shooting Brake' version took an unexpected turn when Alfredo Vignale and Company in Italy decided to revamp its design. The result was a complete rebodying, with only the original car's windshield and part of its doors remaining, much to the dismay of Ferrari enthusiasts.

1965 Ferrari 330GT 'Shooting Brake'. (Picture from: MyCarQuest)

The design for the Ferrari 330 GT 'Shooting Brake' version came from the son of the US Ferrari importer with help from designer Bob Peak. The unique-shaped 330 was completely rebodied by Alfredo Vignale's coachbuilding company with only the original car’s windshield and part of its doors remaining. What a waste.

3. 1966 Ferrari 330GT 2+2 'Navarro' (Drogo)

Italian nightclub owner Norbert Navarro commissioned Drogo Carrozzeria Sports Cars to give his 1966 Ferrari 330 GT 2+2 a unique look featured with the front was extended and drooped, while the rear featured peculiar narrow fins running from the rear to the roof.

1966 Ferrari 330GT 2+2 'Navarro'. (Picture from: Hemmings)

The result was a bizarre transformation, with significant changes to the car's original design. Thankfully, the car was unchanged mechanically.

4. 1976 Ferrari 308 GT4 Rainbow (Bertone)

The Rainbow, a creation of Bertone, was based on the Dino 308 GT4. Unfortunately, the Rainbow failed to impress, and this lackluster response might have contributed to Bertone's limited involvement with Ferrari until their bankruptcy in 2014. It should be noted that Bertone created several classic designs including the Lamborghini Miura and Countach. Maybe Lambo just paid better.

1976 Ferrari 308 GT4 Rainbow. (Picture from: Pinterest)

5. 1983 Ferrari 400i Meera S (Michelotti)

The Ferrari 400i received an unusual makeover from Giovanni Michelotti's coachbuilder, turning it into something resembling a first-generation RX-7 kit car. This transformation was built for Prince Saoud of Saudi Arabia and was named after his girlfriend. 

1983 Ferrari 400i Meera S. (Picture from: FavCars)

The car featured unconventional elements such as windshield wipers on all four sides and an in-dash monitor replacing the inside rearview mirror. Fortunately, this marked Michelotti's last collaboration with Ferrari.

6. 1993 Ferrari FZ93 (Zagato)
The Ferrari FZ93, designed by Zagato, was based on the chassis of a Ferrari Testarossa. It featured the distinctive Zagato 'double bubble' roof and sported an awkward two-tone paint scheme with prominent black prancing horses on the sides. It was first shown at the 1993 Geneva Motor Show and later, Zagato would paint the entire body red.

1993 Ferrari FZ93. (Picture from: CarStyling.ru)

7. 2006 Ferrari 575 GTZ (Zagato)

A Japanese Ferrari collector commissioned Zagato to create a body for his Ferrari 575M, drawing inspiration from the iconic 1956 Ferrari 250GTZ Berlinetta. The outcome was a peculiar car that bore little resemblance to the original 575M. While it featured a two-tone paint job and Zagato's signature roof, the car appeared narrower and shorter than the base model. Many found it less appealing than the original 575M body, with a front end reminiscent of a 1953 Corvette.

2006 Ferrari 575 GTZ. (Picture from: CarStyling.ru)

In summary, all of these seven bizarre Ferrari cars offer a fascinating glimpse into the brand's history of collaborations with coachbuilders and the sometimes eccentric designs that resulted. Each of these vehicles has its unique story, challenging the traditional Ferrari aesthetics and, in some cases, pushing the boundaries of automotive design. What are your thoughts on these unusual Ferraris? *** [EKA [12062015] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | GEARHEADS | FORZA-ROSSA | MYCARQUEST | HEMMINGS | CARSTYLING.RU | CARTYPE ]

Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.