In 1961, when Mr. Jose Fernandez first learned of the famed Michelotti designed Ferrari 340 America, his world was forever changed. From that moment in time, he made it his mission to capture the essence of these incredible vehicles in a car he would design and build for his own. This is the story of the coachbuilt Ferrari 330GT Speciale.
Mr. Fernandez dreamed of taking his 1966 Ferrari 330 GT (Serial #7877) and rebodying it in authentic Carrozzeria fashion, as a respectful tribute to the genius of Giovanni Michelotti.
Using several of Michelotti’s original design sketches and referencing Michelotti-designed racing Ferraris of the early 1950s, Mr. Fernandez perfected his personal take on these timeless classics, confirmed his approach, and set off to complete the project of a lifetime.
It’s never easy cutting into a Ferrari, but, in true coachbuilding fashion, the drive to introduce design, craft and passion requires risk. And as with all great automotive design houses in the past, this risk can be met with incredible reward when new ideas are revealed to the world.
It is with this tradition that the 330 GT Speciale project took shape. The results speak for themselves.
The project began with the original Ferrari 330 chassis and running gear modified to conform to the smaller profile of the 340 America, the Michelloti-designed Ferrari most closely related to this Speciale.
From there, a completely new, all-aluminum, hand-formed body was created with traditional methodology using a manichino and authentic Carrozzeria techniques.
Original parts and materials were carefully sourced, restored, fabricated and assembled with the handcrafted leather interior trimmed.
The ultimate homage to Michelotti, Ferrari and the lost art of custom coachbuilding was completed in July of 2018. Mr. Fernandez’s coachbuilt 1966 Ferrari 330 GT Speciale is slated for unveiling at the 2018 Quail Motorsports Gathering, a well-deserved honor for this rare gem.
1960sWhile in an American bookshop in Mexico City, Mr. Fernandez finds this photo in an old copy of Ferrari Handbook. “This is the car I like.”
1960sWith only one photo, Mr. Fernandez carves a small model out of balsa wood in one night.
1980sMr. Fernandez comes across issues of Cavallino and Road & Track that confirm his instincts are correct. He uses the new information and photos to revise his small model.
1980sThere are details on the car that do not suit his taste. The 330 was initially created for competition, so some concessions must be made. The car “was a bit too lean for [his] taste.” So, with great respect for the Michelotti design, Mr. Fernandez takes “the liberty of making it a little bit fatter” and gives the car a wider stance. He also decides to add a trunk.
2000sWith his newly imagined design complete, Mr. Fernandez finds a gentleman in Buenos Aires to craft a larger model of the car out of foam and plastic.
2004Mr. Fernandez comes to the conclusion that he needs a Ferrari 330 because its wheelbase and track suits his needs. After researching several promising leads, he finds a great deal in NYC.
2000sMr. Fernandez and his wife visit the Scallegeti factory in Modena, Italy. While he is busy figuring out a way into the factory, his wife finds an open door. She walks in and speaks with the workers who share the production process with her. Mr. Fernandez never makes it inside.
2000sWith information from the factory visit, a bare 330 chassis, and a rebuilt engine, Mr. Fernandez finds a Sicilian mechanic from Argentina. The mechanic rebuilds the engine and makes all necessary modifications to the chassis.
2000sWeeks go by, and the Sicilian informs Mr. Fernandez he cannot continue working on the 330. The project is at a standstill.
2015The 330 arrives at The Creative Workshop. Mr. Fernandez explains his current situation. Jason and the team agree to take on the project.
2016-2017Creative works tirelessly over the next few years to rebuild the 330 the way Mr. Fernandez has envisioned for so long.
2018Creative’s determination and dedication are undeniable.The car is absolute perfection. Mr. Fernandez’s dream is now his reality.
Concept A traditional, handcrafted coachbuilt speciale. It is simply an homage to the Michelloti-designed, Vignale-bodied racing Ferraris of the early 1950’s, namely the 1951 Ferrari 340 America.
I did the Ferrari because I like the Ferrari, and I think I could do it myself….I never asked anybody if it could be done. I just did it and that’s it. -Jose Fernandez
Actually, there is no other Ferrari like this. - Jose Fernandez
Thank you to Mr. Fernandez in choosing The Creative Workshop to help realize his dream.
Thank you to The Charis Culture, Cool Coconut Studios and Skylabs for helping tell Mr. Fernandez’s story.
Thank you to The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering for having the 330 unveiled Friday, August 24, 2018.
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