The Ferrari 365 GT Nart Spyder is often cited as one of the most controversial designs in the marque’s history. The very example pictured recently crossed a German auction block, drawing attention not for its beauty but for its singular rarity and storied past. In this particular listing, the car carried an asking price around 1.3 million euros, a figure that reflects its status as one of only two models built in the late 1960s. The value rests on scarcity as much as on name recognition, turning what many observers might dismiss as a visual misstep into a coveted collector’s artifact.
Ferrari is synonymous with elegance and performance, a pairing that has underpinned the brand for decades. Yet even a heritage brand with a long track record encounters misfires. The Nart Spyder stands as a striking example of such a misstep, a model often cited among the least attractive in Ferrari history. Only two units were ever produced, and that limited production adds to the car’s mystique and price tag in today’s market.
The backstory behind this unusual Ferrari involves Luigi Chinetti Jr., a scion of the family that launched the Nart racing team. Chinetti Jr. became the leading Ferrari importer in the United States, a role that positioned him at the crossroads of American racing culture and Italian automotive design. The decision to push forward with a redesign while preserving the familiar Prancing Horse emblem reflects a moment when collaboration between designer, importer, and marque tested the boundaries of style versus function.
According to a former Ferrari racer who competed in endurance events such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Nart Spyder suffered from proportion and design issues. The driver described the car as too long and argued that it bore only about 70 percent of the visual identity expected of a Ferrari. In the eyes of many observers, the convertible-coupe silhouette resembled a replica more than a true Ferrari, a sentiment that has lingered in enthusiasts’ discussions for decades.
Even so, the engineering under the skin tells a different story. The Nart Spyder is built on the chassis of a 1969 Ferrari 365 GT Bbi, and it carries a robust 4.4-liter V12 engine. That powertrain delivers roughly 320 horsepower, enabling speeds well past 240 kilometers per hour in capable hands. The particular car in the photo has seen remarkably low mileage for its age, suggesting careful preservation that appeals to collectors who prize originality and minimal wear. The attribute of low mileage, combined with extreme rarity, helps explain why this model commands top-tier auction figures and ongoing fascination among Ferrari buffs. Photo credits: autogalerie.de