What the!?

That was the initial impression on finding this car in the Gooding 2014 tent this year at Pebble Beach.

Here are the details of its absolutely hideous unique design:

— Bought in 1966

— Upgraded to unique bodywork by Drogo Sports Cars in Italy in 1969 for Norbert Navarro, a Bologna commodities baron

Sold in 1971 to Chinetti Motors in the US, where it was imported as one of the NART (North Am Racing Team) cars that were quasi-exempt from certain rules.

So, about that design…: Hideous might be a strong description. The major issues from a modern eye are the too-long overhands and the extremely short wheelbase. The rear end in particular has some flair in those buttresses and corners, but overall is too compromised to be truly elegant or beautiful.

What this Ferrari 330GT Speciale proves is the luxury/fashion buyer mood of the time. A shift from soft drugs to hard drugs in the late 1960s.

It also proves that even when very…. unique… Ferrari road cars are always influential on the wider automotive world.

This paint, for example, would sweep the US auto industry by 1973 and hold strong until the mid 1980s.

This machine did not meet its $400,000 estimate floor and was a no-sale in Pebble Beach 2014.

1966 Ferrari 330GT Navarro Speciale

GOODING & Co.

1966 Ferrari 330 GT 2+2 Speciale

Coachwork by Drogo

• CAR HIGHLIGHTS