Following on from the success of privately-entered 550 Maranellos in international GT racing, including an historic class win in the Le Mans 24 Hours in 2003, Ferrari developed its own in-house evolution of the succeeding 575M Maranello, the 575GTC Competizione Berlinetta. Produced specifically for the FIA GT and GrandAm championships, the 575 GTC Competizione incorporated numerous modifications, starting with an increase in the displacement of the quad-cam V12 engine from the production car’s 5,748 to 5,997cc by means of a longer stroke. Different camshafts and alterations to the Marelli engine management system saw power increase to 605 bhp with the FIA regulation 31.8mm inlet restrictors fitted. Transmitting this power to the road was a six-speed sequential transaxle transmission and triple-plate carbon fibre clutch. Given a long enough straight and with the tallest of the optional final drive ratios installed, a theoretical top speed of 208mph (335km/h) was attainable.
With such an awesome potential performance, the 575GTC was subjected to lengthy wind-tunnel testing of its aerodynamics, resulting in the adoption of a flat under-body with rear diffuser to FIA/ACO regulations, combined with an adjustable front spoiler and split rear wing complete with ‘Gurney’ flap. The 550’s basic chassis/body layout was retained - tubular steel spaceframe, composite panels - while front and rear track dimensions were both increased over those of the 550 and the car’s dry weight drastically reduced to just over the minimum permitted 2,530lbs (1,150kg). The industry-standard all-round double wishbone suspension featured adjustable damping, anti-roll bar and anti-dive geometry at the front, while Brembo 6-pot calipers (front) and 4-pot (rear) looked after the braking. One of Ferrari’s most expensive offerings ever, the 575GTC cost a staggering US$785,000 in 2004, or approximately £415,350 at today’s rate of exchange.
The car offered here is one of two 575GTCs campaigned during the FIA-GT Championship in 2004 by the Italian team, GPC Giesse Squadra Corse. Two cars were entered: chassis number ‘F131 MGT 2216’ (race number ‘11’) for Philipp Peter/Fabio Babini and chassis number ‘F131 MGT 2218’ (race number ‘13’) for Emmanuele Naspetti/Mike Hezemans. This car, ‘2216’, was driven by the Austrian/Italian paring of Peter/Babini for the first five rounds of the season before its regular drivers were joined by ex-Formula 1 ace Mika Salo (Finland) and Vincent Vosse (Belgium) for the Spa 24 Hours, achieving its best result of the season with 2nd place. There were two further podium finishes for Peter/Babini and ‘2216’ in 2004 - at Monza and Donington Park. For the final two rounds Peter was replaced by Gianni Morbidelli and at the season’s end Giesse Squadra Corse was rewarded with 2nd place in the Championship, with Babini 4th and Peter 6th in the driver’s classification. In the course of the 2004 season, ‘2216’ covered 13,900 kilometres and finished in ten of the Championship’s eleven rounds, eloquent testimony to its drivers’ skill, the team’s standard of preparation and, of course, the durability of the Ferrari 575GTC.
During 2005 ‘2216’ contested the Italian GT Championship and since the end of that season has not been used. Several ‘Evo 2005’ upgrades have been incorporated, including carbon brakes, front bumper, front splitter, rear wing, rear suspension and Moton shock absorbers. The car is offered fresh from restoration by team RaceAlliance at the Nürburgring, repainted red and fitted with new windows. .