One to Buy: ex-Loris Kessel Racing / Scuderia Playteam 2004 Ferrari 360 GTC
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Ferrari launched what came to be the ultimate iteration of the 360 Modena at the Bologna Motor Show in December 2003. Dubbed 360 GTC, this latest contender for the junior class of GT racing would go head-to-head with Porsche’s 911 GT3 RSR unveiled a few weeks prior.
Based on the 360 Challenge Stradale homologation special (as opposed to the 360 Modena), the GTC was, like its predecessors, developed by Ferrari’s partner organisation, Michelotto. In addition to new Marelli MR3 engine management which yielded an extra 15bhp (now 445bhp), the GTC also featured uprated gearbox software. Most significant though was its new Challenge Stradale-inspired aero kit that included more aggressively front and rear bumper assemblies, deep skirts and massive rear spoiler.
Two versions of the 360 GTC were offered: one complying to ACO regulations and the other to FIA trim. ACO versions ran a manual gearbox and full-width rear diffuser. FIA-spec. GTCs came with enlarged vents ahead of the front wheels, a sequential gearbox, twin rear diffusers and a longer front splitter.
In total, just ten copies of the 360 GTC were completed, among the most significant of which is chassis 2060 which is currently residing at the Mechatronik showroom in Pleidelsheim.
Delivered by Ferrari Corse Clienti to Loris Kessel Racing in Grancia near Lugano in March 2004, the red-painted chassis 2060 was driven in that season’s Italian GT Championship by Loris Kessel and Andrea Chiesa who took a number of N-GT class victories.
For 2005, chassis 2060 was acquired by the Milan-based Scuderia Playteam and painted the equipe's distinctive blue and white livery. With the likes of Alessandro Pier Guidi, Toni Vilander, and Giambattista Giannoccaro behind the wheel, the Ferrari won both the 2005 Italian and Spanish GT Championships. This double title in two top national series remains an exceptional achievement in the Ferrari 360's history.
In early 2006, Playteam entered the car in the prestigious 1000 Milhas Brasileiras race at Interlagos where chassis 2060 won its class and finished fourth overall. The Ferrari remained active internationally throughout 2006, achieving further podium finishes.
With its contemporary racing career over, chassis 2060 was acquired by a noted collector. During this period, Ferrari granted Classiche certification and the car was exhibited at the Museo Ferrari in Maranello.
According to Mechatronik: “In 2017, chassis 2060 underwent a comprehensive technical overhaul at Michelotto Automobili. The documented work included extensive mechanical revisions and aimed to preserve the car at the highest level, both technically and historically.
After five years in the hands of a Dutch collector, the car was acquired by Mechatronik in 2021, where it has since become part of their private collection and is now once again for sale. Today, chassis 2060 presents an exceptional opportunity to acquire a Ferrari 360 GTC with a documented racing history, two championship titles, international competition record and racing successes, and Ferrari Classice certification. The combination of achievements, a fully documented history, and long-term collector care makes this car one of the most significant and sought-after Ferrari 360 GTCs in the world.”
