Wagon Wonder - When it comes to cars that truly make people stop and stare, few do it better than a rare Ferrari with a story behind every curve. Imagine you're walking through a lineup of polished supercars, each shinier than the next, when suddenly, something entirely unexpected rolls into view. It’s low, long, unmistakably Ferrari—but with a twist that doesn’t belong to any mainstream model. It’s not just a car; it’s a curiosity on wheels. That’s exactly what happens when the Ferrari 365 GT4 Croisette Shooting Brake makes an appearance.
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| The Ferrari 365 GT4 Croisette by Felber was a wild yet elegant transformation commissioned by a Middle Eastern sheikh, brought to life through a collaboration with UK coachbuilder Panther Westwinds and legendary designer Giovanni Michelotti, resulting in a truly one-of-a-kind work of automotive art. (Picture from: MagnetoMagazine) |
Built in 1975 but truly born out of a bold idea in 1976, this one-off marvel isn't just rare—it’s nearly mythical. Based on t
he Pininfarina-designed Ferrari 365 GT4 2+2, the
Croisette was the result of a wild, elegant transformation led by Swiss Ferrari dealer Willy Felber. Fueled by a commission from a Middle Eastern sheikh who wanted something no one else had, To design the car,
Felber enlisted
legendary Italian designer Giovanni Michelotti, ensuring the final product wasn’t just unique—it was art on four wheels.
Felber teamed up with
Panther Westwinds in the UK, the same boutique coachbuilder known for some of the most eccentric and luxurious cars of the 1970s.
 |
| The
Ferrari 365 GT4 Croisette by Felber, built in 1975 but brought to life
by a bold 1976 vision, is a nearly mythical one-off based on the
Pininfarina-designed 365 GT4 2+2. (Picture from: KizoolSizam in X) |
Underneath the bespoke bodywork is still
a Ferrari at heart.
The 365 GT4 2+2 was already a capable grand tourer,
powered by a V12 engine and known for its refined presence on the road. But in this special project, the coupe silhouette gave way to a long-roofed shooting brake design, blending sports car DNA with wagon practicality in a way only a few have dared to attempt.
Painted in a striking Blue Ribot with a white vinyl roof, the
Croisette didn't just challenge
Ferrari tradition—it reinvented it.
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| The Ferrari 365 GT4 Croisette by Felber featured a blend of 1970s futurism and classic luxury, with beige Connolly leather, a built-in fridge, and a cathode ray tube TV that made the cabin feel more like a first-class lounge than a conventional driver’s seat.. (Picture from: ClassicDriver) |
Inside, the car was a mix of 1970s futurism and classic luxury. Beige Connolly leather, a built-in fridge, and even a cathode ray tube TV made it feel more like a first-class lounge than a simple driver’s seat. Despite this plush outfitting, the sheikh who inspired the build ended up walking away, leaving Felber with a masterpiece and no buyer. Eventually, it found a home in Switzerland, where it remained for decades, preserved and mostly untouched. Even today, apart from the missing fridge, it remains stunningly close to its original specification.
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| The Ferrari 365 GT4 Croisette by Felber was powered by the legendary 4.4-liter Colombo V12 with quad cams and six sidedraft Weber carburetors, paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. (Picture from: ClassicDriver) |
Fast-forward to 2024, and the
Croisette made its long-overdue debut on the international stage at
Monterey Car Week.
Shown off by Andreas Wuest, the car not only turned heads but also captured the imagination of judges at
The Quail,
earning the coveted Art of Bespoke Award from Magneto Magazine.
It’s not every day a Ferrari wagon wins hearts at one of the world’s most prestigious automotive gatherings, but then again, there’s nothing everyday about the
Croisette.
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| The Ferrari 365 GT4 Croisette by Felber retained the original front end of the 365 GT4 2+2 but introduced a radically reworked rear section, with a lengthened body, hatchback-style tailgate, extended windows, and a more practical boot space. (Picture from: KizoolSizam in X) |
The story of this unique machine is more than just metal and horsepower. It’s about vision, timing, and a little bit of luck. From
Felber’s wild ambitions to
Michelotti’s pen strokes and
Panther’s craftsmanship, every detail of the
Ferrari 365 GT4 Croisette tells a story of bold choices and beautiful execution. Today, it stands not only as
a rare Ferrari but also as a reminder that sometimes, the most memorable creations come from those willing to imagine something different—and then make it real.
*** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | OTSANDCO | MAGNETOMAGAZINE | CLASSICDRIVER | STORY-CARS | KIZOOLSIZAM IN X ]Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.
Built in 1975 but truly born out of a bold idea in 1976, this one-off marvel isn't just rare—it’s nearly mythical. Based on the Pininfarina-designed Ferrari 365 GT4 2+2, the Croisette was the result of a wild, elegant transformation led by Swiss Ferrari dealer Willy Felber. Fueled by a commission from a Middle Eastern sheikh who wanted something no one else had, To design the car, Felber enlisted legendary Italian designer Giovanni Michelotti, ensuring the final product wasn’t just unique—it was art on four wheels. Felber teamed up with Panther Westwinds in the UK, the same boutique coachbuilder known for some of the most eccentric and luxurious cars of the 1970s. 
