The perfect hommage to two iconic cars from the 1970s: Ferrari 512 S and Ferrari 312 PB.
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Niki Hasler
In the world of unique automotive creations, Niki Hasler AG - Official Ferrari Dealer Basel stands out, consistently creating Ferraris that tell unique stories. We highly recommend checking out their Instagram to keep up-to-date with their latest arrivals.
This time around, they picked the V6-powered Ferrari 296 as the base for two striking tributes. The Ferrari 296 GTB 'Peter Schetty' and the Ferrari 296 GTS 'Arturo Merzario' are stunning examples of Niki Hasler's dedication to creating unique pieces. Crafted with thorough detail, these models pay homage to two icons of Ferrari's racing history, driven by Peter Schetty and Arturo Merzario.
Ferrari 296 GTB "Peter Schetty"
Peter Schetty was a talented driver and later a Ferrari team manager. Known for his skill on the track and his leadership in the pits, Schetty’s dedication to the Ferrari brand was nothing short of legendary. The Ferrari 296 GTB "Peter Schetty" pays homage to his achievements. This 296 GTB is more than just a car; it’s a tribute to a man whose life was deeply intertwined with Ferrari’s racing triumphs.
After winning the
In 1970, Mr. Schetty was joined by Jacky Ickx in the Ferrari 512 S chassis #1038 for the 1970 24 Hours of Le Mans. This Ferrari 296 GTB takes inspiration from 512 S chassis #1038 and its livery at the 1970 24 Hours of Le Mans. The painted starting No. 5, the painted white/grey accents and the golden rims pay direct homage to #1038, making this a 296 GTB like no other.
Eventually in 1971, Peter Schetty joined Scuderia Ferrari as a racing team manager for the F1 and Sports Car programmes. He led the Scuderia for two years, before retiring from motor sports at the end of 1972 to go run his family's textile business in Switzerland.
Features of the Ferrari 296 GTB "Peter Schetty"
The Ferrari 296 GTB "Peter Schetty" is filled up with design elements inspired by the 512 S chassis #1038. These include Rosso Corsa exterior with Argento Nurburgring details, and Bianco King accents on the lower front bumper and upper rear bumper. The car sports the No. 5 racing number: set within a circle at the front and within squares on both sides. Oro Opaco wheels add the elegant touch, while the interior features Rosso FX Alcantara-upholstered seats and a doorsill plate engraved with a tribute to the 512 S chassis #1038.
Noteworthy is the absence of the traditional Scuderia Shields on the front fenders. While they are an option, it’s rare for a high-spec Ferrari not to include them. This choice stays true to the homage though, as the original 512 S chassis #1038 didn’t feature them either. To further emphasize its racing pedigree, this 296 GTB "Peter Schetty" is equipped with every available carbon fiber option, a 4-point safety harness, a fire extinguisher, the extended Fiorano package, Daytona racing seats, and titanium wheel stud bolts.
Ferrari 296 GTS "Arturo Merzario"
This Ferrari 296 GTS honors Arturo Merzario, an iconic ex-racing driver for Scuderia Ferrari from 1970 to 1973. Merzario participated in the 1973 24 Hours of Le Mans, driving the Ferrari 312 PB with Carlos Pace to a second-place finish. Their performance was hindered by a fuel tank leak that dangerously filled the cockpit with fuel up to five centimeters deep. This race marked Ferrari's final factory involvement at Le Mans until their victory with the Ferrari 499P in 2023.
Previously, Merzario had competed at the 1970 24 Hours of Le Mans in a Ferrari 512 S with Clay Regazzoni and at the 1970 12 Hours of Sebring with Mario Andretti in a Ferrari 512 S Spyder.
The design of the one-of-a-kind Ferrari 296 GTS draws direct inspiration from Ferrari 312 PB chassis #0898 and its 1972 Targa Florio livery. That year's race featured one of the tightest contests in history, with Merzario and Sandro Munari clinching first place in their Ferrari 312 PB, narrowly edging out the nearest competitor by 17 seconds.
Features of the Ferrari 296 GTS "Arturo Merzario"
Like its coupe counterpart, the Ferrari 296 GTS "Arturo Merzario" sports Rosso Corsa as its primary color. It showcases an asymmetrical livery in BP Green with borders in Giallo Modena, and the side graphics are in Argento Nurburgring. The wheels are finished in matte Oro Opaco. The number 3 is displayed in Nero DS on a Bianco King background and inside, the seats are upholstered in Rosso FX Alcantara, and the doorsill bears an engraved tribute to the 312 P chassis #0898.
Additionally, the car is equipped with numerous carbon fiber options, an enhanced Fiorano package, racing seats, and aluminium wheel stud bolts.
Which of these Ferrari 296 models would you want to take home? Let us know in the comments below.
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