Both of Copley Motorcars’ Ferrari sports-racers both derive from the former stable of Tony Parravano, the construction tycoon and 1950s West Coast racing pioneer who had more than a penchant for Enzo Ferrari’s exotic cars. Parravano hired the very best drivers to race his cars, including Ken Miles, Richie Ginther, and Carroll Shelby, the latter of whom piloted both of these special cars.

The 375 Plus – chassis #0478 AM – originally wore Scaglietti coachwork, before Shelby crashed the car at Palm Springs and it was re-bodied by Jack Sutton in Hollywood. Shelby later claimed that the car was the lightest and fastest Ferrari he ever knew – high praise indeed from such a proficient driver. In the subsequent ownership of privateer Frank Arciero, a young Dan Gurney drove the Ferrari to numerous victories. One of eight original 375 Plus’ believed to remain, and fitted with the unique and voluptuous Sutton bodywork, #0478 is a quintessential 1950s Ferrari sports car.

One of 37 three-litre Ferrari Monzas built, chassis #0538 M was fitted with unique Scaglietti bodywork in late 1955 following an accident in the Targa Florio. It was subsequently exported to the United States where, in 1957, it would compete in Scuderia Parravano’s final ever race. Parravano became embroiled in a dispute with the IRS, which led him to smuggle himself (and some of his precious cars) into Mexico. He was never seen again.

For those heading to the Monterey Peninsula this August for the Car Week festivities, Stu Carpenter of Copley Motorcars will be exhibiting both of these significant Ferraris at the Carmel-By-The-Sea Concours On The Avenue on 21 August.

Photos: Chip Riegel for Copley Motorcars