For the 1965 racing season, 4 lightweight 275 GTB Competizione Speciales (1964), a prototype and three production models, were built and equipped with 250 LM engines. The design was by Pininfarina and the coachwork by Scaglietti. The design incorporated reduced weight with a ten percent reduction in size, smaller diameter chassis, 21 gauge alloy body, Plexiglas windows, and magnesium was used in certain engine and transaxle castings. The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) at first refused to homologate the model as a GT contender but settled on a compromise when Enzo Ferrari threatened to abandon the motor sport
For the 1966 season, Ferrari decided to build 12 lightweight 275 GTB/C cars, they were constructed between the end of the 275 two-cam production run and the start of the 275 four-cam production run; even though they very much resembled the road-going 275 GTB, not one body panel was the same and underneath very little of the road car remained.
