Prancing Horse Power

Two books trace the history of iconic Ferrari models

275

By Bacchelli & Villa, 275 pages, Artioli Editore 1899, April 2026, €599

Ferrari books tend to arrive with an expectation of grandeur, but 275 distinguishes itself by grounding that grandeur in genuine archival depth.

Published by Modena-based restoration specialist Bacchelli & Villa in partnership with Artioli Editore to mark the model’s 60th anniversary, the volume reads less like a conventional history and more like a carefully assembled tribute to one of Maranello’s defining GT cars. There is a clear sense throughout that the authors are deeply invested in the subject, and that enthusiasm quietly shapes the book’s tone.

It opens with a foreword by Piero Ferrari, reflecting on both the 275 and his memories of his father Enzo. From there, the structure balances presentation with documentation, drawing extensively from factory records, technical materials and period sources.

A comprehensive color catalog details original finishes and specifications, while the registry section reinforces the book’s long-term value as a reference.

The production itself is intentionally symbolic: 275 pages, limited to 1,275 copies worldwide, and richly illustrated throughout.

Production quality is superb, with a finely executed hardcover with metal insert and slipcase.

The book is rich in thoughtful details, period reminiscences and beautifully rendered illustrations. Period imagery is complemented by contemporary photography, including a session featuring Ferrari Formula 1 driver Charles Leclerc with his own 275 GTB.

Despite its depth, the book remains accessible, avoiding unnecessary technical density in favor of a presentation that is both engaging and informative. Well done.

Ultimate Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona: The Definitive History

By Luca Dal Monte, Simon Charlesworth and Keith Bluemel, 560 pages, Porter Press, April 2026, $660

This recent release by Porter Press arrives with the confidence of a definitive history, and, in large measure, earns it. Divided between road cars (Volume One) and competition history (Volume Two), the set balances narrative authority with archival intent.

Luca Dal Monte’s first volume places the Daytona within Ferrari’s broader late-1960s arc before drilling into development, design and legacy. It is measured, well-structured and authoritative. Simon Charlesworth’s companion volume shifts the tone entirely, offering a dense and deeply researched account of the Competizione cars, with race-by-race coverage and detailed chassis histories.

Production quality is excellent, as expected from Porter Press, with thoughtful layout and strong photographic support. The involvement of noted Ferrari historian Keith Bluemel as project consultant adds another layer of scholarly oversight.

If there is a shortcoming, the chassis registry in Volume One is notably sparse, limited largely to serial listings with little accompanying detail. Given the depth achieved elsewhere, this absence is conspicuous, though likely reflects the practical limitations of Ferrari’s tightly controlled archives and the difficulty of verifying ownership histories, rather than editorial oversight.

Less a casual read than a reference work, this publication sets a new benchmark for the model. At $647, the price is substantial, but the depth and quality help justify it. For collectors and marque specialists, it is essential. For general readers, it may be overkill, but no less impressive for it.