Ferrari 275 GTB/4 (1968)

Introduced in 1966, the 275 GTB/4 was the first four-camshaft engine to be used on a road-going Ferrari. Although the chassis was given a new type number of 596, it remained practically identical to the outgoing frame as featured on the two cam Series II Torque Tube model it was replacing. The Long Nose bodywork was also almost identical to the late 2 cam models; the most obvious change was the bonnet bulge to allow suitable clearance for the carburettors air cleaner. The body was fabricated predominantly from steel albeit with aluminium doors, bonnets and boot lids. An all-alloy body was also available but by special order only. The engines were substantially different to before, featuring dual overhead camshafts and competition-inspired dry-sump lubrication. It retained the 3285cc but output had risen to 300bhp at 8000rpm. Having begun late in 1966, GTB/4 production was discontinued two years later after the completion of just 330 examples.
Undoubtedly the 4 cam is a much more useable Grand Tourer than its 2 cam contemporary benefiting from much greater torque throughout its rev range. This upgraded engine specification meant the 275 finally had a motor to match its credibly up to date design with disc brakes and independent suspension all round. In short, a 4 cam is one of the finest driving cars ever produced by Ferrari. To many, the epitome of La Dolce Vita, "the Ultimate Grand Tourer" the "4cam" is now one of the most widely appreciated and in-demand collector cars.
This superb LHD 275 GTB/4 offered for sale by DK benefits from, extremely rare for the model, period competition history. It also has a very well documented history file and Concours winning pedigree.
Completed at the factory October 1967, the car was immediately dispatched to Tayre Ferrari of Madrid. Tayre took the car to Barcelona where it took pride of place as the presentation car on display at the 1967 Motorshow. Shortly after, Tayre sold #10379 to its first owner Mr. Comy who registered the car on Italian tourist licence plates “EE 25378“.
Mr Comy would use the car regularly, covering just under 7,400 km before its first Factory service in December 1967. The following year saw its race debut at the Barcelona 6 hours, #27 was steered by Eladio Doncel and co-driver Carolos Llagostera, finishing a respectable 11th of 20 entries; photos of its participation are included in the history file.
The car was later exported to the USA, spending much of its life on the East Coast. The car was totally restored over the course of 4 ½ years. Initially, by Steve Blackmans Metalworks in Costa Mesa, It commenced 2009.
A comprehensive bare shell restoration took place, refinishing the car in the Argento hue as presented today. The interior was also retrimmed in the elegant period Bordeaux hide. Mechanicals and finishing was executed by Norbert Hofer, during which time the car was inspected twice by DK.
The car was then subsequently sold to its current owner, whos first port of call was showcasing the car at the 49th annual Palm Beach Cavallino Classic, held at The Breakers Hotel in FL/USA.
Since then, the car has seen a number of Concours lawns, including the FCAPR Vintage Greenwich Concorso Italiano in 2014, where the highest accolade the Platinum Award was received. A great achievement and benchmark for all other restored 275s.
The car has since been awarded 1st in Class at the Cavallino Classic XXIV and then an Award of Excellence in June 2015 at the Greenwich Concours d’ Elegance. Moving to the UK in 2017, the current owner imported the car and registered it here.
In recent years, Bob Houghton’s of Gloucestershire set to work fine-tuning the necessary areas of attention upon its arrival in the UK. Invoices in the file scrutinise the engine and push for a full rebuild. Wanting to maintain the importance of this 275’s matching numbers, the correct decision to invest in a total engine rebuild that was completed in 2019.
Since restoration, it has not only been about Concours events, but also some road use. As such the car has covered a few hundred shakedown miles since its completion and has always been maintained regardless of cost. The car remains not only in show-ready condition but is also absolutely, “on the button”, and ready to be used and enjoyed.
Benefiting from the desirable, and recently awarded, ‘red book’ Classiche Certification, the car is accompanied by an extremely thorough history file documenting its full restoration. As one would expect the car is accompanied by original 275 toolkit, spare wheels, trophies and books. It is available to view at our showrooms just outside London immediately.