Ferrari 275 GTB/4 (1967)

This car was sourced at a clients request, please get in touch if you’re looking for something special.

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 car.

This example was supplied new in May 1967 to Pietro Barbetti of Perugia, Italy. Mr Barbetti was an avid football supporter and local entrepreneur, having owned a series of Ferraris over a number of years, he upgraded his earlier GTB to the latest 4 Cam as soon as possible. He retained the car for a couple of years before it was exported to California. Jorge Lee of California retained the car until its repatriation to Europe in 1980.

The car was completely restored in the late eighties and was held as part of the large collection of Peter Thorp of Safir cars, building and restoring continuation Ford GT40s. A second and thorough bare metal restoration was carried out to Concours level over the course of two years, being completed in 2010 and finished in Argento. Shortly after completion, the car received its Ferrari Red Book Classiche Certification.