Ferrari 275 GTS (1965)

The 275 GTS was launched alongside the 275 GTB in October 1964 at the Paris Salon, the GTS was an overdue replacement for Ferrari's Series II 250 GT PF Cabriolet that had ceased production back in 1962. Producing 280bhp, the GTS was still a formidable performer. With its top speed of 147mph and 0-60 requiring just 6.6 seconds, little else could match it as a great all-rounder due to its excellent chassis shared with the GTB, independent suspension all round, a silky smooth yet powerful and torquey 3.3 Litre V12, disc brakes all round and of course a 5-speed transaxle to match. These attributes, especially the 5-speed gearbox, make a 275 GTS a delight to own and enjoy in the modern environment.

This LHD GTS was completed in April 1965 and delivered new to official Ferrari dealer Charles Rezzaghi & Co of San Francisco, USA. Specified in the elegant combination of Rosso Cina over a Nero Franzi Hide interior, it was soon after sold to its first private owner located in San Francisco. In 1972, Mr Dan Clements of San Diego purchased the car. It was later advertised in early 1979 with circa 52,000 Miles in the Los Angeles Times by Ferrari of San Diego as Rosso with Nero interior and was sold to Mr Terry L. Kramer of Hawaii.

In Mr Kramer’s careful ownership approximately 5,000 Miles were covered before being sold in 1986 to Mr John R. Conely an investment advisor in Sherman Oaks. In May of the same year after a complete rebuild of the suspension, shocks, brakes and a small amount of paint correction, it was advertised for sale in the Ferrari Market letter with the previously listed work as well as noting “has rare hardtop” for $47,000.

In the late 1980’s David C Nelson, a long-standing collector of the finest Ferraris and a good friend to DK Engineering purchased the car. David campaigned the car in a number of shows receiving several awards including 2nd In Class at the FCA National Concours, Washington. David later sold the 275 in 1992 via Sheehan’s European Auto Sale to Dr Leonard Riggs.

Mr Riggs also campaigned the car at a number of Concours events including the 1993 Annual Vintage Ferrari Concours in Monterey, placing 2nd In Class, and at the 1994 International Ferrari Concours d’Elegance in Monterey. Leonard Riggs later sold the car to Mr Robert L. Jenkins a resident in Grenada and a cosmetic and mechanical restoration completed by Texas-based Bob Smith Coachworks followed. The car was later shown by them at the 9th Annual Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance in 2004.

In 2010 Ferrari of Houston carried out a comprehensive engine rebuild on the car as well as a host of additional work including a re-commission of the fuel system, a replacement clutch and flywheel, 4 new tyres and wheel alignment. Since then the car has been used sparingly, most notably in a tour departing from South Los Angeles and concluding in Monterey at the 2017 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. In late 2017 we purchased the car, importing it to the UK, checking over the whole car as well. We personally used the car on two tours and subsequently serviced the car, as well as carrying out a gearbox rebuild ahead of its sale. Upon completion, we handled the sale to its current owner. As part of the sale, we refinished the car in the stunning period shade of Verde Pino.

Fresh from an annual service, today this 275 represents an opportunity to acquire a wonderful example of what is an undervalued but undeniably pretty and very competent GTS Ferrari from the golden mid-sixties era of Ferrari history. Complete with tool kit and Ferrari Red Book Classiche Certification, this example is available to view at our showrooms just outside London immediately.