Ferrari 275 GTB (1965)

By the mid-1960s it seemed Ferrari could do no wrong, winning on all fronts from sports car racing to Grands Prix and producing the most beautiful cars in the world. Ferrari's dual-purpose cars seemed unstoppable combining race-winning performance with film star good looks. As the legendary 250 GT LWB "Tour de France" gave way to the marvelous 250 GT SWB Berlinetta - and led ultimately to the awe-inspiring 250 GTO in 1962. Introduced at the 1964 Paris Auto Show, the new 275 GTB gave Ferrari a chance to incorporate all the best characteristics of this fabled bloodline. Many consider the resulting car to be the finest production Ferrari ever built, combining the thoroughbred mechanical pedigree of its road racing forebears with sufficient creature comforts to make the 275 GTB a superlative grand touring automobile.

Under the skin, the 275 GTB incorporated the best Ferrari chassis design, starting with the oval section tube backbone chassis. Independent suspension was fitted all around for the first time on a road-going Ferrari, and a 5-speed gearbox was also included in the specification. The transmission was mounted at the rear of the car for improved weight distribution in a transaxle. Now enlarged to 3.3 litres, the 60-degree V12 engine remained the familiar Colombo type producing 280bhp at 7,600rpm. A higher, claimed 300bhp, state of tune was available by employing six Weber carburettors instead of the standard three. In addition, customers purchasing a 275 GTB for road use could also specify aluminium coachwork.

This coachwork was all new too, a stunning Pininfarina design that evoked the graceful lines of the legendary 250 GTO. A long bonnet combined with a Kamm-tail rear body created a striking profile, while vents in the front wings gave the car a muscular edge. Vents in the sail panels added to the effect and paid tribute to the 250 GT 'Tour de France' Berlinettas. A smoothly integrated rear spoiler helped give the car a strong visual identity. Although the 275 GTB was a car of many firsts, it was also the last car that could be considered a true coach built road/race Berlinetta in the great Ferrari tradition. Although most lived their lives on the streets, many led a dual life, winning on road courses and hill climbs on the weekend, while providing stylish and exciting transportation during the week.

Delivered new to Luigi Chinetti Motors in New York City, this particular 275 GTB was built to short nose specifications with three carburettors, steel bodywork, and was fitted with power windows. Finished in Rosso Cina over Nero (VM 8500), it was sold new by Chinetti to a Mr Carl Iverson.

By 1974, the 275 GTB had moved across the country and is noted as being owned by Carl E. Drake Jr. of San Francisco by that point. In 1982, the 275 came into the ownership of Robert Dorris of Fort Worth, Texas. No stranger to Ferrari’s, Dorris’ father had previously owned a 212/225 Inter Coupe with Vignale coachwork (chassis no. 0179 EL). The next year, the 275 GTB was advertised for sale in the Ferrari Market Letter by Robert Dorris. It was described as being finished in red with black leather, and a “nice original car with only two previous owners”.

In June of 1986, the 275 GTB found a new owner with John R. Anderson of Lewisville, Texas. It remained in Texas for the next seven years, returning to Europe in 1993 when purchased by Wolter Gratama. Gratama showed at the 11th Modena Motorsport Track Days at the Nürburgring in June 2005, winning his class in the Concours. The car returned to the same event in 2007. In 2015, the 275 GTB was granted Ferrari Classiche certification, confirming that it retains its original chassis, engine, bodywork and has been fitted with a replacement gearbox of the correct type and Borrani RW 4039 wheels

Remaining in the Netherlands until 2016, that same year the car was acquired by the current owner and exported to the U.K., where it remains today. Upon its arrival in the U.K., it was entrusted to Bob Houghton for a total and comprehensive rebuild at a total cost of over £78,000. Seldom driven over the course of the next five years, it returned to Bob Houghton for further service work in 2021 which included fitting a new master cylinder, new exhausts, and an oil and filters change. It has been driven less than 200 miles since. In addition to the aforementioned Classiche binder, the car is accompanied by a history file, owner's manuals, and tool kit.

Presenting as it did the day it left the factory, this 275 GTB is in wonderful driver-quality condition, having never been fully restored and retaining its original interior. Full of character, it could easily be driven and enjoyed with ease as one of Ferrari’s most attractive and exciting V-12 grand tourers. It is available for inspection immediately at our facilities just outside London.