Ferrari 275 GTB/4 (1967)

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 particular left-hand drive example left Maranello in 1967 and was supplied to official dealer Motor S.p.A in Bologna, originally finished in Rosso Chiaro with Nero VM8500 hide and Nero carpets. It was purchased by Mrs Maria Martini, who entrusted the maintenance to Ferrari's Assistenza Clienti in Modena. In 1968 the car was sold to its second owner, another Bologna resident, who kept the car for one year before selling it to Fillipos Dimitriadis, who lived in Rome. The car was exported to the USA in 1975 and after being sold to William Johnson in 1978, and was observed by Ferrari historian Marcel Massini at the 25th Annual Ferrari Club of America National Meeting in 1989, where it placed 3rd in class. In 1990, the car returned to Italy, where it changed hands again in 1996 and was sold to the avid car collector Giuseppe Prevosti. The car was repainted into Giallo Fly and was purchased by a Spanish businessman living in Barcelona in 2007. In 2008, it appeared on the cover of Sports Car Market Magazine in its new Yellow guise.

In 2013, the car was purchased by a UK based broker on behalf of a client, who managed an extensive restoration as part of the sale. The bodywork and paintwork was restored by XK engineering in Coventry and the interior was re-trimmed in the correct period Vaumol Connolly Hide, by the renowned Tappezzeria Luppi in Modena. The mechanical components were carefully stripped and the Borrani wire wheels were restored superbly. The car was finished in Rosso Cordoba, a tan leather interior was chosen and full Classiche Certification was carried out, confirming this is a matching numbers example.

Complete with a thorough recent history file, this is an opportunity to acquire a truly stunning car in a fantastic, period colour combination. The car shows 76,000 km, which is believed to be the total mileage from new. The history file presented with the car comes complete with invoices detailing all of the work that has been carried out during the restoration. This example is in the condition one would expect following the extensive restoration work and is available for viewing at our showrooms just outside London.