Ferrari 275 GTB/4 (1966)

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 stunning and totally restored 275 GTB/4 left Maranello in 1966 and was supplied to the official dealer "Motor S.A.S" in Rome who in turn sold the car to its first private owner "Santovetti" who also lived in Rome. The car was originally supplied in the beautiful colour, Celeste Chiaro with Nero leather (as the car is presented today). The cars first owner kept the car for three years before selling the car in 1970 to a Rome based dealer. A little later, Ellis W Clark III, a wealthy Texan on holiday in Rome purchased the car and subsequently it was shipped, via England to Houston in Texas. Clark would own the car for the next ten years and ensured the car was passionately maintained including an overhaul and repaint to Red in 1980. In 1981 the car having covered approximately 44,000kms was sold to Italy. The third owner, resident near Milan, kept the car until 2001 when it moved to the fourth owner who lived only 15kms away. In the care of this owner and over a number of years the car was treated to an exacting and meticulous "nut and bolt" total restoration.
Finally in 2013 the car was returned to its original colour of Celeste Chiaro and the total mileage shows 49,000 kms which is believed to be the total mileage from new. This exceptional 275 GTB/4 retains its "matching numbers" motor and transaxle as well as colour combination, it is totally restored and complete with a continuous "four owners from new" history, this example is without doubt amongst the finest 275's available today.