Ferrari 275 GTB (1965)

Regarded by many as the Ultimate GT car, The Ferrari 275 was first unveiled at the Paris motor show of 1964 and was hailed as the successor to the legendary Ferrari 250 GT. The car had excellent balance, poise and weight distribution thanks to independent rear suspension and a rear-mounted 5-speed transaxle. In addition, the engine was shifted backwards in order to bring as much weight as possible towards the centre of the car. Ferrari eventually released a redesigned nose for the model, which was longer and aimed to enhance the aerodynamic abilities of the car at high speed.

With the introduction of the long nose body, the option of a lightweight aluminium body was also introduced as an option; no doubt for the client with competition in mind. The alloy-bodied 275 GTBs are considered by many to be the most desirable variant of the 275 GTB, as they hold a close link to Ferraris competition cars, and they are also one of the rarest, as fewer than 60 road versions were built.

This aluminium bodied example was manufactured in 1965 by Ferrari and was supplied in the stunning combination of Argento Metallizzato over a Nero hide interior. The car was first delivered to Ferrari's official dealership M. Gastone Crepaldi S.a.s in Milan later that year being sold to its first private owner Mr Zaniboni in Italy. After being sold on to its second Italian owner Mr. Ghisa living in Triste the car was later exported to the United States in the early period of the 1970s and subsequently purchased by Ronald DeLorenzo of Youngstown, Ohio. Later in 1974, Mr DeLorenzo listed the car for sale, still sporting its Argento Mettallizzato over a Nero hide interior, with an odometer reading of just 31,000 Km, as supported by the July 1974 issue of Road & Track magazine.

In 1974 the car was purchased for a sum of $6,700 by a well-regarded collector. Remarkably the car remained in the state of Ohio for 40 years, being fastidiously cared for by this same owner until 2014. During this extraordinary ownership period the car saw frequent use and was cared for exceptionally well. The car was preserved remarkably, with the only deviation from the day it was first purchased being a colour change to red, carried out early in the 40 year ownership. During its regular exercise, it was frequently displayed at shows such as the Meadowbrook Concours d'Elegance and the Ferrari Club of America, held at Watkins Glen. The car continued to be used with up most care to 59,000 Km, when it was subsequently sold by RM Auctions to DK and brought to the UK in 2014, when it was subsequently sold to a longstanding client looking for the very best example of such a car.

Once back in the United Kingdom, the decision was made to comprehensively restore the vehicle, returning it back to its gorgeous original Argento Metallizzato colour. This was carried out by GTO Engineering and the restoration was completed in just one year, testament to the exceptional corrosion free and correct condition of the car pre-restoration. During this period the car was most importantly Classiche certified. It was found to be incredibly original (and indeed retains its original Italian mirror sticker!) and needed minimal metal work. Upon completion in 2015 the car was displayed at the Salon Privé Concourse D'Elegance at Blenheim Palace 2015, at which it was awarded the winner of Class H (Fixed Head Coupés from the 50s & 60s). The odometer now reads just 62,000 Km and as expected this special 275 is presented in concours condition.

This sale represents a very interesting opportunity to purchase what is now thought of as the gentleman's choice of the 275 range, it is arguably the most attractive variant of the 275, being eligible and ideal for tours and rallies such as the Tour Auto. The car is UK registered, Classiche certified and is located in our showrooms just outside London and is available to view immediately.