Ferrari 275 GTB/C "Competizione Clienti" (1965)

Following the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile's refusal in 1964 to homologate Ferrari's mid-engined 250 LM in the GT category, Ferrari looked to its upcoming road going 275 GTB. Introduced slightly later that year, the 275 holds a special place in Ferrari's history as the cars were last, true, dual purpose Ferraris that were equally at home on the road or on the race circuit. Furthermore, the elegant lines of the 275 Berlinettas are generally regarded as those of the last classical styled Ferrari, since later models took on a different styling direction.

Needless to say, the 275 was an extremely advanced car in a technical sense; a sophisticated chassis, fully independent suspension, and race-proven Colombo V12 engine, now displacing 3.3 litres, it's no surprise that the end result was simply sensational and praised by journalists and critics the world over.

Whilst many "road-spec" 275s were raced there were three categories of Factory built competition 275s; The first two competition cars were 06003 and 06021 which received mild chassis modifications. Following these cars three more 275s were equipped with lightweight tube frames, six-carburettor dry sump engines and bodywork that, while clearly related to the 275 GTB, was markedly different with a 330 LM Berlinetta-style nose and Lusso-style air intake atop the bonnet.

These cars took a clear inspiration form the out-going 250 GTO. During 1965, Ferrari produced another ten special Berlinettas, designated "Competizione Clienti" and built for customers as dual-purpose sports cars. These short-nose cars were fitted with six Weber 40 DCN3 carburettors sitting atop the essentially standard wet sump V-12 engine. An outside fuel filler cap in the right sail panel led to a large 140-litre gas tank, which replaced the usual 94-litre unit and resulted in the relocation of the spare tyre to sit vertically behind the gas tank. Consequently, the rear shelf on these cars was somewhat higher in appearance - another distinguishing visual feature.

Three air vents in each rear wing further indicated this car's sporting pretensions and hinted to the 250 GTO which the cars replaced. Most cars benefitted from very lightweight alloy bodywork. As was often the case with Ferrari, however, no two cars were identical and it is virtually impossible to assign a standardised list of special features to every single "Competizione Clienti" 275 GTB.

Please note, this vehicle is no longer for sale.

The Ferrari presented here is one of the initial production series of ten "Competizione Clienti" cars built. One of just three right-hand drive examples, the Maranello Concessionaires order book shows the car's desired specification as "Order 191 - 275 Competition Berlinetta - Rosso Cina with a Blu interior, alloy body, lightweight alloy wheels, Dunlop racing tyres and a Tour de France ratio axle". The car was of coursed adorned with competition extras which included the 140-litre fuel tank, rear fender vents, and quick release outside fuel filler cap.

The car was supplied new in August 1965 and registered 'GGJ 5C' - the registration the car still wears to this day - to its first owner the Irish Amateur Racing driver Harry Napier. Napier raced the car in a number of events predominantly in Ireland. Napier’s somewhat fortunate win at the Kirkistown Racing Circuit on July the 8th 1966 was reported on by the British publication Autosport. "First Gorman (E-type) and then Moffat (Ginetta) spun off and, although restarted, could not catch the Ferrari". The article also pictures Napier in the Ferrari battling with Gorman's in the early stages of the race.

DK's founder David Cottingham purchased the car for himself in 1977 and recalls purchasing the car under the streetlights in West London. David repainted the car and carried out some works before agreeing to sell the car on to Martin McGlone a few years later.

Mr McGlone owned the car for almost 30 years from 1978 until 2005. During his ownership, the car was regularly maintained and serviced by specialists including DK and was exercised regularly including on track. The car was raced by Martin and featured in many rounds of the prestigious Shell Historic Ferrari Challenge, which spans the globes most revered circuits; Silverstone, Le Mans, Monza, Dijon, the Nürburgring, and many more.

Following a racing incident in 2003, the car was restored in Italy. Subsequently, in 2005, the car was purchased by Sir Anthony Bamford. During his 6-year ownership, the car saw further on-track action, including at the Goodwood Revival and the Le Mans Classic, where the car was driven by Alain de Cadenet. During this time. the engine and gearbox were prepared by Piet Roelofs, and the car was race prepared by JCB's own team.

In 2011 the car was purchased by Mr Moule, a longstanding friend and client of DK with a keen passion for 60s Ferraris. As such, when he came to sell three years later, we handled the sale to its current owner. Since then, it has been meticulously maintained by marque specialist, Bob Houghton Ferrari. Under its current ownership, Bob Houghton and Storico Restorations undertook a total nut and bolt restoration on this 275 GTB/C. The car was returned to the specification of exactly how it left the factory.

The restoration culminated in 2020, and to showcase this restoration, the car was entered into the Hampton Court Concours of Elegance where it was awarded 1st in Class against some very stiff competition. Such is the reverence for ''GGJ 5C’, it was subsequently requested to be displayed amongst the highest echelon of automotive royalty when it featured in ‘The Red Collection’ at the 2021 Salon Privé at Blenheim palace. It was displayed alongside some of the most significant cars in the world including: Ferrari 250 GTO, Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Spider by Zagato, McLaren F1, and eight other almost mythical cars.

The car today presents superbly in the original specification of Rosso Cina over Blu interior. This exceptional competition Ferrari has a documented history from new and is still registered on its original registration number of 'GGJ 5C'. The car is proven to be as well suited to circuit racing as it is to tours, rallies, and use on the road, and it goes without saying that this provenant and rare “Competition Clienti” 275 GTB/C is eligible for all the most desirable and exclusive historic car events.

A superb example of the gentlemen client racers of the 1960s the early competition 275s are amongst the most desirable yet well priced competition Ferraris. Ready to view by appointment at our showrooms just outside of London, this 275 is accompanied by a wealth of documents dictating this cars history from new, a complete tool roll including its jack, and a comprehensive spares package including two sets of spare wheels.