Ferrari 275 GTB/4 (1967)

The two-cam 275 GTB was built in two series – the early ‘short nose’ bodywork giving way to the revised ‘long nose’ cars during 1965. Then, in 1966, it was replaced by the 275 GTB/4. The capacity of the Colombo powerplant remained at 3286cc but it now featured two overhead camshafts per bank and competition-inspired dry-sump lubrication. The four-cam layout had been used on the Scuderia’s 275 P2 prototype racers during 1965, but this was its first appearance on a Ferrari road car. With six carburettors as standard, it produced 300bhp at 8000rpm, and a bonnet bulge was added in order to accommodate the air cleaners.

The model earned its motorsport stripes via a very small run of much-modified aluminium-bodied competition variants, examples of which won their class at Le Mans in both 1965 and 1966. Primarily, however, this was a high-performance road car, the finest expression of Ferrari’s GT know-how.

Please note, this vehicle is no longer for sale.

Completed at the factory in December of 1967, this 275 GTB/4 was born in the colour scheme it retains to this day; Rosso over Nero. The car was sold to its first owner the following month, January 1969 to an American resident. The car would be kept in Italy and a such, was registered on the Italian Tourist registration plates ‘EE 2600’, EE standing for Escursionisti Esteri. The 275 received its first service at the factory on the 13th February 1968 in preparation for a driving tour that would see the car cover 1,400 miles in just 10 days. The 275 returned to the factory following the drive to be checked over and the mileage was noted at 2,288 miles.

In 1969, the 4 cam was imported to the USA through Luigi Chinetti Motors of Greenwich Connecticut, likely with the first keeper. The car remained in the USA for some time, moving to the West Coast and taking residence in Los Angeles.

Sourced from the sunnier climes of Los Angeles, the car was purchased in 1980 by Ferrari connoisseurs Arnold & Werner Meier of Zurich, Switzerland. The Meier’s would retain the 275 for 23 years as part of a significant collection. At the time of purchase, Edi Wyss Engineering carried out an overhaul of the car as well as preparing the car for light competition use.

Awarded FIA papers on 9th April of 1998, the 275 would compete on the Tour Auto in France just 5 days later. A fan of the event, the Meier’s would alternate between cars, but the 275 would prove a trusty steed on two further occasions, as well as taking part on the 58th Tour Historique Automobile and GP Historique of Monaco in the Millenium year.

In 2003 the car was purchased by veteran British racing driver, predominantly at the hands of BMWs, and subsequent BMW dealership founder Frank Sytner. Sytner would retain the car for just over a year. In 2004, DK Engineering handled the sale of the 275 GTB/4 to its current custodian.

Residing within the care of its current custodian for 20 years, maintenance and servicing has been carried out exclusively by local marque specialists Rardley Motors. Today the 275 presents wonderfully and is ready to be used and enjoyed by its next custodian. The car will pass through our workshops as a part of the sale.