One of the rarest and most desirable of the front-engined V-12 powered Ferraris, this 1966 275 GTS has been in the care of a former Skip Barber Midwest series physician since 1983. Introduced at the Paris Auto Show in October 1964, the Ferrari 275 GT in both Berlinetta and Spyder configurations represented a significant leap forward in Ferrari’s road-going grand-touring cars. Replacing the 250 LWB Tour de France coupe and 250 GT California Spyder, respectively, they were the first production Ferraris to employ all-independent suspension.
The ladder-style chassis, with large-diameter main tubes connected by smaller-diameter crossmembers, offered improved rigidity while still adhering to long-term Ferrari convention. For the first time in a Ferrari, the transmission, now a fully synchronized 5-speed manual, was mounted in unison with the rear end, and the engine was located slightly rearward, both in service to improving front-to-rear weight distribution. The clutch remained bolted to the flywheel, and a central bearing supported the driveshaft. The new independent suspension and improved weight distribution had a significant effect on ride quality, road adhesion and overall handling characteristics, and 4-wheel disc brakes using separate front and rear circuits supplied more than sufficient stopping power.
The V-12 engine powering the 275 GT was the final iteration of the famed Colombo “short block” design employed in road and racing Ferraris dating back to the original design in 1946. Displacing 3.3L with an oversquare bore-stroke ratio of 77mm by 58.8mm, it was rated at 280 HP in the Berlinetta and 260 HP in the Spyder when equipped with the standard three Weber downdraft twin-choke carburetors, delivering an improved 217 lb-ft of torque.
While the 275 GTB’s voluptuous coachwork was designed by Pininfarina and constructed by Scaglietti, the all-steel GTS bodies were entirely a Pininfarina product. They differed completely from the GTB design and proved a skillfully rendered replacement for the lovely California, the front end combining elements of both the California and the 400 Superfast and the rear capturing the essence of the 330 GT 2+2’s rear treatment. The quarter section “hips” of the Berlinetta were traded for the merest hint of that feature and a single long character line, both of which softened its overall shape. The addition of front fender louvers in early 1965 did nothing to harm the overall design, instead adding a dramatic visual element recalling those of the 400 Superfast.
The Spyder’s interior appointments made for a more luxurious environment that that of the 275 GTB, with fully adjustable and more comfortable bucket seats, more luggage space and a well-designed soft top that was not only easily raised and lowered, but could be completely hidden from view under a crisply-styled boot as well. In addition, the GTS featured slightly softer suspension settings that further contributed to a thoroughly enjoyable driving experience.
One of only 200 produced from 1965 through 1966, the gorgeous Ferrari 275 GTS offered here was mechanically sorted by marque expert Terry Myr in 1983. It was also cosmetically refreshed by Mike Kleeves, who stripped the car to bare sheet metal and repainted it in Rosso Corsa; the interior and top were replaced at the same time. Rendered in black leather, the interior incorporates such classic Ferrari features as a wood-rimmed steering wheel, gated shift plate and Veglia instrumentation set into the wood-trimmed dash. Michelin radial tires mounted on desirable Borrani chromed wire wheels complete this timelessly beautiful Ferrari 275 GT Spyder, one of the greatest V-12 grand-touring automobiles of its era.
One of only 200 produced from 1965 through 1966, the gorgeous Ferrari 275 GTS offered here was mechanically sorted by marque expert Terry Myr in 1983. It was also cosmetically refreshed by Mike Kleeves, who stripped the car to bare sheet metal and repainted it in Rosso Corsa; the interior and top were replaced at the same time. Rendered in black leather, the interior incorporates such classic Ferrari features as a wood-rimmed steering wheel, gated shift plate and Veglia instrumentation set into the wood-trimmed dash. Michelin radial tires mounted on desirable Borrani chromed wire wheels complete this timelessly beautiful Ferrari 275 GT Spyder, one of the greatest V-12 grand-touring automobiles of its era.
This vehicle will be offered by Mecum as LOT F122 during their Monterey event, running from August 15-17.
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Presented by Mecum Auctions
Mecum Auctions is now headquartered in Walworth, Wisconsin, and since 2011 has been ranked No. 1 in the world with number of collector cars offered at auction, No. 1 in the world with number of collector cars sold at auction, No. 1 in the U.S. with number of auction venues, No. 1 in the U.S. in total dollar volume of sales, and is host to the world’s largest collector car auction held annually in Kissimmee, Florida.