Stunning Ferrari 275 GTB set for £1.6m sale

A rare ‘66 GTB finished in Ferrari red

What’s red, rarer than a Ferrari 275 GTB and has a long nose? This long-nose Ferrari 275 GTB – complete with torque tube, triple carburettor and steel body.

That wordy combo makes an already rare Prancing Horse rarer still – one of just 58 examples, to be precise.

Add to that mix a life of careful ownership (including a recent restoration) and you’ve got a 1966 275 GTB that’s set to fetch in excess of $2.2m (£1.6m) when it heads to auction later today.

Here’s your chance to see it in all its crimson glory.

One name, many motors

Ferrari lent the 275 label to several vehicles between 1964 and 1968 – all of which were powered by an enlarged version of the existing 3.3-litre Colombo V12 engine.

The successor to the Ferrari 250, the 275 GTB was the first of the 275s, launching in Paris in 1964 as a two-seater GT.

Different motives

The GTB hit the market alongside the convertible 275 GTS – but whereas the latter was built for comfortable cruising, the hard-top GTB was all about performance. 

Carrying that 3.3-litre Colombo V12, the GTB benefited from some 280bhp – enough to propel the tourer past the 150mph mark. 

Mean machine

Designed by Pininfarina and built by Scaglietti, the 275 GTB was also quite the looker – and more aggressive than the fabled 250 before it. 

Sporting a larger front grill, swooping lines and a Kamm tail, the 275 looked every bit the Italian GT. 

Who are you calling ‘big nose’?

Its second iteration followed a year later (the ‘long-nose’ version) which, besides the obvious extension to the front end, was distinguishable by its external boot hinges and larger rear window. 

Game-changer

Under its shapely shell, the 275 GTB carried several innovative features that would go on to become staples of grand tourers in the following decades. 

Well settled

Chief among them was an arrangement that saw the gearbox and differential together mounted directly to the rear axle, to improve weight distribution. 

The GTB also utilised independent suspension – the first roadgoing Ferrari to feature the race-bred technology.

No pipe dream

Over the course of its life, the 275 GTB enjoyed several performance developments – including the addition of a torque tube, which essentially wrapped the driveshaft in a cylinder for increased durability.

Late developer

The example going up for auction was completed relatively late in the production run, rolling off the line in Rosso Rubino red in 1966.

Touring the USA

From Italy, it shipped to Los Angeles, before later spending time in Oklahoma, San Diego and Houston.

After Texas, chassis 08603 made its way to Minneapolis, where it was stabled with established Ferrari collector Rodolfo Junca de la Vega.

Under his stewardship, the 275 GTB competed in several concours events in the early-’90s, including the 1994 Ferrari Club of America International Concours d'Elegance – where it placed first in class. 

Dressed to impress

For this period of exhibitions, 08603 had been refinished in its stunning (and correct) crimson colour scheme. 

East from west

From the USA, it then went to Japan, where it lived for some 20 years under careful ownership. 

Eventually, it returned to the USA with its current owner, where it was thoroughly serviced and restored. 

Born to be rare

Being a late example of the 275 GTB, chassis 08603 carries both the desirable long-nose design and the torque tube setup.

With just 450 (or thereabouts) of the 275 GTB built in total, any running example was destined to be rare. 

Low numbers

And, while its not the rarest aluminium-bodied iteration, that long-nose, torque tube package – together with a triple carburettor-equipped V12 – makes it one of just 58 of its kind. 

Better yet, it remains in immaculate condition – complete with its original chassis, engine and gearbox.

Good perches

Wearing its rightful shade of Rosso Rubino red, it’s also notable for carrying a correct interior fit and finish – including those all-important leather seats.

Combined with Borranni wire wheels and Michelin XWX tires, you’ve got one head-turning GTB. 

Prancing Horse heritage

Dramatic, elegant and powerful, Ferrari’s 275 GTB is rightfully an icon of ‘60s sports car design.

Finding one for sale in this spec and condition is no mean feat – which probably explains why the bidding is expected to hit (and possibly exceed) $2.5m (£1.8m).

Up for grabs

Considering a splurge? Chassis 08603 goes under the hammer later today (9 March) at RM Sotheby’s Amelia Island auction.