1965 Ferrari 275 GTS

It is important that when life throws you an opportunity you don't miss it. Jacques Swaters would be offered probably the biggest opportunity of his life in the early 1950s and he would do anything but miss it. The result would be the Belgian intertwined with Maranello in a way very few ever experienced. Enzo wasn't one to share the spotlight, but he did find ways to honor his esteemed friends. This 1965 Ferrari 275 GTS would represent one such honor.

It would all begin in 1952 when Swaters purchased a Ferrari 500 Formula 2 car from Ferrari for his own racing team, Garage Francorchamps. Enzo was not one to part with his cars to outside customers without some kind of connection. Swaters would get the approval and would soon find himself entrusted with Ferrari's display at the 1953 Brussels Motor Show. In fact, Enzo needed Jacques's help to get one of his cars through customs, which Swaters would do.

Having helped get the car through, Ferrari would leave it up to Jacques to man the display throughout the event. This was Swaters' big opportunity, and he wouldn't miss it. Not only would he keep watch over the display but he would also sell a car too. This made him alright in Enzo's book and it would result in Swaters becoming the official Ferrari importer, in time, one of the most important.

Swaters' dealership would see its fair share of Ferraris. Chassis 07559 would be purchased by the Belgian dealer in 1965 and would come bearing a very special finish. Out of respect for his relationship with the Belgian, Ferrari would allow a special finish to be created. Known as 'Swaters Blue', the dark hue would adorn the 275 GTS. Already one of just 200 275 GTS models built, this particular chassis would be even more special given its rare color scheme.

Featuring the 3.3-liter Tipo 213 V-12 engine producing, with the help of triple Weber carburetors, some 260bhp, the 275 GTS would fit the Ferrari mould perfectly combining the looks, with its Pininfarina-designed body, and the performance that made the marque famous on the track.

Listed for sale in Prancing Horse magazine in 1969, the car would end up being bought that same year and would remain with the owner for more than thirty years.

Still bearing its original engine and the rare Swaters Blue, 07559 remains a fine expression of the relationship between the Belgian Swaters and Italy's old man Ferrari. Documented by Ferrari historian Marcel Massini and having undergone a recent engine rebuild, there is very little lacking in the way of authenticity from this 275 GTS.

The 1965 Ferrari 275 GTS, chassis 07559, would be a part of Gooding & Company's record-breaking Pebble Beach event this year. Unique and a fine memorial to one of Europe's most important Ferrari importers, the Ferrari would garner a healthy sum. Initial estimates had the Ferrari selling for between $1,800,000 and $2,200,000. When it was all said and done, the car would fetch a sale price of some $1,925,000.

By Jeremy McMullen