1967 Ferrari 275 GTS/4 NART

The Ferrari 275 GTB replaced the very popular and successful 250 GT. The lessons learned on the racing circuit went into building the Ferrari 275 and was Ferrari's first fully independent suspension Gran Turismo, similar to their racing program, with a rear-mounted transaxle. The result was a better-balanced car that offered performance and luxury.

Production began in 1965; two years later it received an increase in power thanks to the dry-sump, 6-Weber, dual overhead camshaft engine, resulting in the 3.3-liter V12 275 GTB/4.

Pininfarina had created the design for the long-nose fastback Berlinetta incorporating a traditional Ferrari oval grille, abrupt tail, and voluptuous fenders. The design echoed the car's performance, sophistication, and style.

Luigi Chinetti, the United States importer and famed LeMans-winning driver, encouraged Ferrari to produce a Spyder version of the Berlinettas for the US Market. The 250 GT California, a Spyder version of the 250 GT, had been the earliest example of Chinetti's requests. Later, the four-cam 275 GTB/4 was given a Spyder body with construction work handled by Sergio Scaglietti. At this point in history, the 365 California Spyder was already in production; to avoid confusion, the 275-based Spyder's were dubbed 'NART Spyders.' The name NART, short for North American Racing Team, was in recognition of the team's racing success.

Only ten examples of the 275 GTS/4 NART Spyders were originally built and only available through the American dealer, Luigi Chinetti, who acquired them for approximately $8,000 a piece. A custom run of 25 cars was initially intended from Scaglietti, but just ten examples were constructed in 1967 and 1968. In a contemporary road test, Road & Track commended the Spyder as 'the most satisfying sports car in the world.'

In the 1968 movie The Thomas Crown Affair the Ferrari driven by Faye Dunaway was a NART Spyder and was referred to as 'one of those red Italian things.' Actor Steve McQueen was so captivated by the open car that he ordered his own from Chinetti.

by Daniel Vaughan | Jun 2014