1966 Ferrari 275 GTS

The Ferrari 275 GTS served as a replacement for the 250 GT Series II Cabriolet and premiered alongside its closed sibling, the 275 GTB, in 1964 at the Paris Auto Show. Both the GTS and GTB used a 3.3-liter Colombo V12 engine, the same chassis and suspension, but different body configurations. The GTS's seats were less heavily bolstered, albeit very comfortable, and trimmed in the traditional Connolly leather. The GTB bodywork was crafted at Scaglietti's facilities in Modena while the GTS was constructed by Pininfarina at its facilities in Turin. Both had been designed by Pininfarina.

Even though GTB and GTS shared the 3,286cc, single overhead camshaft, 60-degree V12 engine with an alloy block and head, the factory reported the GTB as producing 280 horsepower and the GTS at 260 horsepower. Three twin-choke Weber 40 DCZ 6 or 40 DFI 1 carburetors were equipped as standard, with the six twin-choke Weber 40 DCN carburetor setup was optional. With the latter installed, horsepower rose to 300 hp at 7,500 RPM. Both used a five-speed manual rear transaxle with Porsche-style synchromesh, a limited-slip differential, four-wheel independent suspension with upper and lower A-arms and coil springs, and four-wheel hydraulic Dunlop disc brakes. Both rested on a conventional ladder frame design fabricated from oval-section steel tubing, with a 94.5-inch wheelbase. The GTB rested on cast magnesium 14-inch diameter wheels were standard equipment, with Borrani wire wheels available as optional equipment. The GTS was fitted with Borrani wire wheels wrapped with 205VR15 Pirelli Cinturato CN72 tires.

The styling of the GTS featured a shorter front hood than its GTB Coupe sibling, and with smaller uncovered headlights. They had a folding cloth convertible top and an additional (optional) removable hardtop.

The GTB was perceived to be the more aggressive of the two, perhaps due to its fixed-roof which made it better suited to high-performance driving. Its body was fabricated in steel with aluminum alloy doors, hood and trunk lid. Approximately 72 examples of the GTB wore an optional all-aluminum body. The all-steel 275 GTS was largely intended for the American market specifically in Florida and California climates. The interiors of both featured a Nardi wood-trimmed steering wheel and a gated shifter, traits that were linked to its more performance-oriented siblings.

Ferrari built a total of 200 examples of the GTS from 1964 to 1966, which was equal to less than half the 275 GTBs produced. The Ferrari 275 GTS was replaced by the 330 GTS.

275 GTB/4
Ferrari introduced the 275 GTB/4 in 1966 and was the first street Ferrari with a twin overhead camshaft V12 engine, rated at 300 horsepower. The valve angle was reduced to 54-degrees, allowing for a more compact head, and the valves to be aligned perpendicular to the camshaft instead of offset as in SOHC engines. It engine received a dry-sump lubrication system with a 16-liter capacity. Additional modifications to the 275 GTB/4 were made to the cooling system, suspension, exhaust, and a torque tube connecting the engine and transmission. Styling remained similar with the most distinguishable feature being a hood bulge to accommodate the engine.

275 GTB/4 and GTS/4 NART spyder
The Ferrari 275 GTB/4 and GTS/4 Nart Spyders were built between 1966 and 1968 and came equipped with a development of the double overhead camshaft 275 engine. It was a four overhead cam 3.3-liter V12 engine which led to the model often being called 'four-cam' cars to distinguish them from earlier 275 models.

Luigi Chinetti, the Ferrari importer for the United States, had requested Ferrari build a special convertible version of the GTB/4. Chinetti would be the exclusive retailer of the car, and he named it the NART Spyder, with NART referencing the North American Racing Team. Only ten examples were sold in 1967.

While the 275 GTS had been built by Pininfarina, the 275 GTS/4 NART was bodied by Scaglietti. The first two examples of the 275 GTS/4 NART Spyder wore alloy bodies while the rest were built from steel.

by Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2021