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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 Dan Vaughan

Spyder Convertible Coupe by Pininfarina
Chassis number: 08353
Engine number: 08353

Though it lacked the power of the GTB, the GTS offered its customers a touring experience unlike any other. Consisting of a higher rear axle ration, the GTS offered its owners a comfortable, but impressive, highway performance making it the consummate means by which to experience the road and the world.

Though it was, at its very core, a 275 GTB, the 'S' stood for something else, something very important to every Ferrari fan. The 250 GT had been Ferrari's first real Cabriolet model. However, there hadn't been one since 1962. The 275 GTS would change all that. Standing for 'Spyder' the 'S' would be a very important addition to the end of the 275's initials, and this would not be lost on those at Ferrari nor at Pininfarina.

The 275 GTS would make its debut at the Paris Auto Show in October of 1964, and, though Europe may have been heading into winter, things were definitely getting much hotter with the first Ferrari convertible since the 250 GT.

However, the 'S' in GTS stood for something else. Sure, it stood for Spyder. But, it also stood for luxury offering adjustable and luxurious bucket seats, greater luggage room and a softer rise. The top itself was entirely capable of being raised or lowered with one hand. The whole of the car stood for road-going luxury. Capable of speeds in excess of 140mph, the GTS was luxury and performance in one.

While Scaglietti would be given the honor of designing a body for the GTB, it would be Pininfarina that would be given the responsibility of gracing the chassis with a suitable Spyder body that would be subtle, and yet, striking at the same time. Pininfarina already had a suitable source of inspiration. Most people were looking to Ferrari for the reincarnation of the 250GT. So, that is what Pininfarina would give them.

The influence of the 250 GT would be undeniable from its side profile to its nose, even the little details like the grille and the headlights. The GTS would certainly look like the 250 GT reborn.

The 250 GT California had been intended for and been well-received by the American audience. It would be little wonder then that most of the 275 GTS Spyders that would be built would end up in the United States.

In total, just 200 examples of the 275 GTS would be built making the car an extremely precious Ferrari model, and, from the moment of its debut in 1964, production of the car would extend only into the early part of 1966 before it would be replaced by the 330 GTS.

Chassis number 08353 would be one of those 200 rare 275 GTS Spyders to be built. In fact, this particular chassis would be example 195 of the 200, making it one of a special few built by Ferrari and Pininfarina.

Though it would be considered a 1966 Ferrari 275 GTS, the car would actually be completed and delivered to Luigi Chinetti very late in 1965. The car would be completed wearing Grigio Fumo, or smoke grey, paint and a Nero Franzi leather interior. What is interesting about this particular car is that it is believed to be the only example to be completed in the smoke grey paint as the color was becoming increasingly more rare and was not a color offered at the time.

Unfortunately, after being delivered to Chinetti in late 1965 not much else is known about the car's history. What is known is that it underwent a full restoration that was concluded in October of 2013. The whole process was meticulously documented and all of the work verified. No detail was left untouched, and, when the refinishing and restoration was complete, the car would receive a full service by Coppa Bella Motors in Seaside, California.

The documentation present with the car includes the certificate of origin from Ferrari, the U.S. Customs papers and shipping receipts in addition to the extensive documentation and invoices covering the whole of the restoration.

Beautifully representing Ferrari's answer to the beloved 250 GT, 08353 offers the beholder a glimpse of Ferrari performance and luxury. Very much a 250 GT, and yet, very much its own, the 275 GTS is yet another example of Pininfarina's ability to gracefully marry luxury and style to performance. And, with its striking color, exquisite touches and other refinements, 08353 is a fine ambassador of the uncommon line.

The 1966 Ferrari 275 GTS, chassis 08353, would be offered for sale at the 2014 RM Auctions event in Scottsdale, Arizona. Heading to auction, the rare Ferrari would be drawing estimates ranging between $1,200,000 and $1,600,000.

Sources:

'All Models: 275 GTS', (http://www.ferrari.com/English/GT_Sport%20Cars/Classiche/All_Models/Pages/275_GTS.aspx). Ferrari.com. http://www.ferrari.com/English/GT_Sport%20Cars/Classiche/All_Models/Pages/275_GTS.aspx. Retrieved 13 January 2014.

'Lot No. 110: 1966 Ferrari 275 GTS by Pininfarina', (http://www.rmauctions.com/lots/lot.cfm?lot_id=1063791). RM Auctions. http://www.rmauctions.com/lots/lot.cfm?lot_id=1063791. Retrieved 13 January 2014.

'1965 Ferrari 275 GTS News, Pictures, Specifications and Information', (http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z1310/Ferrari-275-GTS.aspx). Conceptcarz.com: From Concept to Production. http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z1310/Ferrari-275-GTS.aspx. Retrieved 13 January 2014.

'Ferrari 275 GTS', (http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/car/720/Ferrari-275-GTS.html). Ultimatecarpage.com: Powered by Knowledge, Driven by Passion. http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/car/720/Ferrari-275-GTS.html. Retrieved 13 January 2014.

'Auto: Ferrari 275 GTS', (http://auto.howstuffworks.com/ferrari-275-gts.htm). HowStuffWorks. http://auto.howstuffworks.com/ferrari-275-gts.htm. Retrieved 13 January 2014.

by Jeremy McMullen

Spyder Convertible Coupe by Pininfarina
Chassis number: 07885
Engine number: 07885

Ferrari introduced their new 275 GTS at the Paris Auto Show in October of 1964. By this point in history, Ferrari had a very diverse and symbiotic production line, offering both luxury road cars capable of high-speed road use and grand prix cars plus single-purpose sports racers. As would be expected, the racing persona of the track cars often found their way to the production cars, which meant they were packed with performance but also difficult, challenging, or uncomfortable to drive. The 275 GTS was the solution; it successfully combined the race-bred mechanicals with civilized interior and driving characteristics.

The GTS was similar to the 275 GTB, featuring a higher rear-axle ratio than the Berlinetta and a milder mannered engine. Top speed was still very impressive, achieved at 145 mph. Its elegant Pininfarina body rested on a short, 2400 mm wheelbase. It had great handling and agility with wonderful responsiveness.

The exterior design was different than the 275 GTB. The interior of the GTS was luxurious was fully adjustable bucket seats and greater luggage capacity in the boot. The convertible top was easily storable and provided weather protection when erect.

This 275 GTS has chassis number 07885 and engine number 213. It was given a restoration performed by Black Horse Motors in Southern California. The work was rewarded with a Platinum Award for restoration at the Cavallino Classic as well as a Platinum Award at the Ferrari Club of North America National Show.

It has a later-style body with side vents and painted in the correct red paint. It has a tan leather upholstery and door panels, with black trim, and correct lightweight alloy rims and Borrani wire wheels which ride on Michelin XWX tires.

In 2007 this Ferrari 275 GTS was brought to the Gooding & Company auction held in Pebble Beach, CA where it was estimated to sell for $450,000 - $500,000. Those estimates proved accurate, just barely, as the lot was sold for $451,000 including buyer's premium.

by Dan Vaughan

Spyder Convertible Coupe by Pininfarina
Chassis number: 07655
Engine number: 07655

The Ferrari 275 GTS was built from steel and given alloy doors, bonnets and boot lids. Mounted in front was the latest 3.3-liter version of Ferrari's well-proven Colombo V12 engine. Its redline was reached at 7000 RPMs and it offered 260 brake horsepower giving the vehicle a top speed in excess of 220 kilometers per hour.

The chassis (Tipo 563) had an suspension setup that was identical in both the front and rear. There were upper and lower wishbones and coil springs. Another important update was the new rear-mounted five-speed transaxle. This gave the occupant much improved interior space and it improved the balance and weight distribution of the vehicle. Four-wheel disc brakes provided the stopping power.

The production of the 275 GTS was brief, ending in early 1966, when it was replaced by the 330 GTS. In total, a mere 200 examples of the 275 GTS were created with many being sent to the United States.

This example is chassis number 07655 and was completed in July of 1965 and sent to the United States by Luigi Chinetti Motors of Greenwich, Connecticut. Mr. Petrascoro of New Jersey became the cars first owner in August of 1966. In the 1980s, it was in the possession of Steve Saunders of Illinois. At this point in the cars history, it had been repainted red and fitted with a tan leather interior.

It was up for sale again in 1989. It now had a new beige top and its heads, clutch, and transaxle had been rebuilt. The odometer read just 19,000 miles. William Jacobs purchased the car in 1990 and kept it until the late 1990s and using it very sparingly.

The car is currently finished in Rosso Chiaro with a tan top, tan leather interior, and riding on Borrani wire wheels.

In 2009, this very rare car was offered for sale at the Automobiles of Amelia Island auction presented by RM Auctions. It was expected to sell for $425,000 - $500,000 and offered without reserve. The lot was sold for a high bid of $445,500, including buyer's premium.

by Dan Vaughan

Spyder Convertible Coupe by Pininfarina
Chassis number: 7337

This matching-number 275 GTS has been restored from the frame up and is one of only 200 produced between 1965 and 1967. It shared its mechanical specs with the 275 GTB, but had entirely different bodywork and was intended to be more of grand tourer to the GTB coupe's 'street racer.' It had a 3.3-liter V12, independent rear suspension, and a five-speed transaxle mounted at the rear of the car. The engine was equipped with three Weber twin-choke carburetors. It offered 260 horsepower and gave the car a top speed of 145 mph.

Spyder Convertible Coupe by Pininfarina

This Ferrari 275 GTS was purchased at auction in 2000. The third owner had it completely restored over a three-year period. It was a winner of numerous platinum awards and it was one of three GTS Spyders invited to the 40th anniversary of the 275 model where it won first place in class at the 50th anniversary even in Marinello.

by Dan Vaughan

Spyder Convertible Coupe by Pininfarina
Chassis number: 08005
Engine number: 08005

Ferrari introduced a new breed of 12-cylinder sports cars - the 275 GTB and 275 GTS - in October of 1964. Both cars shared the same wheelbase, 3.3-liter V-12 engine, and rear-mounted transaxle, but they were targeted at two very different clientele.

The Berlinetta was a dual-purpose machine. The Spider, however, was a refined sports car meant for high-speed touring and regular road use. The chassis of the 275 GTS was engineered by Ferrari specialists to meet or exceed the demands of their motorists. The Tipo 213 engine was tuned for low-end torque while taller gear ratios offered greater flexibility at high-speeds. These refinements meant the 275 GTS was one of the fastest open two-seaters of the mid-1960s. They could go from a stand-still to a quarter-mile in 14 seconds with top speed achieved at nearly 145 mph.

The 275 GTS wore coachwork by Pininfarina and had a compact design inspired by the 330 GT 2+2. Outfitted with fully adjustable bucket seats, a tasteful wood veneer dashboard, and a neatly integrated soft top, the 275 GTS had nearly every creature comfort. Pricing for these Italian beauties was listed at $13,000.

The 275 GTS received continual updating during its brief production run with features such as light alloy wheels, a rigid driveshaft, and a new style of fender vent that would be carried over into the 330 series. The 330 GTS replaced the 275 GTS in 1966, after just 200 examples of the 3.3-liter spider had been built.

This Car

Chassis number 08005 is the 186th example built. Being one of the later models, it features numerous chassis and stylistic improvements introduced throughout the 200-car production run.

The chassis was completed at the Ferrari factory in September of 1965. It was then sent to Carrozzeria Pininfarina in Torino where it received body number 175. Completed in February 1966, the car was finished the color scheme of Nocciola over Beige Scuro and equipped with instrumentation in miles.

The car was imported to the United States through official distributor Luigi Chinetti Motors in New York and sold new to a Mr. Slate of Los Angeles. In 1970, the car was sold to a resident of Oregon and registered as 'FDW 655'.

In 2000 the car was purchased by Mr. Robert Brower of Carmel, California. At the time, the odometer showed just 48,000 miles. A restoration soon followed, after which the car was refinished in a red-over-black combination. The freshly restored Ferrari made its debut at the 2003 Cavallino Concours at Concorso Italian and captured an FCA Gold Award.

During the summer of 2004, Mr. Brower shipped the GTS to Italy to participated in the Ferrari factory 275 Tour through Tuscany and returned to California in time to display the car at the annual Monterey Gatherings, including the FCA national Concours at Quail Lodge and Concorso Italiano. In November, the 275 GTS was certified by the Ferrari Classiche department, who confirmed that 08005 still has its original body, chassis, and major components, including the correct, matching numbers engine and transaxle.

The 275 GTS was shown at the August 2005 Cavallino Concours at Concorso Italiano and judged by marque specialists Sam Smith, Allan Boe, and Allen Bishop. It received a near-perfect score of 99.5-points, thereby earning the FCA's Platinum Award. This was followed by a First in Class win during Ferrari's 60th Anniversary Concours at Fiorano in June of 2007. In August 2008, it was shown at the Carmel-by-the-Sea Concours on the Avenue and the FCA Pacific Region meet at Concorso Italian where it received a second near-perfect score and Platinum Award. In 2010, it was shown at the Quail Motorsports Gathering.

This car retinas its full tool kit, jack, complete set of owners' handbooks, the Ferrari Classiche Red Book, and a history report compiled by Marcel Massini.

by Dan Vaughan


Chassis number: 07007

The Ferrari 275 GTS debuted at the 1964 Paris Motor Show. It was a replacement for the 250 Series II cabriolet. It carried updated coachwork by Pininfarina and a 260 horsepower, 3.3 liter, 12-cylinder engine, which it shared with the 275 GTB Berlinetta. The chassis included a newly revised four wheel independent suspension and had a top speed of approximately 150 MPH. Only 200 of these cars were built over a two year long production run. This car was purchased from the family that had owned the car for 37 years. During their stewardship, the car had accumulated only 5,000 miles. It was repainted and the interior re-trimmed in the 1980s, but the rest of its remains original. The car retains its original hardtop, as well as the tools, books and maintenance receipts.

Spyder Convertible Coupe by Pininfarina
Chassis number: 07805
Engine number: 07805

Chassis number 07805 was delivered new to the United States through Chinetti Motors, of Greenwich, Connecticut, in January of 1966 and then shipped to Loeber Motors, the Ferrari dealer in Chicago, Illinois. On April 15th of 1967, it was sold for $12,400 to its original owner, M.J. Suerth. Mr. Suerth had a winter home in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and that is where the new 275 GTS was directly shipped. For the next decade, it spent the winter being driven by its owner, with its colors of Bianco (18934 M) over Bleu (3015 VM).

In April 1977 it had 17,785 miles on its Borrani wire wheels. At that time, it was purchased for $18,000 by its next owner. At the time, it was listed as having unusual accessories, such as a small cocktail bar set up over the passenger seat and gold MJS monograms, an anniversary gift from Mrs. Suerth, on the doors. The car had also been fitted with a trailer hitch. Mr. Suerth had used his 275 GTS primarily to tow a dinghy to and from his larger yacht.

The new owner displayed the car at concours and club events all over northeastern United States, including at the Ferrari Club of America's annual meet at Watkins Glen in 1990 and at the Meadow Brook Hall Concours d'Elegance in 1997.

The gold MJS monograms and trailer hitch have been removed.

by Dan Vaughan

Spyder Convertible Coupe by Pininfarina
Chassis number: 08313
Engine number: 8313

This Ferrari 275 GTS was completed by the factory in February 1966 and supplied new to the dealer, Auto Becker, in Dusseldorf, Germany. It was sold in March of 1966 to its original owner, Mr. Hartmann, who kept the car for three years before selling it to a Munich resident, for whom it was registered as M-TS 151. During the Munich resident's ownership, the car was serviced and maintained by the Ferrari factory's Assistenza Clienti in Modena, recording 29,189 kilometers at the time of its service in April 1969.

In the 1970s, it was exported from Germany to California. On August 21st of 1977, it was advertised in the Los Angeles Times by a Mr. Holz, then with 66,000 miles. In 1983, it was sold to Bob Moe, in whose ownership it remained in storage for nearly a quarter-of-a-century.

Recently, following some time with a California Ferrari dealer, it was given a ground-up restoration. It is finished in Nero with Rosso seats, with an otherwise body-colored interior. It rides on blackwall tires on chrome wire wheels. It has Marchal headlights with the proper lenses, and the correct detailing and stickers can be found under the hood. Currently, the Veglia gauges display the odometer as having 91,179 miles, which is believed to be original.

by Dan Vaughan

Spyder Convertible Coupe by Pininfarina
Chassis number: 08335
Engine number: 08335

This Ferrari 275 GTS is the 193rd of 200 examples built. The chassis was sent to Pininfarina for Spider coachwork in early October 1965 and the work was not completed until 1966, after returning to the factory where chassis was officially finished in early March.

The original dealer's invoice was dated in late April of 1966 and purchased new from German Ferrari agent Auto-Becker by Mortimer Rosenbaum of San Diego, California. Mr. Rosenbaum retained the car for two decades, keeping it in highly original condition modifying only the brakes for improved power.

A California based individual acquired it in 1986, and then sold it to Walnut Creek Ferrari in 1990, where it remained until being purchased in early 1992 by Dennis Farrey of San Carlos, California. Farrey sold the Ferrari later that year to Dr. Ervin 'Bud' Lyon of New Hampshire, at which point the odometer showed 30,670 miles.

In 1997, he treated the car to a comprehensive refurbishment. The work, performed by Paul Russell & Co. in Massachusetts, included restoring the brakes, suspension, and other chassis elements, while partially rebuilding the original V-12 engine. The interior was trimmed in black leather, while the coachwork was refinished in the factory shade of Azzuro Metallizat. The car was then enjoyed at two driving events held in conjunction with the 1999 Cavallino Classic, the track event at Moroso Motorsports Park and the Classic Tour di Palm Beach.

In the early 2000s, Lyon sold the car to dealer Stephen Serio, who in turn retailed the car to Chris Lynch of Wayland, Massachusetts, by 2004. In May of 2011, the car was sold to Don Gaiter.

Currently, the car has 34,763 miles on its odometer.

by Dan Vaughan

Spyder Convertible Coupe by Pininfarina
Chassis number: 08621
Engine number: 08621

This Ferrari 275 GTS has had three caretakers from new, with almost four decades spent in the care of its original owner, John Brooks of Torrington, Connecticut. It is the 198th example of 200 cars built, and left the factory finished in Nero (black) paint with Bianco (white) leatherette interior upholstery and red carpets. It was shipped from Livorno, Italy, to New York aboard the SS Maria Costa in May of 1966.

The car was delivered to Mr. Brooks in August of 1966 and remained in his possession until 2005. It was then sold to Gerald Lettieri who displayed the Spider twice at the FCA Hartford Concorso Ferrari, once in 2005 and again in 2009. It won Best Italian Sports Car (1960–1969) at the Greenwich Concours d'Elegance in June 2012.

In 2014, it was sold to its current caretaker. Since then it has been shown at the 2015 Cavallino Classic in Palm Beach, Florida. It was also put on display at the FCA International Concours d'Elegance in Monterey in August 2015 where it won a Platinum Award for preservation and a Gold Award for condition. In January of 2017, it returned to the Cavallino Classic.

Currently, the odometer shows 42,140 miles.

by Dan Vaughan

Spyder Convertible Coupe by Pininfarina
Chassis number: 07987

The Ferrari 275 GTS was introduced at the Paris Motor Show in October 1964 and served as a replacement for the long-running 250 GT Series. At the front was a new 3.3 liter V-12 engine paired with a rear-mounted transaxle, and hydraulic disc brakes were at the front and rear. Body styles included a Berlinetta and Spider, and both designs were dramatically different. The Pininfarina-designed spider was the more exclusive of the two with just 200 examples built through early 1966 (450 examples were Berlinettas).

This particular example was completed in February 1966 and wore an Argento (Silver) exterior over a Nero (Black) Connolly leather interior. Assigned assembly sequence no. 177 and Pininfarina body no. 175177, this left-hand-drive vehicle was sent to the United States and delivered to importer Luigi Chinetti Motors of Greenwich, Connecticut.

In 1978, it was acquired by Charlie Kemp of Jackson, Mississippi who later sold it to John E. Bonnett of Kenilworth, Illinois, in July 1978. The current owner's father purchased it from Mr. Bonnett (the first of two times the car was acquired by the current owner's family).

Dennis Machul of Bensenville, Illinois, purchased the 26,131-mile car in 1986, and around 1988, it was sold to Gary Thieltges of Glendale, California. The car remained with Mr. Thieltges for twenty-eight years, and it was resold to the current owner on September 9, 2016.

This Ferrari received major service work at 33,424 miles. The work included new brake master and slave cylinders, brake fluid flush and bleed, new battery, engine and gearbox oil change, carburetor adjustment, distributor tune, electrical system check, and front-end alignment. Currently, the car has 33,528 miles on its odometer.

At some point in the car's early history, the engine was replaced with another correct tipo 213 unit and restamped with the original number. The 3,285cc Tipo 213 SOHC V-12 engine has three Weber 40 DCZ6 carburetors and delivers 260 horsepower at 7,000 RPM. There is a five-speed manual transaxle and four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes.

by Dan Vaughan

Spyder Convertible Coupe by Pininfarina

The 275 GTS was a two-seat spider produced from 1964 to 1966; only 200 examples were produced. The 3.3-liter V12 engine produced 300 horsepower.

This unrestored example received a Pavilion Award at the 2022 Cincinnati Concours d'Elegance.

During the late 1950s, Ferraris road-oriented Berlinettas split in terms of design from their race cars. After the 250 short wheelbase Berlinetta, the dual-purpose road / race Ferrari seemed gone. This new distinction motivated Ferrari to manufacture more civil road cars having impressive specifications. The first example of this new trend was the 275 GTB.

The 275 GTB/GTS was debuted in October 1964 at the Paris Salon. It was designed by Pininfarina and built by Scaglietti. The 275 GTB was based on the 250 GT Berlinetta Lusson and the 250 GTO. The GTS version drew styling from the 330 GT 2+2. Production continued through 1966.

The fastback Berlinetta coupe was the GTB series. This version was meant for driving on the road and at the track. The Open Spyder was the GTS series designed to replace the 250 California. This version was more comfortable and more suited for touring. Around 200 examples of the GTS were created during its two-year production.

Being light, powerful, and strikingly beautiful, the 275 was a very successful car for Ferrari. It sold well, with around 1000 examples made, and, as an afterthought, scored victories in endurance racing after the 250 LM was denied homologation.

By moving the transmission to the rear of the car, better weight distribution was achieved. The engine used was a Colombo-derived V-12 engine that produced 260 horsepower in the GTS and 280 horsepower in the GTB. With the GTB version, an option was given to the buyer to purchase the vehicle with three or six Weber carburetors.

In 1965, Ferrari created three examples of the 275 GTB for the purpose of endurance motorsport racing. The vehicles were dubbed the 275 GTB/C and outfitted with a lightweight aluminum body, air vents for the brakes, six carburetors, and a 320 horsepower engine, and a few other minor mechanical modifications.

In 1966 the 275 GTB was re-introduced with a four-cam version of the V12. Six Webber carburetors aided in delivering around 300 horsepower. To cope with the new power, the GTB/4 was given wider tires and a ZF limited-slip differential. The 4 in the name GTB/4 represented the twin camshafts per cylinder bank totaling four. This was the first quad-cam road-going Ferrari ever created. It was easily distinguished by its bulge in the hood. During its production run lasting until 1968, around 320 examples of the 275 GTB/4 were created.

The 275 P and P2 were purpose-built to Capture the World Championship and in the process beat Ford. The 275 P was powered by a 3.3-liter powerplant; a 4 and 4.4-liter version was also used. These mid-engined, open-topped cars were comprised of many of the same components as the road-going versions.

by Dan Vaughan