One of Ferrari’s most esteemed 1960s GT models, the 275 GTB debuted at the 1964 Paris Salon, slated as the successor to the long-running and highly successful 250 GT. Utilizing an enlarged 3.3-liter version of the classic Colombo V-12, the 275 was the first Maranello road car to offer independent rear suspension and a rear-mounted, five-speed transaxle, which contributed to the model’s ideal weight distribution.

About a year later, Ferrari introduced a longer, redesigned nose for the 275, intended to assist aerodynamic downforce at high speed. While helpful to racers, this modification did little to improve upon Pininfarina’s original compact proportions, and the since-designated “short-nose” examples, limited to approximately just 250 cars, are now prized by collectors for their aesthetic purity, often regarded as the most beautiful of the 275 GTB variations.

This fantastic late short-nose 275 GTB offers a number of superlatives, combining rare features, a desirable production sequence, stunningly original condition, and the benefits of just one owner for the past 37 years. As a sparingly used and undamaged example that retains all of its original bodywork, interior, and drivetrain components, s/n 07751 is as honest and authentic as a 275 can be found, setting a standard by which other short-nose models can be judged. It is additionally notable as one of just a handful of late short-nose cars to feature an “interim” driveline that was subsequently utilized on the 275’s later competition variant, the 275 GTB/C.

According to the research of noted Ferrari historian Marcel Massini, chassis number 07751 was sent to coachbuilder Scaglietti in July 1965 to be clothed in Pininfarina’s exquisite body design. Completed in September, the car was finished in Oro Chiaro (light gold) paint, as confirmed by factory records, with an interior trimmed in Nero (black) Connolly leather.

It should be noted that 07751 occupies a relatively unique position within the sequence of overall 275 production, falling quite late amongst the short-nose cars but shortly after the official debut of the long-nose prototype. Like a small handful of cars produced during this brief changeover period, 07751 combines various elements of both designs. It offers the purity of Pininfarina’s original early short-nose design, which is aesthetically preferable to many collectors and certainly more faithful to the model’s original conception, as well as some of the time-developed improvements of the later cars, such as hanging pedals, a wood grain dashboard, and an enlarged footwell.

The most important of these changeover features, however, lies with the driveline. There were three different driveline configurations utilized during the life of the 275 GTB, the earliest cars being fitted with an open Hotchkiss-style normal u-joint setup. The use of a rear-mounted transaxle required this driveshaft to rotate at a much higher speed than a conventional one, making proper alignment critical for the elimination of any vibration.

Unfortunately, over time, these drivelines often became misaligned, requiring both skill and special training to correct, usually at significant expense. As a result, Ferrari switched to a constant velocity (CV) joint setup with a center bearing (referred to as the “interim” driveline setup), which made the alignment process much simpler, and it is this configuration that is fitted to 07751. Generally associated with the initial run of the subsequent two-cam long-nose examples, the “interim” driveline configuration is known to exist on only a few of the late short-nose cars, making 07751 one of perhaps just 10 such cars that were so equipped.

Ultimately, Ferrari switched to a torque tube setup that effectively bolted the clutch housing to the transaxle at the rear, fixing them together as a unit. As noted, however, in the later 275 GTB/C competition cars, Ferrari reverted to the “interim” driveline setup, presumably because of its light weight and ease of adjustment. S/n 07751 therefore combines the best of both worlds, providing the short-nose model’s handsome looks with the vibration-free, high-speed performance associated with both the long-nose road cars and the later 275 GTB/C competition derivatives.

Equipped as an American-export example with instruments in miles, this 275 GTB was delivered new for retail to Luigi Chinetti Motors in New York in September 1965, and it was soon sold to a Mr. Freedman, of New York City. Ten years later, the car had accrued less than 23,000 miles and had been repainted in red. Otherwise showing very little use, the car still retained its original drivetrain and interior (with the manufacturer’s original dealer-issued protective plastic lamination still affixed to the carpet bulkhead) when offered for sale by a Pennsylvania-based owner in September 1975.

Two months later, the car was purchased by its current owner, a long-time automotive professional who owns a dealership in Florida specializing in quality automobiles. Originally acquiring the car in Pennsylvania, the consignor quickly retained the well-known Elvidio Grande, of the Auto Palace in Pittsburgh, to conduct a comprehensive rebuild of the original V-12 engine. The motor’s original rings, rods, and bearings were all replaced with OEM components, and it was then stored with the car to optimally enrich originality and provenance. Performance was supplemented with the installation of Daytona-style valve guides made of Teflon and brass.

Sometime after relocating 07751 to Florida, the consignor opted to conduct a premium repaint in red, for which he commissioned Daya’s Custom Autos, of Orlando, Florida. Totaling approximately $20,000, this work featured a full, bare-metal media-blast, including the removal of the doors, hood, trunk, wheels, and all glass. Following this beautifully executed refinish, 07751 was presented at numerous exhibits and events over the years, consistently earning acclaim and winning awards. These shows included the Festivals of Speed, the Celebration Exotic Car Show, the Winter Park Concours d’Elegance, and the 1987 FCA National Concours, at which the car was a 1st place winner. Most recently, 07751 was certified by Ferrari Classiche, further endorsing this prancing horse’s pedigree.

Currently still displaying approximately 50,000 original miles, this fabulously maintained short-nose 275 GTB offers remarkable preservation, featuring its original starburst-style Campagnolo alloy wheels, wood-rimmed steering wheel and shift knob, carpets, deck straps, and seats (which still display handwritten, matching chassis numbers on their undersides). All bodywork and glass remains original, displaying the correct Securit watermarks, while the driveshaft tunnel and exhaust system are also matching-numbers components.

S/n 07751 also benefits from a few more-recent mechanical measures, such as the installation of a new clutch package within the last 200 miles of use, and new, correct Michelin XWX tires within the last 150 miles. The suspension has furthermore been freshened with authentic Koni Classic factory shock absorbers.

Accompanied by an original owner’s manual and parts book, a complete toolkit, and its Ferrari Classiche Red Book, this outstanding short-nose 275 GTB has been ideally maintained by just one faithful custodian for the last 35 years. The car features time-capsule originality, continuing to wear original, factory-issued, protective, interior lamination more than 47 years after it left Maranello. Also particularly notable as one of the last short-nose examples produced, this 275 features the unique “interim” driveshaft configuration, promising smooth operation at higher speeds.

The current availability of 07751 provides a fantastic opportunity for 275 GTB enthusiasts to acquire a particularly unique example, one that would easily compete on the FCA show circuit and at finer concours d’elegance. It is a highly authentic and unusually equipped grand touring berlinetta that would be the highlight of most collections.

Please note that this vehicle is titled as 1966.