While the venerable 250 GT series from Ferrari remains rightly celebrated the better part of seven decades after its introduction—thanks in no small part to headline creations such as the GTO and SWB—the model line had neared its development ceiling after an 11-year production run. As a result, with the aim of creating a more luxurious driving experience that felt equally suited to twisting Italian Alpine roads as it was to lapping Monza, engineers set to work on the new 275 grand tourer that would debut at the 1964 Paris Auto Show.

Regarded as one of the marque’s greatest hits, just 453 examples of the 275 GTS would be built over the following two years. Behind the more aggressive styling that was brought to life by the coachbuilders at Scaglietti lay a 3,286-cc V-12 engine capable of generating 280 horsepower at 7,600 rpm. At the rear, buried below the aerodynamically efficient “Kamm tail” was a new five-speed transaxle gearbox to help achieve a top speed approaching 180 mph. To get the best out of the tubular steel chassis, the Berlinetta became the first Ferrari to gain independent suspension at all four corners.

It is thought that approximately 250 of the total built were the earlier “short-nose” Series I variant, which in turn makes them the rarest of the non-competition 275 GTBs. Of those is this car, chassis 06705. Ferrari delivered this example to Scaglietti on 27 October 1964 to be dressed in steel bodywork that would be painted by the factory in the shade of Rosso Cina over a Nero leather interior. The finished left-hand-drive 275 GTB—complete with power windows and three Weber 40 carburettors to feed the Colombo V-12—was then freighted to New York City, where it was sold in March 1965 via Luigi Chinetti Motors (the eponymous owner most famous for creating the celebrated Ferrari privateer North American Racing Team) to first owner, Mr Carl Iverson. He retained the car until 1974, when it was sold to Mr Carl E Drake Jr of San Francisco, California.

A new state beckoned in 1982, as the “short-nose” was acquired by Mr Robert Dorris based in Fort Worth. He would list the car for sale in the Ferrari Market Letter, the advert describing chassis 06705 as a “nice original car with only two previous owners” finished in red over black. Subsequently the Ferrari was purchased again in 1986 by fellow Texan, Mr John R Anderson of Lewisville.

He enjoyed the 275 GTB for the next seven years, after which the car was exported to the Netherlands under the care of classic car specialist, Mr Wolter Gratama. During his custodianship, 06705 was exhibited at numerous Ferrari events, including the 11th Modena Motorsport Track Days concours at the Nürburgring in July 2005. There, it was crowned winner of the 1960s road car class, with celebrated marque historian Marcel Massini among the judging panel. Remaining on the continent, the 275 GTB was certified in March 2015 by Ferrari Classiche, which recognised its matching-numbers chassis and engine, while noting that the replacement gearbox was of the correct type.

Later in July, having been acquired by a new owner based in Carlisle, the 275 GTB took up residence in the United Kingdom, where it has lived ever since. Shortly after arrival, the car was sent to classic Ferrari specialist Bob Houghton in Northleach, Gloucestershire. Between January and July 2016, the engine was stripped and rebuilt in work totalling £78,882 (invoices available to view on file). Chassis 06705 returned there in May 2021 to have a new exhaust installed, the seats refurbished, and further maintenance carried out at a cost of £14,923.

Purchased by the consigning owner in April 2022, this UK-registered car has been used sparingly in recent years. The Ferrari now heads to auction accompanied by its Red Book, owner’s guides, tool roll, history file, red rear indicator lenses, plus report by Massini.

Presented today in the classic Ferrari colour combination of red over black and wearing a set of correct-type Borrani wire wheels (available as an optional extra in period), this 275 GTB would be most welcome at an array of prestigious classic car events. These include the Ferrari Cavalcade Classiche, Rallye des Légendes, Cavallino Classic in Palm Beach and Abu Dhabi, plus the Modena Cento Ore. Praised by the consigning specialist for its compelling driving experience, this Ferrari would make for a beautiful addition to any Prancing Horse-themed collection.