280 hp, 3,286 cc V-12 engine with triple Weber dual-choke carburetors, five-speed manual transaxle, four-wheel independent suspension with upper and lower wishbones, coil springs and tubular shocks, and four-wheel disc brakes. Wheelbase: 94.5 in.

• Equipped with original engine as per the factory

• Award-winning restoration; superbly maintained

• Ferrari Classiche certification

• One of 450 built; ultimate spec, long-nose, torque tube example

In many ways, the Ferrari 275 GTB is often lauded by enthusiasts and the media as the last of the “classic Ferraris.” Conceived and executed under the guidance of Enzo Ferrari himself, the 275 GTB was introduced at the 1964 Paris Auto Show and marked a natural evolution from its immediate predecessors, the 250 GT SWB Berlinetta and Lusso. It was also by far the most advanced road-going Ferrari produced at the time of its introduction, and it served as a production test-bed for several notable engineering advances.

Designed by Pininfarina and executed by Scaglietti, the 275 GTB was more than just an alluring body. This Ferrari introduced many advancements in specifications for the marque’s road cars, including its first four-wheel independent suspension and five-speed transaxle gearbox. There were three major steps in the development of the 275 GTB, with the earliest cars being equipped with a two-cam V-12 engine and a “short nose,” which was lengthened to improve high speed while giving birth to the 275 GTB “long nose.” A torque tube was added to the specification at the start of 1966, and then, in the fall of that year, the final evolution arrived with a four-cam version of the 3.3-liter V-12 engine, fitted with dry-sump lubrication and six 2-barrel Weber carburetors, rated at a potent 300 horsepower. Despite their performance, they were quite civilized inside, with well-formed seats, wood-trimmed dashboards, and power windows standard.

This fine example of the long nose 275 GTB, number 08697, was delivered by authorized Ferrari dealer Autotouring S.r.l., in Modena, Italy, on October 28, 1965. Interestingly, this is one of few examples delivered new from the factory with an engine (0006) numbered differently than the chassis; the originality of this unit is verified by the accompanying Ferrari Certification Book. The berlinetta was purchased by Francesco Breviglieri, of Carpaneto, Italy. Mr. Breviglieri was experienced in Ferrari 275 GTB ownership, as he had previously owned chassis 07473. Records show that the car was regularly serviced at the Ferrari Factory Assistenza Clienti through 1967.

The next report of chassis 08697 appears in April 1976, when it was shown in the Ferrari Owners Club Newsletter here in the U.S., as owned by John Doonan, of Rockville, Maryland. It next passed to Neil Moody, of Evergreen, Colorado. In the mid-2000s, Mr. Moody commissioned a restoration of the Ferrari from Steven Bell’s Classic Investments in Englewood, Colorado, which was said to have cost over $400,000. It was shown at the Palm Beach Cavallino Classic in January 2007, where it unsurprisingly garnered a Platinum Award, reserved for those cars that are judged 95 points or better in strict Ferrari Club of America judging standards. In fact, this 275 GTB was one of only three cars in that event’s 275/330/400 class to be recognized as such.

Mr. Moody was invited to show 08697 at the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance in March 2008, where it was greatly admired. Mr. Terry Price, of Gazelle, California, purchased the 275 GTB in September 2008, and it passed directly in that same month to the present owner. In his custodianship, it has been maintained superbly and used sparingly on local tours of the Checkered Flag 200 and Ferrari Club. While it has undoubtedly been driven, it remains in show condition. The car has been seen at the 2009 Newport Beach Concours d’Elegance in Dana Point, California, the 2011 Desert Classic Concours in Rancho Mirage, California, and the 2012 Palos Verdes Concours. A testament to both the outstanding quality of the now six year old restoration, as well as the fastidious care it has received since, 08697 was judged in the Palos Verdes Ferrari Class at 98.5 points. It is further accompanied by the Classiche binder, a full set of tools, and books.

Still finished in the as-delivered combination of Argento over Nero, the brilliance of the underlying restoration is clear to see in the smooth reflections visible from front fender to door to rear fender and down to both of the sensuously shaped sides. The paint appears virtually unmarked, and the sparingly used bright trim is lustrous. Inside, the leather-upholstered interior shows only signs of the most gentle use and the same evident care and maintenance as the exterior. On taking delivery, the vendor had noted that Auto Gallery, of Calabasas, California, re-jet the carburetors from their high-altitude settings in order to deliver full power at sea level. Since then, Auto Gallery has regularly serviced the 275 GTB, with assiduous changes of oil and filters.

The current owner confidently relates that this Ferrari indeed holds the road with the same élan with which it most certainly did when first delivered. He goes on to say that it inspires great confidence on the road, doing everything it is supposed to do and belying its age. It is reported that even the clock and the trunk light work.

That the 275 GTB is one of the most desirable and iconic sports GT cars of the mid-20th century is undoubted. The next custodian of chassis 08697 will enjoy the benefits of fine design, brilliant performance, and the well-sorted and maintained quality that this Ferrari possesses in abundance. A more attractive and usable example would be hard to imagine.