In late 1966, Ferrari used the Paris Motor Show to debut the latest development of its 275 GTB, the V-12 berlinetta that had been introduced to replace the long-running 250 series just two years earlier. With the addition of a second overhead camshaft to each cylinder bank, Ferrari squeezed one final iteration out of the venerable 60-degree, short-block Colombo motor that had powered the 250 and early 275 models, and in the process, they created the first dual overhead-cam engine ever used in a Ferrari road car. The new engine was standardly equipped with six Weber carburetors, which was previously just an option on the single-cam motor, and its configuration distinguished itself by developing 20 horsepower more than the unit on which it was based.

The newly christened 275 GTB/4, aptly named for its four-cam valve actuation, did not visually compromise any aspects of the prior 275 GTB’s beautiful Pininfarina body design, as it only added a sporty raised hood bulge to accommodate the revised engine’s additional hardware. The 275 GTB/4 is increasingly being deemed by many Ferrari collectors to be the best-looking performing variant of the late 1960s V-12 berlinetta, and its collectability is increased by the fact that it was produced in a sparing quantity of approximately 330 examples. The model’s rarity, ever-rewarding performance characteristics, and classic good looks have made it one of the most celebrated grand touring Ferraris of all time.

The stunning European-specification 275 GTB/4 offered here was delivered with a radio, instruments in kilometers, and power windows, as well as with seats specified to be two centimeters higher than standard, perhaps to suit the build of its original owner. It was delivered new by S.V.E.A. S.p.A., of Beri, to Officine Romanazzi S.p.A., of Rome, and it was finished in the most attractive original color scheme of Argento over Beige leather. During its two years in Rome, the car was serviced and maintained by the Ferrari factory’s Assistenza Clienti in Modena and registered as Roma A 97655.

In 1969, the car was sold by Romanazzi to its second owner, Pietro Achilli of Milan. It was exported from Achilli to Montreal, Quebec, in 1972, in the hands of Laurent Lemire. Later, in the mid-1970s, the Ferrari passed to Michael Stroffregen, of Downsview, Ontario, who enjoyed it for over a decade. During this time, it was entered by Stoffregen at the 15th annual Ferrari Club of America National Meeting at Road Atlanta in Georgia in 1978.

In 1990, Stoffregen finally sold his four-cam to an enthusiast in Toronto, who had it finished in traditional Rosso Corsa and fitted with a black leather interior, which is the appearance that it retains today. It next passed to Bill Jennings, of Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, and then to renowned Hollywood actor and sports car enthusiast Nicolas Cage. Cage has been a respected collector for many years, and he is known for his excellent taste in selecting the finest performance cars of all eras, with many of them having been regularly shown at California concours. It is only natural that he would own the Ferrari for several years, as a particularly noteworthy part of his collection.

Since leaving its celebrity ownership, the Ferrari has remained in Southern California. It has recently been serviced and sorted for the consignor by well-known marque specialists, with receipts for which on file. A recent inspection and road test indicate that the car is incredibly well-prepared and runs very strong. The shifting and steering are all extremely fluid, and it flows through the gears both up and down with ease. Braking is also very good, and it is reported to stop confidently and not pull in either direction when pressing hard on the brakes. The clutch pedal feels very accurate, as do the throttle and acceleration. Typical of this model, it is a little cold-blooded and takes some time to gain oil and engine temperature.

Cosmetically, the engine bay is extremely tidy, as it was cleaned, resealed, and prepped less than one year ago. All of the engine accessories, hoses, and clamps are reported to be the correct type and properly colored. There appears to be no leaks or seepage from anywhere, and no corrosion has been reported. The body is straight, and all the gaps are very good and even. The doors and trunk fit all appear nice, as do the glass and rubber seals. The chrome is very good, and only upon very critical inspection can one notice that there are a few very minor imperfections to the top of the windscreen molding. The underside is also very tidy and has recently been fitted with a new exhaust system. The Borrani wire wheels are very nice and show no pitting or flaws, and they are fitted with the correct Michelin XWX tires. The interior, which includes the dash, carpets, and leather, is also highly presentable. The seats are broken in just nicely, and they encourage comfortable motoring, while the carpets are the correct Wilton wool type and show no staining or discoloration. The vendor reports that the car has been kept in a climate-controlled environment and shows absolutely no sign of moisture or even minor corrosion anywhere. It comes complete with an owner’s manual and a set of books in their correct leather pouch, as well as a tool roll, which is complete with a correct jack.

The 275 GTB/4 camshaft configuration is the most desirable of any of the 275 GTB road going cars; therefore, this car is worthy of close inspection. It is a car that has known Rome’s narrow streets, Ontario’s open country roads, and the hills of Southern California. It is appropriate for returning to any of those exciting experiences or for being restored back to its original, striking color combination. The opportunities are endless for the new owner of one of the most famous, important, and desired of all Ferrari road cars.