300 bhp at 8,000 rpm, 3,286 cc four overhead cam 60° V-12 engine, six Weber 40DCN17 carburetors, five-speed manual rear-mounted transaxle, four-wheel independent suspension with upper and lower wishbones, coil springs and tubular shocks, four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes. Wheelbase: 94.5" (2,400 mm)

- Award-winning restoration

- Previous 25-year ownership by passionate Ferrari collector

- Presented in original colors of Bleu Ferrari over Bleu trim

- Matching-numbers example

1964 was an important year for Ferrari. John Surtees became Formula 1 World Champion, and the team won the Formula 1 Constructors’ Championship, the International GT Constructors’ Championship and the International Speed and Endurance Challenge. Racing improves the breed and Ferrari’s incredible success would heavily influence its latest production models.

Unveiled at the Paris Salon in October 1964, Ferrari’s new berlinetta, the 275 GTB, was an evolution of the preceding 250 GT cars such as the 250 GT “Lusso.” The 275 GTB was launched alongside its sister car the 275 GTS, which shared the same chassis and engine.

The aggressive styling of the 275 GTB is often regarded as being among the purest and most beautiful of any Ferrari built. Certainly Pininfarina had created a true and timeless classic of sports car design, which was beautifully executed by Scaglietti. In October 1966 at the Paris Salon, Ferrari introduced the next evolution of the 275 GTB, the 275 GTB/4. Other than an increase in track by 24mm, the chassis was unchanged. Outwardly the new car was the same other than a full-length bulge down the bonnet to clear the six downdraft Weber carburetors.

The change in model designation simply reflected the single substantial difference between the GTB/4 and its predecessor: the V-12 engine fitted with four overhead camshafts, two per cylinder bank. This revised powerplant, known as Tipo 226, was directly derived from the 3.3- and 4.0-liter engines, which powered the 275 and 330 P2 prototypes of the 1965 racing season. With remarkable mid-range torque and flexibility, this formidable powerplant was capable of propelling the new 275 GTB/4 to a top speed of 160 mph. Competition power levels had been made available to Ferrari’s clients right off the showroom floor.

Ferrari had produced a car with perfect weight distribution that handled superbly. Perhaps one of the best summations of the GTB/4’s driving manners and performance abilities came from Grand Prix-winning, French racing driver Jean-Pierre Beltoise. In a road test published in 1967 in L’Auto Journal he said, “I covered in complete safety and the greatest comfort… and while carrying on a normal conversation with my passenger, the 46 miles which separate the Pont d’Orléans from Nemours in a little less than 23 minutes…at an average speed of more than 121 mph – which is remarkable enough without noting that I had to stop for the toll gates.”

Chassis 10051

The Ferrari 275 GTB/4 offered is one such exceptional example. It was originally delivered new in 1967 to the proprietor of Tecnotele S.p.A., a Milan-based company. The car remained there until 1973 before being sent to the United States, having been imported by Bloomfield Hills, Michigan resident Bart J. McMullen. The second American owner, Jerry D. Leonard, also owned another four-cam Ferrari, chassis 10675. Leonard, who lived in Greenfield, Indiana, used the car during the warmer months of the year until 1976. The car subsequently changed ownership and by August 1976 was described as “blue, with blue leather, wire wheels and super low mileage.”

Later in the year, the car was acquired by Jim Hunter of Atlanta, Georgia, a passionate Ferrari enthusiast and co-owner of FAF Motorcars, the official Ferrari dealership. In fact, the car remained in the Georgia area until the late 1980s, as Hunter sold the car in 1982 to Bruce Vineyard, who drove and enjoyed the car while ensuring it was properly maintained and serviced. As a former president of the southern region of the Ferrari Owners’ Club, he was passionate about Ferraris and owned several other examples, including a 365 GTB/4 Daytona Spyder and a 512 BB/LM.

In the late 1990s, after many years of ownership, Mr. Vineyard decided that it was time to embark on a complete, no-expense-spared restoration. He commissioned Mike Gourley’s Continental Coachworks to manage the project, and they contracted the mechanical work to FAF (now known as Ferrari of Atlanta) and the cosmetic details to Charlie Kemp’s Ferrari South. Work was carried out over the next five years, and it was decided at the time to finish the car in Fly Yellow with a black interior. This exacting restoration even included the use of Italian license plates “EE 51580.” Several years following the completion of the restoration, Vineyard elected to sell 10051 after his 25-year tenure of ownership.

In the spring of 2008, this car was purchased by the current owner and subsequently shown at both the Concorso Italiano and the Dana Point Concours d’Elegance. Earlier this year, the vendor elected to return 10051 to its colors of Bleu Ferrari with Bleu VM interior trim – a very handsome combination indeed. The car is presented in very nice overall condition and is equipped with Borrani wire wheels, a full set of tools, important service manuals and historical records. Displayed for the second time at the Dana Point Concours d’Elegance in June 2011, chassis 10051 received a First in Class award as well as an award for Best Closed Design. At the time of catalog printing, Ferrari Classiche have inspected chassis 10051, and it is expected to receive its full Ferrari Classiche Certification binder. Please speak with an RM Auctions representative to confirm these details at the time of auction.

Tastefully presented in this stylish color combination and with recent mechanical servicing, this car is eminently usable, with spectacular performance and absolutely stunning looks – it is clear to see why it is so sought-after. Perhaps Beltoise said it best: “It is, first and foremost, a serious and comfortable gran turismo, but it retains the lineage of a race car in the response of the engine and the quality of the handling. The 275 GTB/4 is one of the greatest automobiles created in our times.”