A DIVISION OF LABOR: THE 275 GTB AND GTS

At the Paris Salon in October 1964, Ferrari introduced a new 275 model line consisting of a closed berlinetta (GTB) and an open spider (GTS), both of which were designed by Pininfarina. Production of the berlinetta form was licensed to Scaglietti, while responsibility for the open cars remained with Pininfarina’s factory in Grugliasco.

The open car was completely different in appearance and proportion to its closed sibling, with a body constructed of steel with aluminium doors, bonnet, and trunk lid. Uncovered headlamps, triple-louvered fenders, a tapered rear end, and standard Borrani wire wheels were the spider’s major physical identifiers, and those features were eventually carried over to the 330 and 365 GTS variants which followed. Yet underneath this unique skin, keep in mind that the 275 GTS carries mechanical components identical to those of the performance-oriented 275 GTB, including a rear transaxle that minimized weight and optimized distribution of mass. As a result, both body styles of this exceptional model share a reputation for superb balance.

Only 200 examples of the 275 GTS were built over an 18-month production period, making the model far rarer than its closed sibling. Even though the 275 GTB was perceived by many to be the more aggressive of the two, as it was better suited to high-performance driving thanks to its fixed roof, the 275 GTS was certainly no slouch. Road & Track raved about the 275 GTS in its road test, which was included in the September 1966 issue, commenting that “with the top down, all the extraneous noises disappear and one simply exults in the purr from those beautiful tailpipes. Sheer ecstasy.”

Prized by marque enthusiasts today as the luxurious grand touring expression of the celebrated 3.3-liter platform, the 275 GTS has evolved into one of the era’s most collectable open Ferraris. It remains prized by Ferrari enthusiasts today for its sublime coachwork, enjoyable open-air driving experience, and the powerful drivetrain—altogether epitomizing the essence of Maranello’s finest cars.

Benefiting from nearly 50 years of residence within the consignor’s noted collection of midcentury Ferraris, this 275 GTS is a superb offering showcasing the finest points of the elegant Pininfarina-built touring spider.

275 GTS 07501: BORN A CHAMPION

By virtue of its body number, GTS chassis 07501 is believed to be 94th production example built, following three initial factory prototypes. According to the research of marque expert Marcel Massini, 07501 was completed at Maranello in July 1965 and originally clothed in the handsome combination of Ivory paint over a red Connolly leather cabin. It was subsequently sold new to the Swiss businessman, racing driver, and four-time national sportscar champion Willy-Peter Daetwyler. Having briefly raced for the Scuderia in a 340 America Spider, Daetwyler is perhaps best remembered for his exploits driving a rebodied ex-Grand Prix Alfa Romeo 412. Later, he secured a Maserati 200 S/I in which he won the FIA’s inaugural European Hill Climb Championship in 1957.

Daetwyler was always a preferred customer of the Prancing Horse, and counted a 750 Monza, 250 GT S1 Coupe, 250 GTE, 275 GTB, and this wonderful 275 GTS among the group of Ferrari examples within his private stable. In a professional capacity, he was primarily concerned with the expansion of his family’s businesses into North America, and for that purpose he split his time between residences in Zurich, Monaco, and Los Angeles.

FROM DAETWYLER TO DON DE LA VEGA

At some point early in their time together, Daetwyler took 07501 with him to Southern California. By 1978, he had sold the car onwards to the late Mexican-American publishing magnate, Rodolfo Junco de la Vega, Jr., from whose collection it is offered today.

Like Daetwyler, de la Vega’s own selection of carefully curated Ferrari models included esteemed examples of all-time greats like the 250 GT S1 Coupe, 275 GTB, and 365 GTB/4 Daytona. By the time of de la Vega’s purchase, 07501 had been repainted in the archetypical Ferrari shade of Rosso Corsa, which must have been quite eye-catching when paired with the car’s original Rosso Connolly leather upholstery. The car would remain in this color combination for the next 30 years, enjoying a life of careful use and infrequent exhibition at FCA events in Florida and Texas.

In 2011, it was treated to a thorough restoration which reportedly saw its numbers-matching 3.3-liter V-12 engine rebuilt by marque specialists, as well as the fitment of a beautiful tan Connelly leather interior and black convertible soft top. De la Vega subsequently debuted his freshly renewed 275 GTS at the 2013 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, and he is also recorded to have shown the car at the 2015 Cavallino Classic.

During de la Vega’s long tenure as 07501’s caretaker, he was quite famously responsible for its regular mechanical upkeep, having reportedly undertaken an informal apprenticeship at the Ferrari factory during the 1950s. When, and if, the car ever required more extensive preparations, it was submitted to Ferrari marque specialists.

To this effect, the renowned Bob Smith Coachworks of Gainesville, Texas has recently furnished 07501 with a slate of service including new water, fuel, and oil hoses, fuel filters, spark plugs, valve adjusters, radiator bushings, and new tires for its attractive Borrani wire wheels. The car has also been fitted with a re-cored radiator, new fuel pump diaphragm, battery, clutch master and slave cylinders, rebuilt electric fuel pump, and fresh gaskets for its Weber carburetors. Previously, in 2018, its interior was refurbished by Lesch Designs of, Havana, Florida, contributing to its excellent appearance today.

Now offered from the collection of Rodolfo Junco de la Vega, Jr. after 45 years of much-enjoyed ownership, 07501 is a highly desirable example of one of Pininfarina’s most successful open designs. It would undoubtedly enhance the collection of any Ferrari enthusiast or sports car aficionado.