At the Paris Salon in October 1964, Ferrari introduced the 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, and it was constructed of steel with aluminum doors, hood, and trunk lid. Uncovered headlamps, triple-louvered fenders, a tapered rear end, and standard Borrani wire wheels were the spider’s major physical identifiers beyond the cloth top, 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 still bears identical mechanical components as 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 legendary reputation for superb balance.

Only 200 examples of the 275 GTS were built over an 18-month period of production, making the model far rarer than its closed sibling. Prized by marque enthusiasts today as the luxurious grand touring expression of the celebrated 3.3-liter “Columbo” platform, the 275 GTS has evolved into one of the era’s most collectable open Ferraris.

CHASSIS NUMBER 06923

The 19th example of its kind to be completed, this Ferrari 275 GTS, chassis number 06923, was finished on 14 April 1965. According to the report on file from Ferrari historian Marcel Massini, it was delivered to its first owner (whose identity is not presently known) that June via the storied Luigi Chinetti Motors of New York, New York. Although it was originally finished in the seldom-seen combination of Giallo Solare (sunny yellow) over a Nero interior of Franzi leather, it was at some point by the late 1970s refinished in black with a tan interior.

By 1976, the 275 GTS was in the possession of California resident John Collins Rector, who would sell it to fellow Californian Stephen E. Macie by early 1978. It would remain in Macie’s collection until fall 1987, when it was recorded as having been listed for sale by Shelton Ferrari of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. In the late 1990s, the car was repainted red, as seen today. In a testament to the quality of the new livery, as well as the overall appeal of the car, it was awarded Best Ferrari at the 2000 Auto Italia, held in 2000 at the Portofino Resort in Orlando, Florida.

Chassis 06923 was acquired by Walter Medlin in 2003, and it has spent the past two decades in his collection and not publicly exhibited. As offered today, the car wears its older red paint job and tan interior with black convertible top, and it rides on four Borrani wire wheels (plus a trunk-stowed spare). Its numbers-matching engine is crowned by triple Weber carburetors, and it exhales through Ansa exhaust tips at the rear. It is presently fitted with gearbox number 494, observed on the accompanying Massini Report to be a later unit.

Inside the cabin, the cleanly styled, distinctively modern wood-faced dashboard contains a suite of Veglia gauges, including Imperial speedometer/odometer, while a later Blaupunkt AM/FM radio with cassette deck provides entertainment. A wood-rimmed steering wheel is fitted, and a footrest is provided for passenger comfort; race-style lap belts are equipped for both seats.

The 275 GTS is undoubtedly one of Pininfarina’s most successful open-top designs, and an example of the model is worthy of a place in the collection of any serious Ferrari or sports car aficionado. This example, chassis 06923, is now offered from the Lost & Found Collection having not been seen by the public in over two decades. Still fitted with its numbers-matching engine, it will require mechanical sorting prior to use following its years of slumber. It also has great potential for a full restoration to factory specifications, including its appealing original colors of Giallo Solare over Nero, prior to exhibition on the show field—or private enjoyment on the open road.