1967 FERRARI 275 GTB/6C ALLOY BERLINETTA
1967 FERRARI 275 GTB/6C ALLOY BERLINETTA

Details
1967 FERRARI 275 GTB/6C ALLOY BERLINETTA
COACHWORK BY SCAGLIETTI TO PININFARINA DESIGN

Chassis No. 8891
Engine No. 8891
Deep metallic Swater's blue with Bordeaux leather interior

Engine: V12, single overhead cam, six Weber 40 DCN9 carburetors, 3,286cc, 280bhp at 7,600rpm; Gearbox: five-speed manual; Suspension: front and rear, independent, with A-arms, coil springs and telescopic shock absorbers; Brakes: four wheel hydraulic disc. Left hand drive.

Enzo Ferrari chose to launch his new Berlinetta Coupe, the 275 GTB, at the Paris Salon of 1964 which was his last dual-purpose sports racing car. With an evolutionary design from the preceding coupes, it was considerably more sporting than the 250 GT Lusso that it replaced. The recent developments of the Competition 275P and 250LM were reflected in numerous areas of the GTB, the most significant being the independent rear suspension and a new five-speed transaxle that provided better weight distribution. It was a light, agile, fast car and in fact the factory competition version placed 3rd at Le Mans in 1965. Many production versions also had racing history.

The gorgeous Pininfarina-designed coachwork was very reminiscent of the 250 GTO. The press applauded this new Super Car and one well-known reporter summarized his road test by saying, "the 275 GTB's... comfort, quality of finish, and the original lines of its bodywork justify its high price, for it is an exceptional motor car, a thoroughbred with luxury devoid of excess and a fiery temperament." This was an era when cars were designed by the eye and refined on the track, which was very appropriate for the 275 GTB that evolved from short nose to long nose configuration bodywork. The first cars were built with the short nose body that was prone to lifting at high speed, so at the 1965 Paris Salon a revised long nose model was revealed. There were a few other cosmetic changes such as a larger rear window and outside boot hinges.

This exquisite lightweight Berlinetta is one of a pair of late torque tube 275 long nose two-cam cars ordered by Luigi Chinetti to definitive specification with all of the most desirable options - aluminum bodywork, six carburetors, a factory-fitted chrome roll bar, external filler cap and special Borrani (#RW-4039) wire wheels. All of these features are noted on the original factory build sheets as are headrests and the covered dashboard, à la GTB/4.

Taking delivery on 3 November 1966, Chinetti sold the car new to Manuel Dos Passos (son of successful author, Juan Dos Passos) of Maine, his purchase price was $14,612, less the part exchange of his Lusso (#5875 GT). 8891's history is fully documented throughout its life, spending its early years with a handful of East Coast owners. Information on file notes its unusual specification and importance at each change of ownership, and supports its unquestioned provenance.

By 1979, the car had migrated to the West Coast to Sandy Greenblat of San Rafael, CA. It was later sold to noted collector Sherman Wolf, and in 1983 it passed to the current owner, a long term Ferrari enthusiast, who kept the car for some thirteen years. When it arrived in his collection it was noted that a mere 36,000 miles had been recorded from new.

During this period, the car was featured on the cover of the May 1988 issue of Ferrari Owners' Club Magazine, in the one and only issue of Vintage Ferrari Magazine, and in Autoweek's 'Escape Road' on October 21, 1985 where it is copiously illustrated. The writer, John Matras comments, "The 275 GTB/6C is a superb handler and so confident on with [sic.] almost any road... speeds which may be unsafe in other cars are quite comfortable and secure in this one. Be assured that the 275 GTB/6C is capable of prodigious speeds. Zero to 60 is in the low six-second range and the car doesn't stop accelerating until something on the order of 150 MPH is achieved." He finishes the article, "Yet when all the statistics are calculated... it will be the sound of the V-12, the music of the six Webers, the song of the Ferrari that lingers."

In 1996 the current owner traded the car, although it was certainly a regretted transaction at the time, and seven years later he was fortunate to re-acquire the car. On delivery in February 2003, the Ferrari had been completely rebuilt without consideration for expense with body work by Steve Alcala, and paint and assembly by Rob Shanahan. The result is a truly stunning example, the choice of Swater's Blue livery giving it a beautiful but understated appearance which is perfectly set off by its Bordeaux upholstery. The quality of the work as well as the level of detail and performance have allowed it to receive the most significant "Coppa Bella" Award as well as the Platinum Award at the 2001 Ferrari Club of America's Concours d'Elegance in Dallas, Texas. Subsequently, it was judged Best in Class at the 2002 Newport Concours in California. It has also recently benefited from an engine top end rebuild by Bill Pound, and continued to be enjoyed and exercised by its current owner.

Today, the Ferrari still has under 42,000 miles, retains original manuals and tools, and comes with a comprehensive file of information including copies of factory build sheets, records, correspondence and articles listed. Of the 455 275s built, 205 were long nose cars, a third of which were alloy-bodied; 19 were alloy-bodied/6 carb; just 2 were in this configuration, and only 8891 retains its original engine. As such in this ultimate lightweight specification, our offered example is very much a 'wolf in sheep's clothing', the performance of the alloy-bodied 6 carb combination allowing it to easily surpass a four cam at two-digit speeds; only after exceeding 100 to 120 mph will the four cam pull away!

In the last few years 275s have become eminently coveted by collectors and enthusiasts, as they offer enormous potential in terms of eligibility, and are the mainstay of many international events, from the French Tour Auto to the Ferrari Challenge. The 275, this particular one being the definitive example, is considered by most collectors as the last Ferrari combining outstanding power, handling, balance and performance.

8891 would grace a concours field as much as it would reward a driver for high speed road use. It is an enviable package and a great all- rounder which we highly recommend.