1965 Ferrari 275 GTB

When introduced at the 1964 Paris Motor Show, the 275 GTB represented the most sophisticated expression yet of Ferrari’s traditional front-engine V-12 berlinetta. Conceived as the successor to the celebrated 250 GT SWB, it combined the effortless refinement expected of a grand touring Ferrari with a host of technical innovations that pointed decisively toward the future. Developed with input from Scuderia Ferrari driver Mike Parkes, the new model featured a rear-mounted, five-speed transaxle for improved weight distribution and, for the first time on a production Ferrari, fully independent rear suspension. Beneath its sculpted bonnet lay the latest development of the legendary Colombo-type V-12, producing a claimed 280 bhp and capable of propelling the 275 GTB to speeds in excess of 150 mph. ‌ Penned by Pininfarina and built by Scaglietti, the 275 GTB remains one of Ferrari’s most celebrated designs, blending the aggression of a thoroughbred sports car with understated elegance. Its long bonnet, covered headlamps, muscular rear haunches, and neatly truncated Kamm tail reflected lessons learned on the racetrack, while achieving a timeless beauty. Ferrari built approximately 450 examples of the original two-cam 275 GTB before introducing the revised four-cam GTB/4 in late 1966. Like its predecessor, the model was offered in a variety of specifications, from steel-bodied road cars to alloy-bodied competizione variants, yet every example shared the harmony of engineering and design that has made the 275 GTB one of the most enduring automotive icons. ‌ Research by Ferrari historian Dyke Ridgley, published in Cavallino magazine, indicates that just 248 examples were built in the original “short-nose” configuration. Built exclusively during the earliest phase of 275 GTB production, these cars have long occupied a special place among knowledgeable Ferrari collectors. While the later long-nose body was introduced to improve high-speed aerodynamic stability, many enthusiasts regard the original short-nose berlinetta as the purest expression of Pininfarina’s initial vision. The delicacy of its proportions, together with details unique to these earliest cars – including the elegant wood-veneer dashboard, wood-rimmed steering wheel, and numerous subtle distinctions throughout the body – lend the short-nose cars a character entirely their own. ‌ Completed in February 1965, chassis 06617 is among these desirable early examples. Built as a left-hand-drive, US-market car, it was originally finished in Oro Chiaro (Light Gold, Italver 19410 M) over black leather and equipped with three Weber carburetors, Campagnolo “Sunburst” alloy wheels, and instrumentation calibrated in miles. As standard equipment on the 275 GTB, the cast-alloy Campagnolo wheels reflected Ferrari’s embrace of more contemporary design and engineering, replacing the Borrani wire wheels that had long been associated with the marque’s road and racing cars. ‌ One of only 11 short-nose 275 GTBs originally finished in Oro Chiaro, chassis 06617 was specified in a color seldom seen on the model. Together with its black leather interior and Campagnolo alloy wheels, the original configuration presents a particularly attractive period specification that complements the restrained elegance of Pininfarina’s original design. ‌ Marcel Massini’s research records that 06617 was delivered through US distributor Luigi Chinetti Motors of Greenwich, Connecticut, to its first owner, Dr. Richard H. Cardozo of Hanover, New Hampshire. A distinguished cardiothoracic surgeon associated with Dartmouth Medical School and the Hitchcock Clinic, Dr. Cardozo was also an enthusiastic Ferrari collector, later owning another 275 GTB as well as a 1964 250 GTO, chassis 5571 GT. During his ownership, 06617 appeared at the Third Annual Ferrari Club of America National Meeting in Indianapolis in May 1966, beginning a documented history within the Ferrari community that extends virtually to new. ‌ The Ferrari later passed to research engineer Robert L. Ruleff before being acquired in 1973 by Dr. Norman Hagman, an orthopedic surgeon from Rockford, Illinois, and a longtime Ferrari enthusiast. After approximately 12 years of ownership, Dr. Hagman advertised the car in Ferrari Market Letter, succinctly explaining his reason for selling: “I have a 4-cam also, don’t need both!” By 1989, the 275 GTB had entered the care of Wisconsin-based attorney William A. Spring, who commissioned a comprehensive restoration by Wayne Obry’s Motion Products Inc., one of America’s foremost Ferrari restoration specialists. ‌ Around 1990, chassis 06617 was acquired by Dr. Jan Friberg of Winnetka, Illinois, whose ownership would span more than three decades. During this period, the Ferrari was exhibited at the Ferrari Club of America International Concours in Monterey in 1994 and again in Carmel, California, in 2004, earning a coveted Platinum Award at the latter event. Acquired by the current owner from Dr. Friberg’s estate, the car has remained largely unseen in public in the past two decades. ‌ Today, chassis 06617 retains its original, matching-numbers engine (internal no. 072/64) and is offered with its original Campagnolo “Sunburst” alloy wheels, an additional set of Borrani wire wheels, tool roll, jack, handbooks, and the accompanying report prepared by Ferrari historian Marcel Massini. Beautifully presented and documented from new, it is an exceptionally well-preserved example of one of Ferrari’s landmark grand touring models. ‌ As one of only 11 examples originally finished in Oro Chiaro, its factory specification remains among the most distinctive offered on the model. Together with its authentic character and superb provenance, this car possesses the qualities that discerning collectors prize most in an early 275 GTB. Should its next caretaker choose to return it to its original color scheme, the result would be a particularly elegant expression of Pininfarina’s celebrated design. *Please note that this vehicle is titled as 275GT06617. car

Estimate:£1,875,462.5

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