Fantasy Junction

Description

1965 Ferrari 275 GTS
s/n 7907, Engine no. 7907
Rosso Corsa with Black Leather

Launched at the Paris Motor Show in 1964, the Pininfarina bodied 275 GTS replaced the noble 250 Series II Cabriolet with a wonderful new design. Revealed alongside the GTB and highly contrasting Ferraris racing heritage, the 275GTS embraced a more road-going approsch to open motoring. The GTS was a stylish and elegant spyder, sporting contemporary sculpting and delicate features. With disc brakes and independent suspension all round, and a new rear-mounted transaxle creating improved weight distribution, these new Ferraris were very advanced for the period and thus performed very well.

1965 was a critical time for Ferrari. Ford was campaigning hard against Ferrari and about to change history with their Cobra and GT40. Ferrari had just come off a challenging race year, so it was critical to earn sports car sales to fund new racing endeavors. To do that, Ferrari needed more sales in the rapidly growing US market. The 275 GTS was eagerly prepared to meet the needs of American buyers. With its smaller, lighter, open configuration, Pininfarina assembled 200 275 GTS spyders to meet the American market, the bulk of which were shipped to California. The GTS featured a new 3.3-liter Tipo 213 version of the Colombo V12 engine, producing a very capable 260 bhp. The delightful cabriolet achieved 60 mph in just seven seconds, boasting a top speed of 150 mph. The automotive press smiled on the 275 GTS giving it high praise for drivability and ease of use, despite the $14,500 price. While many of these cars were shipped to enthusiasts, in the ensuing years, few remained in long term ownership due to their highly desirable driving manners and rapidly escalating values.

This Rosso Corsa example (no. 07907) is one of the most original and well-cared for long-term ownership 275 GTSs known. Featuring matching numbers as identified by Marcel Massini, this car has been under the same family stewardship for more than 35 years, this Ferrari is an example of why so many people enjoy this specific model, both for their aesthetic qualities and driving manners. Originally delivered to Jacques Swaters, Garage Frncorchamps SA, Belgium, daughter Florence Swaters recalls the first owner being a local banker. A year later, the banker returned the car in order to purchase a newer Ferrari, with 07907 eventually beingsold to another Belgian. In the late 1960’s, Asa Boyd Clark (acclaimed TV and film editor as well as former Southern California Ferrari Owners Club President and owner of two other 275GTSs, the GTO/Breadvan, and a 500 Mondial Spyder) purchased the car at Hollywood Sports Cars (ref. personal interview with Mr. Asa Boyd Clark 2005, and letter of reference with photos included in sale). Recalling the car was sold to him painted metallic black, Massini records indicate it was delivered in silver. Mr. Clark painted the car red and subsequently sold it as a means to finance the purchase of another Ferrari. In 1971 or 72 Alan Title purchased the car from Mr. Clark, owning it for nearly ten years before selling the car to the current owner in 1981. Under his ownership, in 1988 Redwood City, CA Ferrari expert Alec Giamo comprehensively rebuilt the engine and had the car professionally stripped and repainted. When the owner passed away in 2003, his son continued the legacy of preservation and has done so diligently for the past thirteen years, driving, showing, and servicing this wonderful car.

Today 07907 presents as a capable driver quality Ferrari exhibiting evidence of regular use and appropriate care. There is no evidence of rust anywhere on the car and no evidence of body damage. All The paint, now more than twenty-five years old remains glossy overall but shows swirl marks, buffing marks, and shrink in many flat surface areas. There are some minor paint chips in the front of the car, and a few areas with minor paint chipping along the rear and sides. The chrome has been buffed a bit aggressively which has resulted in surface hazing on the front bumper and notably on both headlight bezels. The original Marchal headlights are in place, the tail lights are original and in fine condition and the grille is also original. Throughout the exterior of the car further original pieces are evident. The rear bumper has some scratching but no hazing. Moderate pitting appears on the exterior door handles, rear license plate light bezels, and on the front bumper uprights. Side vent window frames have light pitting but chrome finish is otherwise nice on these areas. The windshield is clear but has a few stone chips and marks and retains original “coat hanger” wiper arms. Wire wheels are in excellent shape overall with nice plating and rim polish and feature straight ear knockoffs. The driver side wheel has a 1” and 1 1/2” light rash along the outside perimeter bead edge.

The interior of the car is very presentable and appears as originally delivered from the factory. The leather seats are dry and stiff, but solid, some areas have been repair-stitched over the years. Door panels are in nice shape with no major sagging or tears. Doors open shut easily with fresh door rubber and smooth latching. Hood and trunk release and close smoothly. The dash is not cracked or stressed. Carpeting is original and shows good surfacing along the rear bulkhead but some wear on the console support area. Rear seat carpets are absent but front carpets are in good condition and very serviceable. Center console is nicely covered but has several material cuts and breaks along the edges due to seatbelt buckle marking.

Under the hood the engine compartment is tidy and clean, evidencing basic care over the years with use and authenticity in mind. Surfaces are showing wear on various painted trim including air cleaner, cam covers, and misc. parts. Once again, original components are evident with proper knurled air cleaner nuts, correct washer fluid bag, and proper horn compressor. Undercarriage presents much as would be expected from a car that has been driven and enjoyed for many years, but never refinished, and, once again, shows no evidence of any body work or alteration. Most recently, Patrick Ottis removed the gearbox, performing a comprehensive rebuild.

Driving 07907 is a nice reminder of how effortless the 275 GTS can be. Cold starts are easy, whereas warm starts occasionally need to overcome vapor lock. The engine idles smoothly with good power delivery through all gears. Shifting is smooth, in part thanks to a recently installed and upgraded unit from GTO Engineering. The drivers seat mechanism has begun to loosen, thus ratcheting back randomly when bumps are encountered. The turn indicator has broken off the steering column and will need to be replaced with proper repair. Brakes are solid and smooth, with steering appropriately firm and surprisingly nimble given the age of the car. An original tool roll is included with the car, containing an incomplete, but correct assortment of well-used tools. Also included are the original exhaust manifold shields, though not currently mounted on the car.

A large file of receipts and reference information accompany the car outlining all mechanical work, general service work, former owner correspondences, and details of ownership over the past 35 years in the current owning family. With its elegant Pininfarina open coachwork and V12 front engine performance, the 275 GTS is one of the finest touring Ferraris from this period. This wonderful car is ready for enjoyable driving and further long-term care, but will truly shine once afforded an appropriate and complete restoration in the hands of a dedicated enthusiast.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608