Fantasy Junction

Description

1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4
s/n 9597, Engine no. 9597
Rosso Corsa with Black Interior

The 4-cam 275GTB is in many ways the holy grail of road-going classic Ferraris. Impossibly beautiful, rare, and mechanically sophisticated, it embodies everything that makes classic Ferraris sought-after and unique. The first 275’s appeared in 1964, employing an enlarged 3.3 litre version of Ferrari's venerable Colombo-designed V12. The car featured many innovative features not found in the earlier 250, including a rear mounted transaxle for improved weight distribution, independent rear suspension, and 5-speed transmission. Both three and six carburetor versions were available, and the cars were continuously developed, as was Ferrari's convention. In 1966, the definitive and ultimate street version of the 275 appeared, the 275 GTB/4. In addition to employing the even more beautiful `long nose` body and rigid torque tube enclosed drive shaft introduced partway through the 2-cam model’s production, the big news was the dual overhead cam cylinder heads. In conjunction with the six carburetor setup that was now standard, the dual overhead cams allowed power climb to the magic 300hp mark. Just 280 4-cam 275’s were built, and they are extremely desirable investment grade Gran Turismo automobiles.

This particular car, s/n 9597, is a matching numbers example that was fitted at the factory with Borrani wire wheels, the rare power window option, and was delivered new to Betizzia, Italy. In 1971 the car was sold by Auto Elite in Milan, Italy to Tom Peirce of Richmond, VA. and remained in the US through the Ferrari market up swing of the late 1980s. The car was restored during the early 1980’s, including engine rebuild by Richie van de Wetter. In 1989 this example, described as an extensively restored car, was offered at $1,150,000. In April of 1992, the car was sold to Vintage Motors of Osaka, Japan, only to return to the US in a package of cars in 1996. Fantasy Junction sold this car to a Northern California owner in 1998, who kept the car until 2007, when Fantasy Junction sold it to its current owner.

When the current owner acquired the car, it was a nicely cared for example with an older restoration and some incorrect aspects. The current owner is a fastidious collector and perfectionist with numerous other high caliber collector cars, several of which have won awards at prestigious concours including Pebble Beach. This 4-cam has shared space with a 300SL Roadster, an Aston Martin DB 2/4 Drophead, Porsche 356 Speedster, and a Siata 208S, to name a few. After acquiring this car, he set about patiently and systematically improving it at great expense. The work was carried out by Patrick Ottis, Brian Hoyt, and Dayal Drindal. This work included restoring the Borranis and sourcing correct spinners, fitting new XWX tires, and touching up the paintwork as necessary. The incorrect Pininfarina emblems were replaced with correct items, and the carburetors were rebuilt as well. The brake system was rebuilt, the radiator recored, a new clutch fitted, and the starter rebuilt as well. The timing was adjusted, and the correct alternator, windscreen wiper system, horns, compressor, master cylinder and brake booster were sourced and installed to replace incorrect items. The speedometer drive and fuel sender unit were replaced, so that all the instruments function now, including the clock. The ignition wires and voltage regulator were also replaced, as were the fuel pump and Ansa exhaust system. The heater boxes were rebuilt so that the defrosters would work, the carpets were also renewed, and the correct Talbot mirror was sourced and installed. The door locks and window motors were repaired, and the car received a 4-wheel alignment. Lastly, the owner sourced a set of correct books with reproduction pouch (including extremely rare 4-cam supplement) and tools. The car is now a superb-performing and looking car with a pleasant and even patina, and best of all, it is now extremely correct and works beautifully.

The car is in very nice cosmetic condition, and makes a strong overall impression. The repaint quality is generally good, although close inspection reveals several minor imperfections about the finish associated with age and use. The body is excellent with very good door, trunk, and hood fit, and straight, sharp lines throughout. There are a few small bubbles smaller than a pencil eraser on the rockers, and some stress cracking to the paintwork. There is no evidence that the body or chassis has ever been damaged or repaired. The chrome bumpers, headlight cover rings, and window surrounds are all very nice with light wear throughout. The windshield has likely been replaced and is excellent, with no wiper marks or rock chips. The balance of the window glass appears to be original. The windscreen wipers are the correct twin stalk Carello items, and this example also retains its Carello headlights and original Scaglietti headlight covers, which have long since been replaced on most GTBs. The wheels are in outstanding shape and the Michelin XWX tires are like new.

Like the exterior, the interior has the lovely even patina of an older restoration, but is on the whole excellent. The dash, gauges, switches, and upholstery are all in fantastic condition, including the seat, door panel, headliner, and rear shelf upholstery. The car is fitted with unusual cloth seat inserts, which add an honest and period Italian feel, and look very smart. The piping on the driver’s seat shows minor wear in the expected areas. The factory wood steering wheel is excellent, and the car has new aviation-style safety belts. Even the dome lights work, including on the rear view mirror, and the clock works and keeps good time even!

The engine compartment is extremely clean and correct, and is nicely detailed. The correct placards and equipment are in place, including yellow fuel lines, windscreen washer bag, and knurled air cleaner keepers. The ancillaries are correct throughout and the overall condition is that of a very well kept older restoration.
The trunk is upholstered in the correct material and a spare Borrani wheel is present. The hold down for the spare tire cover and the strap for the tool bag are both present still, and the trunk light works. With the car comes the tool set, which is very complete. The car also has a manual pouch with comprehensive book set.

The underside indicates that the car has never been totally disassembled for restoration. It is fundamentally excellent, and while not detailed, it has an honest and authentic feeling. It is generally solid and shows much evidence of recent work.

The car is a pleasure to drive and runs superbly. The engine has good oil pressure, makes good power, pulls cleanly, and the carburetors are properly tuned. It starts immediately and idles exceptionally well, and the transaxle is excellent, with excellent synchros, including second. The overall feel of the driveline is extremely even tempered and tractable. The suspension is tight, both front and rear, and the car does not exhibit any of the curious wandering from the rear over pavement transitions that afflicts 275’s with worn suspension. The shocks do not stick and the brakes are effective.

This is an outstanding opportunity to acquire a lovely matching-numbers example of the legendary 275 GTB/4. Just 280 were built, and thanks to their combination of mechanical sophistication and beauty, values have always been high. Indeed, they are worth considerably more than any other regular production closed Ferrari, and regardless of values, they are very special cars. More sensuous and aggressive than the other sweethearts of the classic Ferrari range, the 330GTC and 365 GTC, the 275 GTB/4 will always be a top drawer blue chip collectible that is a pleasure to behold and use.

Fastidiously sorted, extremely correct, and highly complete, this car is very compelling indeed. It has received the highest level of care and the result clearly reflects that. In addition to working and presenting very nicely, it is not so nice as to discourage its new owner from actually driving and enjoying it. Indeed, in two years of ownership, the current owner has put over 5000km on the car, ensuring that it is not suffering from problems associated with disuse.

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