By 1963, Ferrari’s long-running 250 GT series had been in production for more than a decade and was nearing the end of its life cycle. The company set out to develop a more refined V12-powered successor that would preserve its established tradition of dual-purpose berlinettas, cars equally adept on road and track. Extensive development work was undertaken, with British racing driver Michael Parkes, then a Maranello works driver, playing a key role in testing. Retaining the classic front-engined layout with a long bonnet and short rear deck, the resulting 275 GTB was unveiled to great acclaim at the 1964 Paris Motor Show, immediately establishing a new benchmark for Ferrari road cars.
As its Gran Turismo Berlinetta designation implied, the 275 GTB combined elegance with serious performance. Styled by Scaglietti, the bodywork was a natural evolution of earlier competition-inspired Ferraris, while power came from an enlarged version of Gioacchino Colombo’s short-block V12, now displacing 3,286 cc and producing close to 300 horsepower. Advanced engineering solutions set the model apart, including a rear-mounted five-speed transaxle for improved weight distribution and, for the first time on a Ferrari road car, four-wheel independent suspension, a significant innovation for the era.
In 1965, a revised second series was introduced with a longer nose designed to improve aerodynamic stability at high speeds, although many enthusiasts continue to favour the cleaner proportions of the original short-nose cars. Between late 1964 and mid-1966, a total of 442 275 GTB road cars were produced, comprising 236 short-nose and 206 long-nose examples. Among the most desirable specifications is the six-carburettor induction system, which increased output by around 25 horsepower and delivered a thrilling blend of sound and performance as the engine surged towards its 7,600-rpm peak.
This example was supplied new in March 1965 to the United Kingdom via Colonel Ronnie Hoare’s Maranello Concessionaires. It is one of just 11 U.K. supplied short-nose examples optioned from factory with the more powerful and engaging 6 carburettor engine specification.
Between 2018 – 2020 the car underwent a total restoration with Joe Macari Classics, this included a bare metal respray in Dark Metallic Grey as well as a complete interior retrim in Rosso leather. In addition, of course, to a comprehensive mechanical overhaul of the engine, gearbox, suspension and running gear.
It has had minimal use since restoration works were completed and presents superbly today. It maintains a comprehensive history file with invoices & service records dating back to the late 1970s and has also been awarded Ferrari Classiche Certification, confirming its fully matching chassis, engine, and gearbox numbers.
It represents a wonderful opportunity to acquire a very rare right-hand drive 6 Carb 275 in its earliest Shortnose form and would make a fine addition to any Ferrari collection. Contact us now for more information or to arrange a viewing.
