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The 275 was Ferrari's first road car with a fully independent suspension and it was more powerful, better balanced and lavishly appointed than the successful line of Ferrari 250s that came before it.

The first prototypes were built right after 250 GTO '64 production ended and some of the first examples were bodied in aluminum for racing. “The first prototype of the GTB was studied during the year 1963, at the same time as the 250 LM. The first berlinetta was conceived with a 250 engine on chassis number 5161GT.”¹

As unveiled at the 1964 Paris Motor Show, the 275 GTB was instantly recognizable by its Pininfarina-designed fastback body, long nose, cut-off tail, flowing curves and signature Ferrari grill. Underneath, motor sport features such as all-independent suspension, four-wheel disc brakes, a five speed transaxle distinguished the 275 from the much larger and heavier 330 GTC shown beside it.

Despite its road-going intent, Ferrari was forced to reconsider the 275 almost from the day it was launched. After the rear-engine 250 LM was denied homologation, Ferrari had to begin fitting the 275 with competition engines and aluminum bodies for their race clientele. The most potent of these were three Competizione Speciales. These aggressive 275s were much faster than the coveted 250 GTO and lent their developments to the next series of 275s.

After being raced, lessons learnt with the competition cars were introduced in the 275. By 1965, an extended nose was used to help reduce front end lift. This was followed up in 1966 with torque tube that fixed the engine and transaxle in place to reduce unwanted cabin vibration. The last and most desirable 275 was the 1967 GTB/4 with its signature four cam, dry sump, V12 engine.

Sources & Further Reading

1. Pourret, Jess. Ferrari 275 GTB 275GTS 275 GTB-4A. Publi-Inter, 1984.

Story by Richard Owen

Chassis & Sales

1965 Ferrari 275 GTB - sold for $605,000 The 1965 Ferrari 275 GTB offered here represents the rare opportunity to acquire a fine example of one of Ferrari's most desirable and glamorous, but also best-performing models in its unadulterated form. Though built to North American specifications, the Ferrari was delivered new to Swiss race car driver Willy-Peter Daetwyler, who was famous in Switzerland at the time, particularly as a hill climb champion. In fact, he was Swiss Sportscar ... more
Gallery: 2009 RM Auctions Sports & Classics of Monterey

1965 Ferrari 275 GTB - sold for €614,530 Having just been freshly rebuilt, 07743 comes complete with its matching engine and is fitted with three correct 40 Weber DCZ6 carburettors, a full set of tools and correct Borrani wire wheels. Following a recent road test, the vendor reports that the car starts and shifts with ease and has very good power through all gears, and the steering is tight with no rattles or shakes at high speeds. A very comprehensive restoration file is included wi... more
Gallery: 2010 Automobiles of London by RM Auctions

1965 Ferrari 275 GTB 06751 - sold for $797,500 At present, the Ferrari is reported to be in excellent condition in every respect. Liveried in a splendid, period-appropriate Fly Yellow with tan leather upholstery, the Ferrari possesses a magnificent presence and undeniable brilliance both inside and out. In the years since the restoration was completed, it has not been shown in any Ferrari events or concours – just admired for its timeless Pininfarina design and exhilarating performance.
Gallery: 2011 Scottsdale Auction by Gooding & Company

1966 Ferrari 275 GTB Long Nose 08955 - sold for $1,001,000 One of the Last Two-Cam GTBs Built. Desirable Long-Nose, Torque-Tube Variant. Well-Documented, Matching-Numbers Example. Upgraded to Six-Carb Configuration. Beautifully Preserved Original Interior. Tour Auto, Copperstate 1000 and Tour de España Veteran. Offered with Owner’s Handbook, Tools, Jack and Service Invoices. Documented by Ferrari Historian Marcel Massini.
Gallery: 2011 Pebble Beach Auctions by Gooding & Company

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