Ferrari 275 GTB 6C (1965)

By the mid-1960s it seemed Ferrari could do no wrong, winning on all fronts from sports car racing to Grands Prix and producing the most beautiful cars in the world. Ferrari's dual-purpose cars seemed unstoppable combining race-winning performance with film star good looks. As the legendary 250 GT LWB "Tour de France" gave way to the marvellous 250 GT SWB Berlinetta - and led ultimately to the awe-inspiring 250 GTO in 1962. Introduced at the 1964 Paris Auto Show, the new 275 GTB gave Ferrari a chance to incorporate all the best characteristics of this fabled bloodline. Many consider the resulting car to be the finest production Ferrari ever built, combining the thoroughbred mechanical pedigree of its road racing forebears with sufficient creature comforts to make the 275 GTB a superlative grand touring automobile.

Under the skin, the 275 GTB incorporated the best Ferrari chassis design, starting with the oval section tube backbone chassis. Independent suspension was fitted all around for the first time on a road-going Ferrari, and a 5-speed gearbox was also included in the specification. The transmission was mounted at the rear of the car for improved weight distribution in a transaxle. Now enlarged to 3.3 litres, the 60-degree V12 engine remained the familiar Colombo type, in standard form producing 280bhp at 7,600rpm. A higher, claimed 300bhp, state of tune was available by employing six Weber carburettors instead of the standard three. In addition, customers purchasing a 275 GTB for road use could also specify aluminium coachwork.

This coachwork was all new too, a stunning Pininfarina design that evoked the graceful lines of the legendary 250 GTO. A long bonnet combined with a fastback rear body created a striking profile, while vents in the front wings gave the car a muscular edge. Vents in the sail panels added to the effect and paid tribute to the 250 GT "Tour de France" Berlinetta’s. A smoothly integrated rear spoiler helped give the car a strong visual identity. Although the 275 GTB was a car of many firsts, it was also the last car that could be considered a true coach-built road/race Berlinetta in the great Ferrari tradition. Although most lived their lives on the streets, many led a dual life, winning on road courses and hill climbs on the weekend, while providing stylish and exciting transportation during the week.

Delivered new in 1965, this Ferrari 275 GTB, fitted with the favourable six-carburettor setup, is one of only 11 RHD examples to ever leave the Maranello.

The car was ordered by a VIP client of Ferrari, Dr Wilkins, better known as Dick Wilkins, who owned an impressive array from the Maranello marque including a P4, 250TR and, in partnership with Rob Walker, the 250 SWB driven by none other than Stirling Moss, which he owned at the time Moss won the Tourist Trophy at Goodwood in 1960.

When Dr Wilkins ordered this car, the car was built to the ultimate specification, which most importantly meant fitting the six-carburettor setup. The original specification chosen was Rosso Chiaro exterior paint over a black leather interior with grey carpets and headlining. Additional factory optional extras included full leather seats and Borrani wire wheels.

The car went on to later be acquired by Mr D.A. Harrison, owner of D.A. Harrison and Company, of Wigton, Cumbria, a gentleman in the haulage and storage industry. The 275 was then purchased by a MR C.W. MacDowall of Ingatestone who proceeded to place the registration of ’27 WY’ on the car.

Later on, in 1972 the car was then sold to musician, songwriter, record producer and known Ferrari enthusiast Mr Eric M. Stewart, of Tadworth, Surrey, best known as the lead vocalist for pop groups The Mindbenders and 10cc. Eric also owned a RHD 275 GTB/4, a RHD 250 SWB and, most notably, a 250 LM. This 275, like Eric’s entire Ferrari collection, was maintained without regard to cost by Graypaul Motors in Loughborough.

In late 1977, the car was exported and sold to successful industrialist Mr Elliott R. Coyle, of Sewickley, Pennsylvania, USA. An avid collector of fine English guns and exotic cars, Mr Coyle owned the car for over four years, until 1982, when it was purchased by a Mr Dave Becker who went on to own the car for the next 21 years.

After this period of ownership, the car was then brought back to the UK in August of 2013. Shortly after, the car was then sent back to Modena where it underwent a full nut and bolt restoration carried out by Ferrari specialists over a two-and-a-half-year period. Brandoli were responsible for the body and assembly, Cremonini for the paintwork, and Luppi for the interior. Meanwhile, in the UK, specialists GTO engineering were entrusted to carry out the mechanical aspect of the comprehensive restoration.

Following the completion of the restoration in Italy, the car was granted Classiche certification in its totally period correct specification. The exterior is finished in Verde Pino and the interior in a Brown Connolly Vaumol crushed grain 890 leather. On 2-3 July 2016, the car had the opportunity to showcase its restoration on the lawns of the Heveningham Hall Concours where it proved to be a real head turner.

Since restoration, this 275 has been enjoyed by two owners, sold to the current owner, a notable collector based in the United Kingdom via Tom Hartley Jnr, who now only wishes to part ways with the car due to relocation outside of the UK.

Complimented by a partial tool roll and jack, this stunning example of Ferrari’s 275 is available to view at our showrooms outside London by appointment immediately.

• Classiche Certified as Matching Numbers Transaxle and Engine
• Just 800 miles covered since restoration
• One of only 11 right-hand drive, six carburettor, short nose cars produced
• Over £400,000 and two-and-a-half years spent on the restoration
• Mechanical aspect of the restoration entrusted to GTO Engineering
• Verde Pino over Brown Connolly Vaumol leather
• Ordered new by Dr Richard Wilkins, better known as Dick Wilkins
• Complimented by a partial tool roll and jack