• A rare alloy-bodied long-nose example factory fitted with six Weber DCN9 carburettors
• Finished in Grigio over Pelle Grigia; first specified in Celeste Chiaro over Blu
• Retains its matching-numbers 3.3-litre V-12 engine
• Awarded Ferrari Classiche “Red Book” certification in 2006
• Offered from 18 years of same-family ownership

When the curtain fell at the 1964 Paris Motor Show, all eyes were drawn to the latest machine to emerge from the workshops of Maranello. Long, lithe, and with barely a straight edge to be seen, the Pininfarina-designed 275 GTB was a sculpted masterpiece that bridged the gap between engineering and art. As the latest evolution of Ferrari’s 250-series, the 275 GTB was a direct replacement for the 250 GT/L Berlinetta Lusso, and while not all ranked the Scaglietti-built newcomer the aesthetic equal of its predecessor, the new gran turismo was undeniably superior in almost every other regard.

Gone was the 3.0-litre Colombo V-12, replaced with an enlarged 3.3-litre version boasting a lower overall height that significantly improved centre of gravity. A rear-mounted five-speed transaxle contributed to near-perfect 49/51 weight distribution, while four-wheel independent suspension ensured the new car was one of the best-handling roadgoing Ferraris to ever leave Maranello. It was also one of the quickest, with an eye-opening 0-100 km/h sprint time of just over six seconds and a top speed in excess of 257 km/h.

As time went on the recipe was further tweaked, with “long-nose” bodywork that improved stability at speed introduced in mid-1965, while in early 1966 a torque tube was added to beef up the drivetrain. Those seeking even greater performance could specify their car with six Weber carburettors in place of the standard triple Weber arrangement, while a truly dedicated few also opted for competition-derived aluminium coachwork in place of the standard steel.

This example, chassis 08259, is one of only a handful of 275 GTBs built to top-of-the-range 6C Alloy Berlinetta specification and was completed on 7 February 1966 prior to being delivered to Garage Imperia Martigny in Lausanne, Switzerland. The car was beautifully configured in Celeste Chiaro over a Blu interior with matching carpets, and was first owned by a Mr. Bacic. By August 1966 the Ferrari had been sold to Klus Garage in Zurich, and by 1968 it passed to René Herzog via a Mr. Nussbaum. By May of the following year the car had covered almost 35,000 kilometres, and had returned to Maranello for servicing no fewer than five times.

In 1970 the Ferrari passed briefly through the hands of concert promoter, Hans-Rudolf Jaggi, during which it was refinished in matte black with gold wheels. Its next owner, Roland Kunz, had more conservative tastes, and repainted the Ferrari in red. The 275 GTB/6C was then owned consecutively by Roland Zanotelli, Haute Performance SA, and Carl W. Hirschmann, before being sold to Swiss-based Dutch car dealer Robert de la Rive Box, and in 1977 it found a home in the Netherlands with Maarten Rosman. Rosman sold it to a KLM pilot in 1982, and four years later the car entered the long-term care of Belgian enthusiast, Maurice Harlaux. Having acquired the 275 GTB/6C at the height of the market, Harlaux kept the Ferrari for a number of years, during which it was frequently displayed at marque gatherings throughout Europe. A regular attendee at the Spa Classic Days, it was also campaigned at the Nürburgring Oldtimer Grand Prix, the Liege-Rome-Liege Rally, and the Tour Auto. In 2004, the car had been exported to the UK and was registered in the name of Gregor Fisken, and by the following year it had found a home with a Belgian enthusiast based in Bilzen.

By 2006, the Ferrari found a new owner, having recently undergone restoration work. The alloy body had been restored and was refinished in Grigio by Carrozzeria Auto Sport in Bastiglia, near Modena, while a mechanical overhaul was carried out in Belgium by Gipimotor, during which the original gearbox was replaced with a unit of the correct type; a full complement of restoration photographs is available to view on file. In December 2006 the car was awarded Ferrari Classiche certification and was issued its “Red Book”, confirming that it retains its matching-numbers engine. This special and incredibly rare alloy-bodied, six-carburettor Ferrari 275 GTB would remain in the care of its then-owner until 2022.

Today, this significant machine presents in fantastic condition, with its Ferrari Classiche-standard restoration having been beautifully maintained. The car is accompanied by numerous invoices for ongoing maintenance dating from 1985, a report by marque expert Marcel Massini, an operating manual, parts catalogue, assorted spares, and a tool roll. To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/auctions/pa24/.