Ferrari introduced the 275 GTB at the 1964 Paris salon as the replacement for its successful 250 SWB Berlinetta. To create a worthy successor, Scuderia Ferrari driver Michael Parkes had been brought in to assist with development and the latest race-bred innovations were incorporated. A rear-mounted, five-speed transaxle was fitted to improve balance and, for the first time, independent rear suspension was used on a production Ferrari road car. The engine was a further refinement of Ferrari’s classic single-overhead-cam V-12 and displaced 3.3 liters, the same as the Le Mans-winning 250 LM. Rated at 280 bhp, the new Ferrari could rev to nearly 8,000 rpm and claimed a top speed in excess of 150 mph.

Styled by Pininfarina, the 275 GTB’s profile owed much to the famous 250 GTO, with its long hood, covered headlamps, Kamm tail, and angled vents. Over a period of two years, Ferrari built 453 examples of the 275 GTB before introducing the revised four-cam GTB/4 in October 1966. According to the research of Ferrari historian Dyke Ridgley – whose authoritative 275 GTB production list was published by Cavallino magazine – Scaglietti built just 248 examples of the two-cam 275 GTB in the original short-nose body style, the purest expression of this iconic design.

The 275 GTB presented here, chassis 07629, was completed in July 1965. Originally finished in Rosso Rubino (Ruby Red) over beige leather upholstery and equipped with a rare ZF limited-slip differential, Campagnolo starburst wheels, and electric windows, this Ferrari was destined for the Italian market. According to Automobile Club d’Italia records, 07629 was sold new that August via official dealer Vecar S.a.s. to its first owner, Paolo Mariani of Rome.

In September 1967, Sig. Mariani sold 07629 through Sport Auto Roma S.r.l. to Marco Magdalone of Cosenza, Italy, a sports car enthusiast who had previously owned and raced a Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta. After a few months, Sig. Magdalone purchased a Bizzarrini and sold his three-year-old 275 GTB to Francesco Saverio Corbi of Rome.

Italian actor Sergio Ferrero purchased 07629 in May 1968. During his ownership, the Ferrari was featured in Un detective (1969), a popular Italian poliziotteschi film directed by Romolo Guerrieri starring spaghetti western icon Franco Nero. By the time it was captured on film, the Rome-registered 275 GTB had been repainted yellow and fitted with a chrome grille guard.

In 1970, the Ferrari was sold to German model Ines Kummernuss, who was living in Parma with her husband, fashion photographer Giovanni Lunardi. The car remained in Italy until 1977, when its road registration was canceled and it was exported to the US. According to the research of Marcel Massini, the first known American owner of 07629 was Lyle Tanner of California. In 1984, he advertised the 275 GTB for sale in Ferrari Market Letter, describing it as “red with black interior, all original including power windows, three owner history, total mechanical restoration, records available, 98,000 kms.”

In 1987, the 275 GTB was sold to Kenji Sasamoto of Tokyo, founder of the Neko Publishing Company, which produced popular automotive titles. A well-known car enthusiast and regular Mille Miglia Storica participant, Mr. Sasamoto organized the Neko Historic Automobile Festival and owned several important Ferraris, including a 250 GT SWB Comp/60, a 500 TR, and a Daytona.

During his ownership, Mr. Sasamoto had Southern California Ferrari specialist Mike Sheehan restore 07629 in its current red over black color scheme. Following restoration, the 275 GTB received prizes at the 1993 Vintage Ferrari Concours in Carmel, California, and the 1995 Forza Ferrari Concours at Suzuka in Japan. In 2004, it participated in Ferrari’s official 275 Tour, held in Italy to celebrate the model’s 40th anniversary.

Having resided in private California-based collections for the past 15 years, this 275 GTB presents in lovely condition throughout and appears authentic from a component perspective, retaining its original riveted data tag and bearing clear factory stampings on the engine and transaxle (internal numbers 560/64 and 320, respectively). It is believed that Ferrari may have replaced this car’s transaxle in period. Factory records indicate that the original unit was numbered 326, and the current correct-type ZF unit is stamped 320 with the letters “MB,” a notation seen on other factory-supplied replacement components.

Not only does 07629 come with its rare original Campagnolo starburst wheels, it also is accompanied by a tool roll, set of Borrani wire wheels, and history report produced by Ferrari historian Marcel Massini, which includes copies of the original Italian (ACI) registration records.

The original version of a beloved and iconic Ferrari, the short-nose 275 GTB is undoubtedly among the most sought-after sports cars of the 1960s. This example, with its fascinating, well-documented provenance, unusual factory options, and genuine character, is a truly exciting find – one worthy of serious consideration.