By 1960, the case was made. The laboratory, i.e., Formula 1, had demonstrated in competition the efficiency of the rear mid-engine in the optimal exploitation of high power. After much hesitation, Enzo Ferrari decided to use it first for his single-seaters and then for his sports prototypes in 1961. For road cars, however, there was no question of it yet, despite the pressure from the competition.
Two new Ferraris made their debut at the 1964 Paris Salon: the 275 GTB and its convertible counterpart the GTS. The chassis were identical, with the now-typical welded steel tubular frame, fully independent suspension with unequal-length A-arms front and rear, disc brakes, and tubular shock absorbers. The engines were also identical 3.3-liter Colombo V12, though the berlinetta produced 280 hp while the spider was rated at 260. Both models had a five-speed transmission mounted in unit with the rear axle. The clutch and bell housing were at the engine. With the rear-mounted gearbox came independent rear suspension, making the 275 GTB the first street Ferrari to be so equipped.

The bodywork was completely different on the two cars; the spider evolved from the 330 GT 2+2 (Pininfarina-designed and built), but the berlinetta body was a completely new shape – a replacement for the Lusso with softer, more rounded curves, designed by Pininfarina but built by Scaglietti.

The 275 GTB was intended for either touring or racing, and the customer had the option of either three Weber carburetors (with which the GTB was homologated for competition by the FIA) or six. The body could be steel and aluminum or all-aluminum. Campagnolo alloy wheels were standard, but Borrani wire wheels were offered as option. The overall shape remained almost unchanged throughout the model run, but minor changes were in evidence when the second-series cars were shown at Frankfurt in 1965. The headlight covers no longer had chrome rims, the vent wing was missing from the driver’s window, and a bulge appeared on the front head to cover the carburetors. At the rear, the trunk lid hinges were on the outside of the body to allow more interior space. At the Paris Show a month later, the front of the body had been lengthened and had a smaller air intake.

The 275 GTB marked the progressive change in Ferrari design philosophy from thinly disguised racers to comfortable and luxurious transportation vehicles. Because of the chassis changes – primarily the four-wheel independent suspension – the 275s were not only faster, but more comfortable than their predecessors. The 275 series offered an extremely high-speed touring car (designed when there were no speed limits in most of Europe). This gave the driver the utmost feeling of confidence. You could drive all day without arriving at your destination with the fatigue often associated with this manner of outing.

Our 275GTB (the 25th produced) was delivered new by Luigi Chinetti Motors Inc in New York in February 1964 to Alfred Ducato, living in Hillsborough. In 2008, it was purchased by Philippe Lancksweert who immediately entrusted it to the renowned restoration workshop: Carrozzeria Autosport near Modena for a total and meticulous restoration. In 2009, it joined the collection of the current owner. It will be a joy to drive during many Tour Auto, rallies with friends or during the Modena Cento Ore. This Ferrari 275 GTB comes with a set of tools, a set of spare Borrani wheels and the precious Ferrari Classiche "Red Book". Its very elegant configuration and impeccable condition will make it the ideal partner for Ferrari club events, international competitions, or as a racing beast for the most beautiful circuits or historic rallies.