At the Paris Motor Show in October 1964, Ferrari introduced a replacement for its long-running 250 GT series. Featuring a new 3.3-liter V-12, rear-mounted transaxle, and independent rear suspension, the new 275 was offered in berlinetta and spider body styles, but the two coachwork designs differed dramatically. In combination with a luxuriously appointed interior, the Pininfarina-bodied 275 GTS exuded the sophisticated elegance requisite of an open Ferrari grand tourer.

Just 200 examples of the GTS spider were built through early 1966, making the model much rarer than its berlinetta counterpart, of which over 450 were built. As spiders were frequently used with zeal, few examples have survived in original condition. The scarcity of unrestored examples is part of what makes this wonderfully preserved 275 GTS so desirable.

According to a Massini report on file, chassis 07987 completed assembly in February 1966. Finished in the striking color combination of Argento (Silver) over Nero (Black) Connolly leather interior, this car was assigned the assembly sequence no. 177 and Pininfarina body no. 175177, as shown on factory tags and markings still visible throughout the car. A left-hand-drive version destined for the US market, the car was delivered to importer Luigi Chinetti Motors of Greenwich, Connecticut.

The first years of the car’s life are unknown, but, according to the Massini report, it was acquired by noted racer and Ferrari enthusiast, Charlie Kemp, a resident of Jackson, Mississippi, in 1978. Mr. Kemp sold the car to John E. Bonnett, a commodities broker from Kenilworth, Illinois, in July 1978. According to the consignor, the car was spotted driving on the street by his father in 1979 and tracked down through a local shop – John Hajduk’s Motorkraft – which connected him to Mr. Bonnett, leading to its purchase. It would be the first of two times the car would be acquired by the current owner’s family.

It was not until 1986 at 26,131 miles that the car would change hands to Dennis Machul of Bensenville, Illinois. Sometime in 1988, the car passed to Gary Thieltges of Glendale, California. Mr. Thieltges retained the GTS for 28 years, only reluctantly reselling it to the current owner on September 9, 2016. Remarkably, Mr. Thieltges and the current family collection account for more than four decades of ownership of 07987 – an extraordinarily long-term stewardship for such a coveted V-12 Ferrari.

The Ferrari has been held in the current owner’s collection of European exotics stored in a climate-controlled facility, receiving regular service and care. Most recently in 2020, the 275 GTS was serviced by the well-known Continental AutoSports, a longtime factory-authorized Ferrari dealer near Chicago. At 33,424 miles, a major service was performed, which included new brake master and slave cylinders, brake fluid flush and bleed, new battery, engine and gearbox oil change, carburetor adjustment, distributor tune, electrical system check, and front-end alignment. The Borrani wire wheels were inspected, and new tubes and period-correct Michelin XWX tires were installed. The car has been driven just over 100 miles since that service, as it displayed 33,528 miles at the time of cataloguing. Please note that at some point in this car’s early history the engine was replaced with another correct tipo 213 unit and restamped with the original number.

Included in the sale are the factory books in their leather folio, the factory tool roll, and jack. The car is accompanied by a report by Ferrari historian Marcel Massini, as well as past ownership documents and service receipts.

Complete with factory accessories, this modestly used and highly evocative 275 GTS is a brilliant example of Maranello’s elegant mid-1960s spider. It would be ideal for any collector – and particularly ideal for preservationists and discerning Ferrari enthusiasts. Believed by the consignor to retain its original soft top and a significant percentage of its original paint, the Ferrari presents with a patina resulting from decades of conservation. This handsome and thrilling Ferrari 275 GTS will be at home in any fine collection of Italian icons.