The 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 stands as the ultimate expression of the front-engine V-12 era before the move toward 1970s design. This specific Scaglietti-bodied berlinetta, chassis 09931, represents a rare moment in the collector market where preservation exceeds restoration. It is finished in the sophisticated Rosso Rubino over Beige leather, one of only six examples delivered in this color palette. Furthermore, it features the highly coveted corduroy cloth seat inserts, a detail reserved for the most discerning original owners. Having never undergone a total restoration, the car retains an incredible degree of factory finishes and authentic materials. It serves as a benchmark for what a true “survivor” should look like in the world of high-stakes Italian collecting. For the serious enthusiast, this vehicle is not just a car but a physical record of Maranello’s manufacturing excellence. Its appearance at Pebble Beach and The Quail confirms its status as a top-tier preservation class entry.
Mechanical Evolution of the Four Cam V12
Under the long-nose hood of this 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 lies the first production road-going engine to feature dual overhead camshafts. The Type 226 V-12 engine was a direct descendant of Ferrari’s successful sports-prototype racing units from the mid-sixties. It utilizes a dry-sump lubrication system and six Weber carburetors to produce a smooth yet aggressive 300 horsepower. This specific chassis retains its original engine and gearbox, a fact verified by its Ferrari Classiche Red Book certification. During the 1990s, the mechanical systems were sympathetically overhauled by the legendary Lamborghini development driver and specialist Bob Wallace. These updates ensured that the car remained mechanically fit while protecting its sensitive, numbers-matching components from unnecessary wear. It also features the improved torque tube driveshaft arrangement, which solved the vibration issues found in earlier 275 models. This combination of rarity and mechanical integrity makes it one of the most driveable classic Ferraris.
Unrivaled Preservation and Italian Provenance
The history of this 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 is as fascinating as the mechanical engineering hidden beneath its aluminum skin. After being sold new in Milan, the car spent over two decades in the care of USAF Col. Dale Page Smith. Interestingly, the car remained in storage with the engine removed for nearly thirty years, which helped preserve the suspension. This period of dormancy kept the mileage incredibly low, with the odometer currently showing just over 21,000 kilometers. The interior remains largely original, featuring the same leather and chrome that left the factory nearly sixty years ago. Only the corduroy inserts were replaced using correct new-old-stock material to maintain the cabin’s period-correct atmosphere and tactile feel. Such a documented ownership chain with only five caretakers since new is nearly unheard of for a 1960s sports prototype. It reflects a lifelong commitment to maintaining the car as a piece of rolling history rather than a modified toy.
Engine Performance and Scaglietti Design Specs
The 3.3-liter V-12 engine delivers 300 hp through a five-speed manual transaxle, providing a top speed in excess of 160 mph. This four-cam variant offers 20 more horsepower than the standard GTB, significantly sharpening the car’s acceleration and high-speed throttle response. To accommodate the taller valve train, Scaglietti added a subtle raised center section to the hood that defines the GTB/4’s profile. The chassis utilizes a multi-tubular frame and independent suspension at all four corners for a balanced and agile driving experience. Large four-wheel disc brakes provide the necessary stopping power to reign in the V-12’s impressive power on technical roads. The six Weber carburetors are meticulously tuned to provide a seamless power band that pulls strongly through the entire rev range. This technical package made the 275 GTB/4 the most dynamic and sophisticated grand tourer of its generation. It remains a masterclass in the balance between raw racing technology and refined road manners.
Performance remains at the core of the 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4, which utilized a short-block design to keep the engine compact. This V-12 architecture was revolutionary for its time, incorporating lessons from Ferrari’s dominant endurance racing programs in the 1960s. The transaxle layout optimizes weight distribution, ensuring that the heavy engine doesn’t negatively impact the car’s turn-in characteristics during cornering. A revised torque tube driveshaft minimizes drivetrain vibration, allowing for a more refined cabin experience at high cruising speeds. The 21,277 documented kilometers reflect a life of careful use and professional maintenance by Italian marque specialists. Original Milan license plates and the factory tool roll add a level of completeness that is rarely found in the auction market. Every component from the dry-sump system to the Scaglietti bodywork functions as a cohesive high-performance unit. This is a vehicle that rewards the driver with a tactile and auditory experience that modern cars cannot duplicate.
Summary of a Front Engine V12 Masterpiece
The 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 is a definitive archetype of the classic grand touring berlinetta. Its history of careful preservation makes it a primary reference point for restorers and historians of the Ferrari brand. The Rosso Rubino paint over the corduroy-trimmed interior creates a visual presence that is both understated and undeniably elegant. With its Classiche certification, the next custodian is guaranteed a vehicle with the highest possible level of factory authenticity. The work performed by Bob Wallace ensures that the car is as mechanically sound as it is visually beautiful. Only 330 of these four-cam models were built, making this low-mileage example one of the rarest survivors in existence. It captures the very end of an era before automotive design moved toward more clinical and aerodynamic 1970s shapes. This 275 GTB/4 remains a crowning achievement of the Scaglietti and Maranello partnership during the height of their powers.
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Source: rmsothebys.com
