By 1966, both the careers and relationship of film director Roger Vadim Plemiannikov and Hollywood star Jane Fonda were on a meteoric rise. The pair met in 1963 during the filming of La Ronde, officially becoming a couple later that year. After their marriage in Las Vegas in August 1965, they led a glamorous trans-Atlantic lifestyle between Vadim’s native France and Southern California. Their enviable life included not just luxurious homes and thriving careers, but also a taste for high-end cars.
Following the sale of his Ferrari 250 California SWB Spider, Vadim purchased a 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB, chassis number 08641, on 15 June 1966. Finished in Azzurro (106-A-32) with a Nero (VM 8500) leather interior, the car was built as a left-hand drive model specifically for use in France. This late-production long-nose version of the 275 GTB came fitted with a torque tube and three Weber carburettors. Sold to Vadim through Franco-Britannic Autos, Ferrari’s official distributor in Paris, it was registered under his full name, Roger Plemiannikov, with the plate number 64 SW 75. That summer, the registration was transferred to Fonda, though it retained the same number.
For the next two and a half years, Vadim and Fonda were frequently photographed with the car, as one might expect from such a high-profile couple. In August 1966, they were spotted in Saint-Tropez, where Vadim’s casual attire of swimming trunks drew nearly as much attention as the 275 GTB itself. A particularly personal moment occurred in October 1968 when Fonda was photographed in the passenger seat, leaving the hospital for the first time with their newborn daughter, Vanessa.
In November 1968, the Ferrari was returned to Franco-Britannic Autos, and its registration was changed to 1404 W 75 (a trade plate). Soon after, the car was sold to a Mr. Tamalet in Lyon, who repainted it red and registered it under his company. By April 1972, the 275 GTB had passed into the hands of Christian and Anne Baverey, also of Lyon. The couple used the car on the track, with Jean-Claude Killy, a former World Cup ski racer and triple Olympic champion, driving it at Pierre Bardinon’s famous Mas du Clos circuit. Anne Baverey also drove the car in the Limonest-Mont Verdun hillclimb near Lyon and the Coup des Dames at Mas du Clos in 1974.
On 16 April 1980, the car was acquired by Michel Ferry, director of the Société des Bains de Mer in Monaco. At this point, it was still painted red and sported yellow headlights, which were required for use in France. Briefly reregistered in Monaco, the car was later sold to a collector in Toulouse who participated in local events and rallies, re-registering the car as 275 TM 31. By 1988, it had passed through French dealer Jean Guikas to another French owner, before being sold to its current consignor roughly two decades ago.
In the past five years, chassis number 08641 underwent a comprehensive restoration aimed at returning it to its original color scheme of Azzurro over Nero. This meticulous restoration earned the car Ferrari Classiche certification, confirming it retains its original chassis, engine, and gearbox.
The Ferrari 275 GTB has long been a favorite of Hollywood elites, with notable owners including Steve McQueen and Miles Davis. Vadim and Fonda’s affection for the marque is clear, with Vadim having previously owned a 250 California Spider and Fonda being associated with another California Spider owned by fellow actor Alain Delon. During their ownership, the 275 GTB played an important role in their glamorous lives, symbolizing both their success and their shared passions.
Today, chassis number 08641 is presented exactly as it was when delivered to Vadim and Fonda, making it one of the most well-documented and desirable 275 GTBs. Its celebrity ownership, coupled with Ferrari Classiche certification and a recent restoration, ensures its place among the top tier of Ferrari 275 GTBs. Whether gracing a concours lawn or cruising the roads of the south of France, this 275 GTB offers a rare opportunity to own a piece of both automotive and Hollywood history.
- Model: 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB by Scaglietti
- Original Owners: Roger Vadim and Jane Fonda
- Restoration: Returned to original Azzurro over Nero color scheme
- Certification: Ferrari Classiche certified (original chassis, engine, gearbox)
- Location: Brusaporto, Italy
- Price: €2,400,000 EUR
Source: rmsothebys.com
This article was crafted with assistance from Chatgpt
