The 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 stands as the definitive transition point between the organic elegance of the 1960s and the brutalist performance of the following decade. As the final iteration of the classic front-engined V-12 grand tourers before the arrival of the Daytona, it represents a golden era of Maranello engineering. This particular example, chassis 10217, is one of only 330 units produced and retains its matching-numbers engine. Delivered new to the United States through Luigi Chinetti Motors, it has traveled through the hands of renowned collectors and racing figures across two continents. Now presenting in its factory-correct Rosso Chiaro finish, this 275 GTB/4 remains a peerless candidate for the world’s most prestigious concours lawns and driving rallies.
Scaglietti Sculpted Long Nose Silhouette in Rosso Chiaro
The visual character of the 275 GTB/4 is defined by its achingly beautiful Scaglietti coachwork, featuring the refined long-nose silhouette that perfected the model’s aerodynamic profile. Finished in the timeless factory-correct Rosso Chiaro, this chassis highlights the transition from competition-bred aggression to high-society glamour. A rare and desirable factory-fitted chrome roll bar distinguishes this specific unit, adding a hint of its racing DNA to the road-going aesthetic. The body sits over independent suspension and a technologically advanced five-speed transaxle, emphasizing a low-slung stance that thundered along the Mulsanne Straight as easily as it navigated the streets of Manhattan. It is a silhouette that remains one of the most celebrated in the history of the Prancing Horse.
Nero Connolly Leather Cabin with Factory Power Windows
Inside, the cabin is an exercise in period-correct luxury, trimmed in original Nero Connolly leather that has been meticulously preserved. Unlike many contemporary sports cars of the late 1960s, this 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 was specified from the factory with full leather seats and power windows, catering to the elite “jet set” clientele of the era. The interior architecture focuses on the driver, featuring a wood-rimmed steering wheel and the iconic gated shifter that manages the five-speed gearbox. Every surface, from the textured dashboard to the polished chrome accents, reflects the hand-built quality of Maranello’s golden age. Currently undergoing Red Book certification by Ferrari Classiche, the interior remains a sanctuary of authentic 1960s grand touring style.
Four Cam V-12 Authority and Dry Sump Precision
The heart of this masterpiece is the vastly improved 3.3-litre Colombo short-block V-12, which introduced four overhead camshafts to the 275 platform. This advanced powerplant utilizes competition-derived dry-sump lubrication and a bank of six Weber 40 DCN carburettors to deliver a visceral and immediate throttle response. The engine provides 300 hp/304 PS and a mechanical symphony that benchmarks the finest naturally aspirated engines ever produced. Power delivery is smooth yet relentless, controlled by the rear-mounted transaxle that optimizes weight distribution for superior handling. During its life in Europe and the US, the mechanical systems have been maintained by marque specialists, ensuring that the legendary “four-cam” performance remains as sharp today as it was in July 1967.
| Technical Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 3.3L DOHC V-12 (Four-Cam) |
| Induction | Six Weber 40 DCN Carburettors |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Manual Transaxle |
| Chassis Number | 10217 (Matching Numbers) |
| Exterior Finish | Rosso Chiaro (Factory Correct) |
| Interior Material | Nero Connolly Leather |
| Production Total | 1 of 330 Examples |
Four-Cam Rarity and the Legacy of Luigi Chinetti
In the current market, the 275 GTB/4 is widely regarded as one of the most blue-chip investments in the automotive world, with only 330 units ever produced. This car’s unique history adds a layer of provenance that is rarely seen; it was once owned by Harley Cluxton III, who famously traded a 250 Testa Rossa to acquire it. Its early life under the umbrella of Luigi Chinetti’s North American Racing Team (NART) connections secures its place in the most important Ferrari circles. Compared to the earlier two-cam models, the four-cam variants command a significant premium due to their increased power and limited production run. As a documented example with a history report by Marcel Massini, chassis 10217 represents a secure and prestigious addition to any world-class collection.
A Definitive Statement of Ferrari’s Front Engined Grandeur
This 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 is more than just a high-performance berlinetta; it is a physical representation of the peak of 1960s Italian engineering. With its matching-numbers V-12 and factory-correct color combination, it offers a level of authenticity that satisfies the most exacting standards of the Ferrari community. The car’s journey from the streets of New York to the hills of Germany and finally back to Italy has been meticulously documented, providing a clear chain of stewardship. It remains an irreplaceable icon that bridged the gap between raw racing machines and sophisticated road cars. As it approaches the Monaco auction, it stands ready to serve as the crown jewel of any gathering of the world’s finest motorcars.
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Source: rmsothebys.com
