1966 Ferrari 275 GTB

Even if we put Dirty Harry’s star power aside, we’re looking at a $400k price tag, more than a 75-percent jump in price since 2003

by Steve Ahlgrim

Perhaps no car better epitomizes classic Ferrari design than the 275 GTB. Penetrative nose, long bonnet, low cabin and a short, neat tail are the ingredients that make for a masterpiece of sports car design. The 275 GTB drew inspiration from the preceding 250 GTO, and along with its timeless appearance introduced a number of important milestones for Ferrari including independent rear suspension and a transaxle-mounted, five-speed gearbox. Following its launch at the Paris Motor Show in October 1964, subtle improvements to the original recipe were not long in coming. Towards the end of 1965, the nose was lengthened to improve high speed stability, coinciding with the enlargement of the rear window for greater visibility and the boot hinges moving to the outside in order to give a little more luggage space. Any 275 GTB is a special car, but the one on offer here is very special. It was bought as a personal gift from film director Dino de Laurentiis, to show...