The GTB might be compared to an attractive woman who always keeps something in reserve
The Ferrari 275 GTB signaled an important evolution for Ferrari as the company finally adopted a fully independent suspension, which had been tested, developed, and proven in Ferrari’s sports racing cars.
Bodied by Scaglietti and designed by Pininfarina, the 275 GTB echoed the aggressive, purposeful appearance of the 250 Tour de France and GTO with its long hood, covered headlights, fastback roofline, Kamm tail, and vents in both the front wings and roof sail panel. Devoid of unattractive lines, shapes, and proportions, the beautiful coupes are considered by many automotive design critics to be among Pininfarina’s finest grand touring projects.
The engine, driveshaft, and rear-mounted transaxle were combined in one sub-assembly, mounted to the chassis at four points. All of this helped produce a rigid car that handled superbly, with neutral handling and near perfect 50/50 weight distribution. Perhaps one of the best summations of the GTB’s driving manners and performance abilities came from noted French car and motorcycle racing driver, Jean-Pierre Beltoise.
In a road test published in 1967 in L’Auto Journal, the former Formula One driver commented, “I covered in complete safety and the greatest comfort. and while carrying on a normal conversation with my passenger, the 46 miles which separate the Pont d’Orléans from Nemours in a little less than 23 minutes. at an average speed of more than 121 mph-which is remarkable enough without noting that I had to stop for the toll gates.”
The 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 Coupe presented here is a very well-preserved, highly original example with only two registered owners since new. It was originally delivered to the United States for William Raymond Johnson, who was stationed at the Naval Research Laboratory headquartered in Washington, D.C., with satellite locations in Maryland. In 1990, the Ferrari was purchased by Sig. Prevosti and shipped back to Italy, where it has remained ever since.
Finished in Giallo Fly, the body of the 1967 GTB/4 Coupe is very straight and the fit of the body panels is excellent. With the exception of very minor surface scratches, the paint is in very nice condition. The chrome is likewise very good and appears to be original. Proper Borrani wire wheels with correct Michelin tires have also been fitted to this much sought-after Ferrari thoroughbred.
The interior of the 275 GTB/4 Coupe is completely original and has never been restored. It is finished in black leather with gray carpets and a beige headliner, all of which remain in very good overall condition. All the instrumentation and accessories are factory original and function properly. Although not concours, the engine bay, with its V12 quad-cam power unit, complete with its race-proven sextet of Weber carburetors, remains original and very tidy, commensurate with the little use this car has seen from new.