Ferrari introduced the 275 GTB at the 1964 Paris Motor Show as the replacement for its highly successful 250 SWB Berlinetta. To create a worthy successor, Scuderia Ferrari team driver Michael Parkes was brought in to assist with development and the latest race-bred innovations were incorporated. A rear-mounted, five-speed transaxle was fitted to improve balance, and, for the first time, independent rear suspension was used on a production Ferrari road car. The tipo 213 engine was a further refinement of Ferrari’s classic single overhead cam V-12 and displaced 3.3 liters, the same as the 1965 Le Mans-winning 250 LM. Rated at 280 bhp, the new Ferrari could rev to nearly 8,000 rpm and claimed a top speed in excess of 150 mph.

Styled by Pininfarina, the 275 GTB’s dynamic profile owed much to the famous 250 GTO, with its long hood, covered headlamps, short Kamm tail, and angled vents. Over a period of two years, Ferrari built just 453 examples of the original 275 GTB, before introducing the revised four-cam GTB/4 in October 1966. According to the research of Ferrari historian Dyke Ridgley – whose authoritative 275 GTB production list was published by Cavallino magazine – Carrozzeria Scaglietti built just 248 examples of the two-cam 275 GTB in the original short-nose body style, the purest expression of this iconic design.

The 275 GTB presented here, chassis 07529, is a relatively late-production short-nose Berlinetta, completed at Ferrari in September 1965. Originally finished in Giallo Stemma Ferrari (Ferrari Crest Yellow) over gray Connolly leather upholstery and equipped with three Weber carburetors, Campagnolo “sunburst” wheels, seat belts, and instrumentation in miles, this 275 GTB was destined for US shores.

Soon after completion, the 275 GTB was invoiced to official North American distributor Luigi Chinetti Motors and delivered, in October 1965, to its first owner, Paul M. Riffert of Ephrata, Pennsylvania. A renowned surgeon and long-standing medical director at Ephrata Community Hospital, Dr. Riffert was an established Luigi Chinetti Motors customer and was the original owner of two very special Ferraris – a 250 GT Series I Cabriolet and a 410 Superamerica Series III Coupe. It is believed that Dr. Riffert retained 07529 until 1968, when it was sold to Walter Menahan of Madison, Wisconsin.

In July 1973, Mr. Menahan advertised the Ferrari for sale in The New York Times and eventually sold it in 1974 to John Lands of Indianapolis. During his ownership, Mr. Lands refinished the 275 GTB in red with black upholstery and then sold it in 1978 to James Hoibierre of Michigan, via well-known exotic car dealer John Delameter.

In the early 1980s, Mr. Hoibierre began preparing for a full restoration, disassembling the Ferrari, methodically cataloguing each component, and sourcing parts and documentation that might be required for the project. As the years progressed, Mike Kleeves stripped the bodywork to bare metal and Terry Myr oversaw preliminary engine work. Eventually, though, the project stalled, and Mr. Hoibierre opted to sell the Ferrari after more than four decades of ownership.

In anticipation of its appearance at auction, the consignor enlisted F40 Motorsports of Portland, Connecticut, to reassemble the unrestored 275 GTB for display and transportation purposes. The engine fitted to 07529 is a proper tipo 213 unit stamped with internal no. 616/64, which is believed to have been originally fitted to another 275 GTB, chassis 07503. The transaxle, no. 332, is thought to be original to this car. In addition to several boxes of small parts and components, the Ferrari is accompanied by a file of documentation and a history report produced by Marcel Massini.

Given its rare factory color scheme and well-documented provenance, this Ferrari 275 GTB ought to be considered an ideal restoration candidate, either prepared to concours standards or for competitive vintage racing. Presented at auction for the first time, this short-nose 275 GTB awaits a Ferrari enthusiast who wishes to write the next great chapter in its history.

*Please note that this vehicle is titled 1966 and as 275GTB07529. Please also note that this vehicle has been in long-term static storage and may not be currently operational. It will require mechanical attention prior to road use.