1965 Ferrari 275 GTS

£ 1 494 950

Ferrari announced the launch of the 275 series in October 1964 at the Salon de L’Automobile in Paris. The series consisted of a hard-top Berlinetta, dubbed the “GTB”, and cabriolet spider, from which the GTS takes its name. Both bodies were designed by Pininfarina. While the chassis and engines for the two models were essentially identical, the similarities ended there. The GTB body was fabricated by Maranello’s preferred competition coachbuilder Scaglietti, while the more luxuriously appointed GTS was constructed at Pininfarina’s Grugliasco factory.

The Ferrari 275 GTS was completely different in appearance and proportions to its closed-roof sibling, while the cabriolet car was constructed of steel with aluminium bonnet, boot lit, and doors. Uncovered headlamps, triple-louvered wings, a tapered rear end, and standard Borrani wire wheels were the spider’s key visual identifiers, and those features were eventually carried over to the 330 and 365 GTS variants that followed. Just 200 examples of the 275 GTS were built over an 18-month production period, making the model far rarer than the 275 GTB, of which over twice the amount were made. Prized by Ferrari enthusiasts today as the luxurious grand touring expression of the celebrated 3.3-litre Colombo platform, the 275 GTS has evolved into one of the era’s most collectable open-top Ferraris.

This very special example is the 61st of 200 cars built and the 7th of just 14 produced in right-hand drive for the UK market. Originally finished in Rosso Cina with beige Connolly hide, it was delivered new on 29th July 1965 to Colonel Ronnie Hoare’s Maranello Concessionaires, before being sold shortly afterwards, on 13th August, to its first owner, Charles Lucas.

In the years that followed, the 275 GTS passed through the hands of a number of distinguished owners. It was subsequently acquired by R. G. Bond of Cheshire, then by R. J. Hands of London in 1972, and in 1974 by Bernard Kain of Wiltshire. Between 1985 and 1990 it formed part of the collection of Adrian Liddell of Goodworth Clatford, Hampshire, a noted enthusiast with an eye for exceptional cars.

In the early 1990s the GTS was purchased by Mr Fung, who promptly commissioned a full restoration with European Sales & Restoration in California, USA. He retained the car from 1993 until 2012, during which time it alternated between Hong Kong and the United Kingdom. While abroad it was maintained by Italian Motors in Hong Kong, and in the UK by Chris Holley’s Light Car Company near Faringdon, who in 2006 undertook a comprehensive engine rebuild.

With its rarity, originality, long-term enthusiast ownership and superbly documented provenance, this Ferrari 275 GTS offers all the qualities sought after by the most discerning collectors. It stands today as a magnificent example of Maranello’s open grand tourer, fully deserving of its place among the finest sports cars of the 1960s. Contact us now for more information or to arrange a viewing.