1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4

There’s an inherent peppiness to the 275 GTB, though not so much to compromise the car’s Grand Touring credentials. The large wooden-rimmed steering wheel feels so alive, wriggling in your palms and communicating exactly what the front wheels are doing. Once warm, the legendary open-gate gearshift is every bit as satisfying as you would imagine, so long as you’re decisive and smooth with your inputs. That said, the intoxicatingly linear torque from the four-cam V12 and long travel of the throttle pedal means you needn’t worry too much about changing down in order to pass other cars. Did we mention the noise? It’s sensational – an aural symphony of power and soul.

Chassis no. 10681

One of only 300 left-hand-drive ‘Four Cam’ 275 GTB/4s built, chassis number 10681 was delivered new to the United States of America via Luigi Chinetti Motors in November of 1967. It was originally finished in the timeless colour combination of Rosso Corsa over Beige and fitted with Borrani wire wheels. Having crossed the Atlantic to New York aboard the SS Paolo Costa, this 275 was first sold to a New Jersey-based contracting company, which gave a Cadillac in part exchange. The Ferrari’s first private owner, one Donald A. Adley from Connecticut, acquired the car in May of 1968 and returned it regularly to Chinetti for servicing.

The car remained in North America for 23 years, appearing multiple times in the Ferrari Market Letter throughout the 1980s. In 1990, it returned to its native Italy where it was subsequently restored. In 1997, chassis number 10681 was proudly displayed at Ferrari’s 50th-anniversary celebration meeting in Rome. The ‘Prova Roma 4413’ registration with which it was pictured was an especially nice touch.

At the dawn of the New Millennium this 275 GTB/4 was imported to the United Kingdom. In addition to enjoying the ‘Four Cam’ on a number of prestigious events including the Tour Auto, the car’s owner submitted chassis number 10681 for Ferrari Classiche certification – certification it duly received, confirming the originality of the chassis, engine, transaxle and body. A further decision was taken to entrust the renowned British Ferrari specialist GTO Engineering with cosmetically restoring this 275. Commencing in 2009, the two-year project involved refinishing the car in the elegant shade of Grigio and sending the interior components to Tappezzeria Luppi in Modena to be reupholstered in sumptuous Beige leather. Upon completion, the owner contested both the Tour Auto and the Modena Cento Ore in 2010 – and for that, we commend him.

For the remainder of its tenure in the United Kingdom, this Ferrari was regularly maintained regardless of cost by both GTO Engineering and Bob Houghton. Chassis number 10681’s current Italian owner acquired the car in the summer of 2022. Since then, it’s resided in the car of (and been serviced by) the Official Ferrari Dealer Rossocorsa Classiche in Milan.

This really is a fantastic example of the revered ‘Four Cam’. A clear and comprehensive history, a restoration undertaken by a trusted specialist, a magnificent colour combination and Ferrari Classiche certification confirming its absolute originality. Its flowing, feline, Grigio body is exactly as it should be, boasting all the subtle identifiers and quirks of a 275 GTB. The nose, for example, boasts a smile that we’d defy anyone not to fall for. The Beige interior hand-saddled by the artisans at Luppi is also exquisitely finished, and is a truly wonderful place to sit. It’s small wonder the 275 GTB/4 won the hearts of so many legends, from Sophia Loren and Steve McQueen to Miles Davis and Peter Sellers. Here is your chance to attempt to resist this magnificent example’s charms.