1966 Ferrari 275 GTB
HIGHLIGHTS
Desirable Torque Tube, Long Nose Example of one of Ferrari’s Finest Road Cars
Documented by Ferrari Historian Marcel Massini
Complete Italian and USA Documentation From New
Concours Quality Restoration By Noted Marque Experts
Includes Tool Roll, Full Set of Campagnolo Wheels, Original 3-Carb Set-Up, NOS ANSA Exhaust System
SPECIFICATIONS
Chassis Number - 08521
Engine – 3286cc, 12 Cylinder, 6 Carburetors
Gearbox – 5 Speed Manual
Drivetrain - Front engine, RWD
Price - SOLD
OVERVIEW
Launched at the Paris Motor Show in 1964, the Ferrari 275 GTB has been often heralded as one of the most beautiful cars ever produced. Working on the heels of the 250 series success, Ferrari developed the 275 as their first road going machine to feature fully independent suspension and rear-mounted transaxle, which afforded the model fabulous handling and nearly perfect 50/50 weight distribution.
Engines in the 275 are often considered the ultimate Colombo powerplant. Featuring 3,286cc, overhead camshafts and 60-degree cylinder head geometry, these glorious V-12’s produced between 280 and 300hp, depending on carburetor configuration. The iconic bodywork was penned by Pininfarina, and executed by Scaglietti for series production, with panels in both steel and alloy.
During the 1964-1966 production run for the Ferrari 275, a number of alterations were made to help improve the drivability of these fast road machines. Arguably, the two most important changes were the introduction of the "long-nose" body and the installation of a torque tube in the driveline. In 1966, the front bodywork was lengthened and lowered slightly to eliminate high-speed lift characteristics of the earlier models. During the same year, a torque tube was added to better couple the engine to gearbox. This revision greatly improved the stability and durability of the drivetrain of the cars. These improvements were being applied to all 275 GTBs by the time its successor, the 275 GTB/4, was introduced, and these "long-nose, torque-tube" 275 GTBs are now often considered to be the most desirable iterations of the model in terms of their overall driving characteristics.
According to Ferrari historian Marcel Massini, s/n 08521 was delivered new via Ferrari’s official dealer in Modena, Autotouring S.r.l., in its factory colors of Argento (106-E-1) over Nero (VM 8500 Connolly). Interestingly, the Ferrari factory documents show the original destination to be Breschi, however, that detail was crossed out on the factory foglio allestimenti, and the car was sold to the first Italian owner in Parma in May of 1966.
This GTB went on to have several owners over the next 10 years, all in Italy (documented in the file with Italian road registration documents). Most notable was the final Italian owner, Vincent Virgilio of Marasla, Italy (Sicily). Seniore Virgilio owned the car from 1970 until 1976. During his ownership, he had the car regularly serviced by the Ferrari factory in Modena. He also had the car repainted to “Giallo Fly” (Fly Yellow) in 1971 while retaining the original black interior. The documentation from this period in the file is impressive, with regular service being handled by Ferrari, Scaglietti, and Weber.
In 1976, the car was sold to a Sicilian-American, Franco Vaciglia, and re-located to the United states. Enthusiasts reported multiple sightings in both Wadsworth, OH, and Deerfield Beach, FL, over the next two decades as Mr. Vaciglia had homes in both locations. This 275 traded hands again in 1994 to the second American owner, a Mr. Bruce Perrone of Pittsburgh, PA. Mr. Perrone enjoyed the car in regular use with his family at events for five years. In 1999 the car was sold to Mr. Ken Rupp in Medina, OH.
Mr. Rupp showed s/n 08521 just one time before embarking on a two-year restoration of by noted Ferrari restorer Wayne Obry at Motion Products, Inc. (MPI). Mr. Rupp elected to have the 275 restored to the current Rosso over Tan configuration. He also opted for the addition of the 6-carb set-up during the rebuild.
The current owner acquired the car in August of 2003 with 81,270 Km showing on the original odometer. Another 3,500 careful kilometers have been added since, with consistent service handled locally by noted local Ferrari specialists. Shown sparingly and exercised regularly, the car has remained a central part of the current owner’s collection for the last 15+ years.
In terms of the restoration and driving characteristics of 08521 - The current owner has been fortunate to have owned three 275 GTBs over the last 45 years (and also has logged extensive driving time in six additional 275 GTBs). He states that this car is unequivocally the “best driving and fully sorted” of the nine cars he has had the pleasure of piloting.
S/n 08521 is uniquely offered with its original Italian documentation file from new, original leather jacket with owner’s manuals, USA restoration and ownership documents from 1976-2018, original Weber 3 carburetor set-up, unopened original spare ANSA exhaust system, the complete tool roll with jack, and custom fitted luggage behind the seats. The car is currently sitting on Borrani wire wheels (including the spare) and is also offered with a full set of correct 10-hole Campagnolo alloys and period correct Michelins.
This exceptional numbers matching example here is ready for any concours event, tour, or rally around the world, without excuse. A must have for any serious Ferrari collector, the 275 GTB has always proven to be a blue-chip collectable in the marketplace – and rightfully so, as it remains an impressive piece of machinery from the Enzo era Ferraris.
Please contact Jason Harris at +1-206-355-7727 for more information on this 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB.
