Estimate:
$1,600,000 - $1,800,000

• Ferrari Classiche Certified, retains its original engine and gearbox
• Exceptional original paint and interior; under 27,500 original miles
• Just four private enthusiast owners from new, fascinating early ownership history
• Over €50,000 spent in mechanical work in 2018
• Surely among the most original 275 GTS in existence, an incredible opportunity

Please note that this lot is titled as a 1967.

The 147th of just 200 275 GTS’ produced by Ferrari, chassis number 07805 is arguably amongst the best preserved and most original examples in existence. Designated as a U.S. delivery example, it was originally finished in Bianco (20.414 A. Italver) over a Bleu (VM 3015) Connolly leather interior, colors which it still proudly sports today. According to Ferrari Historian Marcel Massini, this is one of just eleven 275 GTS’ finished in Bianco. Amazingly, six of these cars, including 07805, were delivered new to Luigi Chinetti’s Greenwich, Connecticut distributorship.

Arriving with Chinetti on January 5, 1966, the car was sent to Ferrari’s official dealership in Chicago, Illinois, Loeber Motors. It was sold to its first owner M.J. Suerth, a Chicago-based funeral director on April 15, 1967. Rather than keep his new 275 GTS at his home in Chicago, Suerth shipped the car to his second home in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. There, Suerth added some unusual accessories to suit his taste and uses, including gold “MJS” monograms on the doors, an anniversary gift from his wife, as well as a small cocktail bar set up over the passenger seat. However, the most interesting modification was a trailer hitch, as Suerth used the 275 GTS to tow a small dinghy to and from his yacht.

Remaining in Fort Lauderdale with Mr. Suerth for the next ten years, the car was advertised in the Ferrari Club of America Newsletter in April of 1977, stating that it had been driven 17,785 miles and was fitted with Borrani wire wheels. The advertisement caught the eye of the late Dr. Raymond Boniface. Dr. Boniface developed a passion for Italian automobiles while studying medicine at the University of Bologna and developed a fine collection of cars over the course of many years which included many well preserved, but regularly used automobiles.

Dr. Boniface purchased the 275 GTS for $18,000 and a letter to him from Mr. Suerth is included in the history file, stating “I hope you will enjoy driving the little speed demon as much as I did. It has always been a dependable car.” The car was shipped to Ohio where it would remain in Dr. Boniface’s collection for the next thirty-seven years. There, the car resided alongside vehicles such as a 250 GT/L Berlinetta Lusso, and a Lancia Aurelia B24S Cabriolet (both of which are amongst his collection being sold by RM Sotheby’s during the SHIFT/Monterey 2020 auction).

In his ownership, Dr. Boniface drove 07805 to concours and club events all over the northeastern United States, including at the Ferrari Club of America’s annual meet at Watkins Glen in 1990 and at the Meadow Brook Hall Concours d’Elegance in 1997. During this time the car’s original condition was carefully preserved, with the only modifications being to remove the gold MJS monograms and trailer hitch, both of which were returned to Mr. Suerth at his request.

Dr. Boniface entrusted RM Sotheby’s to sell his 275 GTS in 2014, when it was bought by an important collector and shipped to the U.K. Upon arriving in the U.K., the car was awarded Ferrari Classiche certification, confirming that it retains its original engine and gearbox. Following the current owner’s acquisition in 2016, the car has accrued nearly 3,500 miles alongside further careful preservation of its remarkable originality. Over €50,000 has been spent in mechanical work, including repairing the differential, balancing the clutch and flywheel, and fitting a new exhaust. All this work was done by Walter Historische Sportwagen in Switzerland.

Importantly, the car is also accompanied by a rich history file, which includes its original purchase invoice from Loeber motors, correspondence between Mr. Suerth and Dr. Boniface confirming its early history, its Ferrari Classiche binder, and invoices from the work carried out by Walter Historische Sportwagen. Furthermore, the car includes an original tool roll and its original owner’s manuals and pouch.

Considering its incredible level of preservation, fascinating ownership history, and recent mechanical sorting, 07805 is surely amongst the most desirable 275 GTS in existence. It is surely ready for any adventures its next owner has in store, be it preservation-class concours events, vintage rallies, the casual Sunday drive, or perhaps driving to and from one’s yacht in the South of France or along the Florida coast.

Please note that although the units of measurement on the speedometer are currently displayed in kilometres, the odometer is presently recording mileage in miles. The current odometer reading of 27,380 miles is original and correct.

Please note that an import duty of 2.5% of the purchase price is payable on this lot if the buyer is a resident of the United States.

To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/mo20.