PROVENANCE
Delivered new to Jacques Swaters’ Garage Francorchamps, Brussels, Belgium (November 1965)
Charles D. Barnett, Woodside, California (acquired 1969)
Current Owner (acquired from the above 2003)

EXHIBITED
Race Through the Decades 1954–2014, Beverly Hills, California, October 2014

LITERATURE
Hilary A. Raab Jr., Ferrari Serial Numbers Part I, chassis no. listed on p. 83

THIS CAR
Debuted at the October 1964 Paris Salon, Ferrari’s 275 GTS Spider and 275 GTB Berlinetta marked a quantum leap forward as Ferrari’s very first road cars utilizing fully independent suspension and a five-speed rear transaxle. Powered by an enlarged 3.3-liter derivation of Ferrari’s Colombo SOHC V-12 engine, the new 275 – whether open or closed – was a revelation with abundant reserves and a wonderful V-12 soundtrack. Directly replacing the 250 GT Series II Pininfarina Cabriolet, the 275 GTS featured crisply tailored steel bodywork designed and built by Pininfarina. Merely 200 of these beautifully balanced and formidable performers were produced in all.

According to history documented by Marcel Massini, 07559 was an original European-specification 275 GTS, factory-finished in Bleu Scuro (Dark Blue) paint over Natural leather. On November 3, 1965, it was delivered to Brussels and Garage Francorchamps, the Ferrari dealership of the legendary Jacques Swaters. A copy of the original delivery notice accompanies the sale of the car and confirms the delivery particulars and original features of 07759.

While the identity of the vehicle’s first owner remains unknown, oral history suggests he was a man of Italian descent who owned an avocado ranch in Southern California. While traveling in Europe, he saw the GTS in Swaters’ showroom and purchased it after insisting on a repaint in Ferrari red. The history compiled by Marcel Massini states the Ferrari was then exported to the US.

In January 1969, the 275 GTS was advertised for sale in the Ferrari Club of America’s Prancing Horse magazine, with 07559 passing in 1969 to Charles D. Barnett of Woodside, California. Barnett retained 07559 until 2003, when, at only an approximate 45,500 km (28,000 miles), he sold it to the current owner, a longtime devotee of the 275 GTS.

During the current owner’s tenure, 07559 was enjoyed on many of today’s most desirable long-distance classic rallies throughout the US, Italy, and France. As offered, 07559 benefits from continuous usage and proper storage, ensuring its outstanding driving experience and performance. It has routinely thrilled the owner and startled the drivers of other high-performance machinery, including the Shelby 289 Cobra and Ferrari’s own 275 GTB, which carried a higher official power rating from the factory.

During 2014, the engine of 07559 was rebuilt by Blackhorse Motorsports, Inc., of Los Angeles and fitted with new bearings and pistons, new valves, and a set of new valve guides with upgraded oil seals. Using untouched samples taken from the car for color matching, the exterior was recently returned to its original shade of very dark non-metallic paint, unofficially known to many classic Ferrari enthusiasts as “Swaters Blue.” Along with its recent new paint, the chrome brightwork was restored and the interior was fitted with new leather upholstery, while the remainder of the interior, which is outstanding in presentation, was left as factory-original as possible, including the dash, instruments, door side-panel tops, and trunk carpeting.

Very well-proven as a most capable and enjoyable high-performance touring vehicle, 07559 now shows just an approximate 97,000 km or (slightly over 60,275 miles) of use. A copy of the aforementioned history compiled by Marcel Massini, a copy of the factory Rimesso (Delivery Notice), and other documentation accompany the sale of this striking 275 GTS. Clearly benefiting from the outstanding ownership it has received from just two owners since 1969, the offering of 07559 provides a unique opportunity to acquire an exceedingly rare and beautiful classic V-12 Ferrari, one that stands ready to provide an incredible ownership experience for its fortunate new owner and caretaker.