Introduced in 1966, the 275 GTB/4 was the first four-camshaft engine to be used on a road-going Ferrari. Although the chassis was given a new type number of 596, it remained practically identical to the outgoing frame as featured on the two cam Series II Torque Tube model it was replacing. The Long Nose bodywork was almost identical to the late 2 cam models; the most obvious change was the bonnet bulge to allow suitable clearance for the carburettors air cleaner.

The body was fabricated predominantly from steel albeit with aluminium for the doors, bonnets and boot lids. An all-alloy body was also available but by special order only. The engines were substantially different to before, featuring dual overhead camshafts and competition-inspired dry-sump lubrication. It retained the 3285cc but output had risen to 300bhp at 8000rpm. Having begun late in 1966, GTB/4 production was discontinued two years later after the completion of 330 examples. Undoubtedly the 4 cam is a much more useable Grand Tourer than its 2 cam contemporary benefiting from much greater torque throughout its rev range. This upgraded engine specification meant the 275 finally had a motor to match its credibly up to date design with disc brakes and independent suspension all round. In short, a 4 cam is one of the finest driving cars for the road that first became available during the 1960's.

In 1967 Mr Spooner, the first owner of this 275, put in his order with Maranello Concessionaires. There was some backwards and forwards as soon after his order was in he changed the order specification and then attempted to delay due to a change in personal circumstances to an October delivery. Made aware the car may not still be in production in October, the factory invoiced Mr Spooner for the car and it arrived as originally intended in April 1968. Mr Spooner sold the car back to Maranello Concessionaires in August 1968, the invoice making some reference to a new Berlinetta, likely a 330 GTC. The Maranello records suggest the car was sold to its second owner, although the DVLA records do not align, in February the following year to Mr Symondson of West Horsley.

The car returned the Maranello regularly for servicing and warranty work and was part exchanged by Mr Symondson against his new 365 GTB/4 Daytona that he would receive in December 1971. The car is noted as being a part-exchange with an allowance of £4,228 – a significant figure.

During the 1970s, and very much likely during David Bradshaw’s ownership, this example was restored alongside another 275 GTB/4, also well known by DK Engineering. At this time the engines were accidentally placed in the wrong cars once rebuilt, making both ‘non-matching numbers’ for nearly 30 years. In the mid-1980s, the car was exported to Switzerland where it would remain in a single collection. A restoration was initiated whilst in Switzerland in 2006 but it was four more years until we had the opportunity to purchase the car in 2010 midway through the job. At this time, we were also able to buy the other 275 GTB/4 and were finally able to reunite both cars with their original engines.

We brought all the parts to the UK, including the body in its stripped state. We sold the car at this time, in August 2011, to its current owner and as such progressed with the restoration under the direction of the new custodian. We stripped the paint from the body and finished it in Rosso Corsa. With the painted shell returned to DK, we then progressed through a meticulous restoration, reconditioning parts and knowing every intricate detail of the car afforded to us by its stripped state. We rebuilt the original ‘Matching Numbers’ V12 and reunited it with its original chassis. Assembled, the car was sent to Italy to be trimmed in Tan by renowned factory coach-trimmers, Luppi of Modena.

Presented today in superb condition, with limited mileage since restoration, this example is one of just 27 UK supplied RHD 275 GTB/4 built from a total production of 350 cars. Awarded its desirable Ferrari ‘Red Book Classiche Certification’ in 2012, this stunning example is freshly serviced and available to view at our showrooms just outside London immediately.

Please refer to our main website www.dke.co.uk for full details, additional photos, our terms of sale and accurate pricing as some websites may use out of date currency exchange rates: https://www.dkeng.co.uk/ferrari-sales/1251/blue_chip_competition_cars/ferrari_275_gtb_4.html