Most of us are familiar with the story of Ford versus Ferrari, but equally productive of exotic machinery was the rivalry between Ferruccio Lamborghini and Enzo Ferrari. Rumors abound as to how their duel began, but whatever the perceived slight, it goaded Lamborghini into creating a spectacular four-cam V12 engine pumping out more horsepower than Ferrari had as yet dreamed of. Not to be outdone, Ferrari went back to the drawing board with his Columbo engine in 1966 to produce his own version of a four-cam V12, which he dropped into the already-astounding 275 GTB. The resulting car, called the 275 GTB/4, is one of the most collectible of all Ferraris. Here at Mecum is a 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4, coming to auction on January 7th at Kissimmee. The estimated selling range is $2.25 million to $2.6 million, and the car has no reserve. It has been part of the late Richard Grant III collection since 1999, most of which is being liquidated at this auction. We have Araknid78 to thank for this exotic tip!
The heart of the matter is the dry-sump, four-cam, six-Weber, V12 engine displacing 3286 cc’s. Advertised at 300 bhp, the engine hurled this car from zero to sixty in 5.5 seconds; keep the pedal down and you can reach a top speed of over 160 mph. These numbers were a hair better than the pedestrian 275 GTB – you needed another half-second to get to 60 mph from a standstill if you cheaped out and settled for only two camshafts. This is a matching numbers engine, with an odometer reading of just over 82,000 kilometers. The five-speed manual transaxle contributes to excellent balance. A subtle hood bulge helps distinguish this car from its lesser cousin; the tach also runs to 8000 rpm versus 7000.
The interior is very nice though with a slight patina. This car was delivered in black with orange seats and red carpets; the accompanying Marcel Massini report indicates an interior color change to brown in 1976. In 1998, the Massini report notes the colors as red over black.
Aside from the Massini report, other bits of documentation accompany the car including Italian road registrations, photos of its participation in hill climbs in the late 1960s and a nearly full history of ownership. The car is recorded in the 275 GTB/4 registry, showing photos of the car on the field at several events. These intensely valuable cars tend to trade owners often; this one has actually been driven over 1000 km per year and saw long-term ownership with its last two caretakers. While this beauty is not within reach for 99% of us, we can at least hope it finds an enthusiast who will drive it once in a while.
My goodness, what a sexy car. I’d pay a fee just to hear that V12 in person.
And sure, you can get some souless modern SUV, pickup or car now with more power, but if you could afford the 275, why not?
Had a customer with a ’72 Lambo Espada with a similar engine in it. V12, 6 Webers, 4 exhaust pipes and a sound that was music to the ears while standing around it drinking coffee in the morning. Must keep the innards oiled up!
Just beware of “Carbon on the Valves”
Walter Matthau was a goodie. If only carbon on the valves was the only thing you have to worry about with a Ferrari!
A friend of mine sold his XK 150 and bought a 275 GTB 4 for 10,000.00 in 1970. When the prices started getting crazy in the the late 80’s he swapped it for a Boxer and 100K- He still has the Boxer and a sad face.
Gawd!
No, absolutely no, substitute for number of cylinders, camshafts, carbs and cubes.
So glad that I’m also a dinosaur and have lived to hear and witness greatness like this.
Luxury Ferrari at it’s Best
BEST…
Mecum get those strong drinks ready.
Mecum is a hoax! Circus like atmosphere with SFX lighting, loud obnoxious auctioneer, run by greed and 10% for every car paid by consigners on the spot. Its established a unrealistic market for vintage cars and taken out of the picture the average man wanting to buy that old muscle car he once owned. Personally I hope the Mecums die broke. I know your not going to publish this but its the truth. JV creator of The Smash Palace
Howard…is that you?
I love that movie!
Mecum is a hoax
quite a few have contributed to the changes – auctions have been around awhile, 1960’s TV stars ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azEOeTX1LqM )
the net sales. But recent combo of 1st & last just mentioned did the most killing.
Dont think my kids will see conditions I had (get a 5, 10, 15 y/o Italian 50s/60s car at Goldie’s Junk yard – put on some new fenders, restore breaks, radiator, etc – drive) the ability to get’n drive something unaffordable till the next jewel catches our eye. Sell, do it all over again. I was tryin to work my way up to something like this but went to college instead. Now I’m ‘retired’ its not easy as initial buy-ins are too steep, all the competition.
Lot K148.1: 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4
$2,970,000 SOLD
· Jan 7, 2023
Repainted its original black with Pella Orange Connolly interior. Offered again at Mecum Monterey in August 2023.
https://www.mecum.com/lots/1081195/1967-ferrari-275-gtb-4/