Launched at Paris in October 1966, the four-cam 275 GTB/4 is universally and rightly regarded today as the finest expression of Ferrari’s entire 3.0L, 275-series dynasty. Visually identified by only the sharpest observers, the 275 GTB/4 continued Pininfarina’s celebrated long-nose body design, with just a small hood bulge and 24mm-wider track dimension applied to the new model. Underhood, the 275 GTB/4 ushered Ferrari’s uprated Tipo 226 V-12 engine specification, with the 3286cc powerplant featuring revised cylinder heads with four overhead camshafts—two per cylinder bank. Additional race-proven upgrades included dry-sump oiling and induction via six twin-choke Weber carburetors. Factory-rated at 300 HP at a race-worthy 8,000 RPM, this formidable engine propelled the 275 GTB/4 to more than 160 MPH. Now, with the four-cam V-12, competition power levels were available to Ferrari’s clients, right off the showroom floor. The engine, torque-tube driveline and 5-speed manual rear transaxle of the 275 GTB/4 were combined into one sub-assembly and mounted to the tubular steel chassis at four points, producing a rigid car with superb, neutral handling characteristics and near-perfect weight distribution. Stopping was via advanced 4-wheel disc brakes. Designed by Pininfarina, the sleek coachwork for the 275 GTB/4 was hand-formed by the renowned artisans at Scaglietti, Ferrari’s traditional maker of racing bodies. Although a trendsetting Ferrari road car in so many regards, the 275 GTB/4 also marks the end of a glorious era as the last truly coachbuilt, dual-purpose road/race Ferrari V-12 Berlinetta produced. Accordingly, many examples led a dual life in period, winning at road courses and hillclimbs on weekends, while providing glamorous transportation during the week as desired. According to marque historians, just 330 examples of the 275 GTB/4 were produced in all between 1966 and 1968. Originally built in the very rare factory color combination of Nero (black) paint with orange leather seats and red carpets, this 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4, Serial No. 09565, was delivered new in April 1967 to Ferrari distributor Dino Ravasio & Figli in Verona, Italy. Subsequently exported to the United States, Serial No. 09565 was acquired by Donald Vitale, who showed the 275 GTB/4 at the June 1990 FCA (Ferrari Club of America) National Concours d’Elegance held at Watkins Glen, New York, with the car awarded third place honors in Class 7. In May 1991, Vitale exhibited Serial No. 09565 at the Washington FCA National Concours d’Elegance, once again earning third in Class 7. Part of the Rick Grant Collection since 1999, the 275 GTB/4 was displayed at the 1999 Cavallino Classic Concorso d’Eleganza and participated in the Cavallino Classic track event held at Moroso Motorsports Park. At the XII Cavallino Classic in January 2003, Grant displayed Serial No. 09565 in Class 3, with the car earning the singular FCA Argento (Silver) Award on that occasion. Resplendent in Ferrari’s signature Rosso Corsa (Racing Red) paint with black leather upholstery displaying an attractive and honest patina consistent with limited enjoyment, Serial No. 09565 features power-assisted 4-wheel disc brakes, correct and comprehensive Veglia instrumentation, a classically gated shifter for the 5-speed manual rear transaxle and a visually striking set of chrome Borrani knock-off wire wheels. Featuring an incomparable V-12 soundtrack, this Ferrari legend clearly benefits from the long-term ownership of Rick Grant, and its offering presents a thrilling opportunity for ardent Ferrari collectors and enthusiasts to share in its rich mystique.
