Produced from 1964 through 1966, the gorgeous Ferrari 275 GTS (spyder) was introduced alongside its closed berlinetta stablemate, the 275 GTB, at the 1964 Paris Auto Salon. All new, competition-derived mechanical specifications of the 275 GTB/GTS included a new chassis, fully independent suspension with unequal-length A-arms and coil springs, power-assisted disc brakes all around and a rear-mounted 5-speed transaxle. Both the 275 GTS and 275 GTB ignited a revolution on wheels as Ferrari’s inaugural road cars, equipped with a 5-speed rear transaxle and 4-wheel independent suspension. Powering the 275 GTS was the latest 3.3L version of Ferrari’s proven Gioacchino Colombo-designed SOHC V-12 engine. Breathing in through triple Weber twin-choke carburetors, the Tipo 213 engine was redlined at 7,000 RPM and developed 260 factory-rated BHP, propelling the nimble Ferrari from rest to 100 kilometers per hour (62 MPH) in just under 7 seconds, all the way up to 140 MPH and beyond, depending upon the rear-end gearing specified. Four-wheel disc brakes provided stopping power to match. What set the open GTS apart most from the Berlinetta was its elegant coachwork by Pininfarina, which borrowed the later- production 330 GT 2+2’s oval egg-crate grille, open headlights and neat rear treatment to superb effect. More luxurious than the more performance-oriented 275 GTB, the GTS offered more comfortable seating, more luggage space, a softer ride and an ingeniously designed convertible top that could be operated with one hand—all with the breathtaking speed and balanced handling expected of a V-12 Ferrari model. While primarily aimed at the lucrative American market, the 275 GTS was an immediate favorite of the world’s elite buyers, including screen siren Jayne Mansfield, international playboy Porfiro Rubirosa, guitar legend Eric Clapton and many more of the era’s luminaries. Production of the 275 GTS was brief, continuing until early 1966 and numbering just 200 by the advent of Ferrari’s new, larger-displacement 330 GTC/330 GTS models. Chassis No. 06809, this 1965 Ferrari 275 GTS is the sixth of 200 built over a two-year span ending in 1966. In 2022, it was mechanically sorted and restored to its original factory color combination comprising exceptionally rare Bianco paint with a Nero leather interior, just as it was delivered new in 1965. In addition to its matching-numbers 3.3L Colombo V-12 engine and matching-numbers 5-speed gearbox, the car features a new Ansa exhaust system, chromed Borrani wire wheels, a wood-rimmed steering wheel and wood dash trim, and Veglia instruments in kilometers as specified for European delivery. Offered with the factory books and tool roll, this early production 275 GTS is a well-documented example of Ferrari’s potent and elegantly styled mid-‘60s Grand Touring spider.
