Ferrari’s latest V-12, the just-unveiled 12Cilindri, is a technological marvel, but there’s nothing quite like those the company built during the 1950s and ‘60s.
One of these cars, a 1965 275 GTB, is set to hit the block at Mecum Auction’s annual Indy sale. The stunning coupé isn’t fully original, but that won’t stop it from fetching a seven-figure gavel price.
This particular 275 GTB, serial no. 06943, started life as a “short nose.” In 1981, its owner, Ferrari and Alfa Romeo parts expert Gordon Raymond, approached Chicago’s North Shore Auto Rebuilders about converting it into a long nose, according to the listing. That’s just what the shop’s Josef Neumayer and Michael Gabler did using official replacement parts from Scaglietti, the vehicle’s original coachbuilder, that cost $19,100 at the time. The finished car may not have left the factor as a long nose, but it’s the next best thing.
1965 Ferrari 275 GTB
Mecum Auctions
The Pininfarina-designed body of this North American-spec 275 GTB is finished in a glorious coat of Ferrari’s trademark Rosso Corsa lacquer paint. The interior features two seats covered in black Nero leather, as well as a wood panel dashboard, wood-rimmed steering wheel, and gated shifter. And while no one buys a Prancing Horse for functionality’s sake, the surprisingly roomy trunk looks like it could comfortably fit a bag of golf clubs.
Under the hood, you’ll find one of Ferrari’s famed Colombo V-12s. The 3.3-liter mill is the car’s original and is factory-rated for 280 hp and a 7,600 rpm redline. It’s equipped with three carburetors and is mated to a five-speed manual gearbox that sends power to the rear axle. The car, which has been formerly raced at Road America, has over 40,000 miles on its odometer, but has been well looked after over the years and remains in terrific shape. One thing to note is that if its next owner wants Ferrari Classiche certification they’ll have to restore the car as a short nose.
Inside the 275 GTB
Mecum Auctions
The long-nosed 275 GTB conversion is set to go up for bid this Saturday, May 18, at Mecum’s Indy 2024 sales event. The auction house expects the dazzling sports car to sell for between $1.5 million and $2 million.
Click here for more photos of the 1965 Ferrari 275 GTB.
