We all know that the definitive Ferrari of the 1960s is none other than the 250 GTO but that’s not the only Prancing Horse of the period capable of stealing headlines and collectors’ hearts. Take this 275 GTB for example.
This 1965 Ferrari 275 GTB 6C, offered for sale from Girardo & Co, is one of just a handful that left the factory wearing six Weber 40 DCN carburetors instead of the usual three feeding the 3.3-liter Colombo V12 engine.
The special treatment, which increased the performance of the iconic V12 in models destined for racing, was reserved for the road cars of Enzo Ferrari’s most favored clients. It’s believed that less than 60 Ferrari cars fitted with the Colombo V12 in total got that treatment.
It’s fair to say that this is one of the most desirable of the 275 GTBs in the classic car market, and then you learn that the bodywork features unique special touches like 250 GTO style air vents in the rear wheel arches, 250 LM style faired-in driving lights and an outside, quick release fuel filler, as well as a power bulge in the bonnet.
The unique styling features were part of a no-expense-spared restoration the car was subjected to during the 1980s by Autofficina Sauro and Egidio Brandoli. Brandoli previously worked for Carrozzeria Scaglietti and is one of the best-known specialists for body and paint jobs on classic Ferraris.
The first owner of this stunning 275 GTB 6C was Count Vittorio Zanon di Valgiurata, former president of the Automotoclub Storico Italy and a well-known car collector. Documentation of the car within the Ferrari factory reportedly contains correspondence from Enzo Ferrari himself to the Count saying “In view of your sporting driving style I have fitted six carburetors to your new car”.
The car is to this day a fully matching numbers example, featuring the original engine and transmission it left the factory. The 275 GTB was also the first Ferrari road car to come with a rear-mounted transaxle that housed both the five-speed gearbox and differential, as well as fully independent suspension on all four corners.
While every Ferrari 275 GTB is a thing of beauty, this particular example is even more special thanks to its great history, bodywork “enhancements” and of course those six Weber carburetors sitting on top of the famous Colombo V12.