Ferrari 275 GTB - 1 Of 8 RHD Long Nose Torque Tube Examples - Classiche Certification

We’re thrilled to offer yet another UK supplied Ferrari 275 GTB, with this example finished in its original specified colour combination of Celeste Chiaro Metallizzatto (Metallic Sky Blue) exterior and Nero interior. Chassis no. 08391 is renowned within the Ferrari enthusiast realm having been delivered new via Maranello Concessionaires to Colonel Ronald John Hoare CBE in 1966.

First unveiled at the 1964 Paris Motor Show alongside its drop top sibling, the 275 GTS, the 275 range was an impressive successor to the 250 series that was warmly welcomed by the public. The 275 GTB is one of the most iconic road cars Ferrari have ever produced. It retained so many beautiful characteristics from its predecessors within the 250 series yet had multiple credible improvements both in its design and performance. Despite its more obvious exterior features which distinguished it from the 250 range, the 275 used a 3.3 litre version of the V12 Colombo engine which produced approximately 300 horsepower and was equipped with all-round independent suspension. Other changes included the reduction in engine height which contributed to the car having a lower centre of gravity, and a rear mounted 5 speed transaxle gearbox. This was the first time that Ferrari had integrated both of these features, thus greatly improving its handling. The 275 could achieve 60 mph in just over 6 seconds and had an astonishing top speed of 160 mph, a speed which was and is still considered ludicrous among road cars within that era.

Like most cars produced by Ferrari, there were significant changes made to the car’s specification throughout its production. The most notable of these additions which apply to this particular car were the application of a torque tube to improve the durability of the drivetrain and the newly introduced Long Nose design which aided in removing the possibility of lift occurring at high speeds, which was an issue presented among the earlier Short Nose cars.

This car was delivered new via Maranello Concessionaires in 1966 to Colonel Ronald John Hoare CBE. More formally known as ‘the Colonel’, he is widely known for establishing Ferrari’s brand in Great Britain. After using the 275 GTB for a short period as his personal car, and covering 4,100 miles, Col. R.J Hoare sold the car to a gentleman named Mr Raymond Thompson of Sussex after meeting him and his wife in Paris the week before. Among the car’s early history is a letter from Mr Hoare to Mr Thompson dated 11th October 1966, congratulating him and expressing his delight that he has purchased his personal 275 GTB. Included with the letter is the car’s original second-hand order form displaying the sale price of £4,900 and further correspondence between them outlining the cars payment and delivery schedule. After owning the car for just over a year, Mr Thompson wrote a letter to Col. R.J Hoare explaining that he now needed to sell the car as he had ‘’less and less opportunity to drive it”. After the agreement to sell the car on a sale or return basis, and the exchange of a few more letters (all of which are documented within the 275’s history) the car was then sold in February 1968 for the sum of £3,750 to a Mr David Griffith-Hughes of Surrey who continued to use Maranello Concessionaires for servicing during his ownership.

Documented within the history file is an article by Ronald Barker titled ”FERRARISSIMO!” from the magazine Autocar in 1969. This documents the 275 GTB’s journey of having a super charger fitted. Mr Griffith-Hughes explains his ambition of not only owning a Ferrari but ”to know what 12 cylinders would be like smoothed out by a blower”. Barker’s article goes into great depth to describe the process undertaken by Weslake Engineering, and is accompanied by multiple photographs showing the car and the engine during the upgrade process. Although having a slightly more comical approach, this article continues to further outline the testing of the car and its jaw dropping results. Alongside the article are historic photographs of the 275 GTB in period.

After changing hands to a Mr Sugden of London in 1986, the car had an engine rebuild in 1987 which took place at Modena Engineering Ltd, where the car was maintained for another 3 years. Terry Hoyle, a reputable Ferrari specialist was later commissioned to have the car changed to a six-carburettor set up while in the hands of Talacrest. It was then supplied to a Mr David Morrison in June 1991. Mr Morrison, a renowned collector, had the car completely restored by Maranello over a 2-year period. There are numerous invoices included documenting all of Morrison’s service work at Maranello.

After being sold to another renowned collector in 2006, this 275 GTB naturally changed between other like-minded enthusiasts until 2013 when it was then purchased by Furlonger and supplied to a private individual. After owning the car for a short period, he decided to have the car sent to Neil Twyman for a comprehensive restoration where it was completely returned to its factory specification. Tony Willis of Ferrari Classiche documented the restoration from start to finish and oversaw the works carried out.

This 275 GTB has remained in the hands of an elaborate collector for several years who has cherished the car and used it sparingly. Now offered for sale, this Ferrari 275 GTB poses an exciting opportunity to own what is arguably one the finest, and most collectible examples in the U.K. today, with a meticulously documented service history, ownership history, and Classiche Certification. 1 of just 8 UK supplied Long Nose examples with torque tube configuration presented in excellent order throughout, ready to be driven and thoroughly enjoyed by its next custodian.