So, this isn’t just any old Ferrari 275 GTB. It’s the very first Ferrari 275 GTB ever built, chassis 06003, which served as the prototype and development car even during the first years of 275 GTB production. As part of that development, this 1964 Giallo Prototipo (Prototype Yellow) Ferrari 275 GTB was entered into the 1966 Rallye Monte Carlo. Incredibly, it’s still in Monte trim, complete with auxiliary lights, reinforced glass, a 75% locking differential, a modified hood, a third windshield wiper and second rearview mirror for the navigator. One more thing… it’s been in a private collection for 25 years and has remained mostly unseen in public in all that time. We think we’re in love.
It’s in the public eye now because it’s about to be offered for sale by Gooding & Company on January 18-19 during auction week in Scottsdale, Arizona, and estimated to sell for $6,000,000 – $8,000,000. It was used to test various features and upgrades that would eventually be introduced into production cars. Crucially, its Scaglietti-built bodywork was updated to the long-nose style, which became standardized after around 250 examples of the 275 GTB had been built. It was Ferrari’s racing manager Eugenio Dragoni and managing director Ugo Gobbato who decided to test the 275 GTB in a rally to gather technical information on its new features, particularly its transaxle and independent rear suspension. Giorgio Pianta was chosen to drive, with Roberto Lippi navigating. Pianta described the experience as “the most beautiful memory of my life” in a 1991 issue of Ferrari World magazine.
The 275 GTB prototype is one of several Ferraris to be offered by Gooding & Company at Scottsdale. Others include a steel body 1963 250 GT SWB Berlinetta, chassis 4037 GT, the fourth from last example produced. It was once owned by Eric Stewart, a recording artist who worked with Sir Paul McCartney, as well as Dr Carlo Bonomi, an Italian industrialist, sportsman and World Powerboat Champion with close ties to Ferrari. There’s also a 1963 250 GT Lusso, chassis 5141 GT, which was the 133rd of only 350 Lussos ever built, and a multiple concours winner. And to finish off, would sir desire a concours-winning 1966 330 GTC?
Images copyright and courtesy of Gooding & Company. Photos by Brian Henniker
