Legendary Beauty: The Story of the 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 Coupe
The 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 coupe is a stunning beauty from the 1960s lineup of Ferrari road cars. Designed by Pininfarina and hand-built by Scaglietti, this berlinetta boasts a perfect blend of style and power with its V-12 engine. The car attracted the attention of numerous celebrity car enthusiasts, including Steve McQueen, Clint Eastwood, and Eric Clapton, who owned chassis No. 09261. The GTB/4 model, an updated version of the 1964 275 GTB, featured a longer nose, power-domed hood, and a more powerful four-camshaft V-12 engine, making it a standout in the Ferrari lineup.
With only 300 units produced between 1966 and 1968, the 275 GTB/4 was a rare gem. The story of chassis No. 09261 began in London when it was ordered by businessman Robin Houry, who later sold it to his business partner Brian Lees. The car ended up in Kenya, where it was used in amateur races before being shipped to the UK in 1970. The Ferrari then passed through the hands of various owners, including automotive illustrator James Allington, who created a detailed cutaway drawing of the car's inner workings.
After being part of Clapton's collection and undergoing a restoration, the Ferrari found its way to Niall Holden, who gave it a metallic dark blue repaint. In 2022, yacht designer Terence Disdale acquired the car and embarked on a comprehensive restoration to return it to its original Grigio Argento color. Disdale, a long-time admirer of the 275 GTB, invested significant time and money into restoring the car to its former glory, highlighting its timeless design and elegance.
Currently listed for sale by Fiskens at 2.95 million British pounds, this Ferrari 275 GTB/4 is a rare and exquisite piece of automotive history. With its rich provenance and meticulous restoration, the car stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of classic Ferraris and their timeless beauty.