Guest driver

The car itself, chassis #08181, was recently completely restored by Ferrari Classiche, in Maranello, Italy. Built in January 1966, this bespoke 275 GTB was painted in a special dark green colour that was reproduced from a sample sent to Maranello by the original customer. The car was right-hand drive, with an interior trimmed with black leather, and specified with six carburettors and wire wheels. It was delivered to the UK importer of the time, Maranello Concessionaires.

‘The 275 was a breathtaking grand touring car in the 1960s,’ explains Modena. ‘The first cars were powered by a front-mounted 3.3-litre V12, and produced with either a two-seater coupé or spider body by Ferrari between 1964 and 1968. Importantly, the 275 series were the first road-going Ferraris equipped with a transaxle and independent rear suspension.’

Returning to Italy over five decades later, this 275 GTB had been changed to red, albeit still with a black leather cabin. The colour change has now been reversed by the experts of the Ferrari Classiche Department, as part of an extensive refurbishment that has seen the chassis checked and serviced, the body repaired where required, and the engine overhauled.

Moreover, as result of Enzo Ferrari’s fastidious documentation process, there is an unparalleled historical archive in Maranello that carries the information – down to the tiniest detail – for each and every car. ‘Thanks to documents such as the original build sheet that outlines the vehicle’s specifications, along with the designs of each component, and supporting items such as the bill of materials and the sales papers, we can say that the car is now exactly as she was when delivered by Ferrari in period,’ confirms Modena.