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1966 Ferrari 275 GTB Alloy Review

May 2010
Filed under: FERRARI Car News | FERRARI Headlines
Along with the 4-cam variant, the long nose alloy-bodied version of 275GTB is among the most desirable of the road-going classic Ferraris. Impossibly beautiful, rare, and mechanically sophisticated, it embodies everything that makes classic Ferraris sought-after and unique. The first 275s appeared in 1964, employing an enlarged 3.3 litre version of Ferraris venerable Colombo-designed V12. The car featured many innovative features not found in the earlier 250, including a rear mounted transaxle for improved weight distribution, independent rear suspension, and 5-speed transmission. The cars were continuously developed, as was Ferraris convention, including the development of the long nose variant, which incorporated a host of mechanical improvements, including torque tube to improve the stability and durability of the driveline.

This particular car is very unique. Built in October of 1965, it is one of the approximately 10% of 275s that features an alloy body. Additionally, the car is one of two 275 GTBs that was retained by the Ferrari factorys Experimental Department, as confirmed by the Ferrari Factory Archives. The other experimental car is chassis number 6003, and both were sold by the works in May of 1966. During the period that the two cars were retained by the factory, the engines were likely removed several times in the course of Ferraris testing efforts. The engine in 7927 bears the correct numero interno for engine number 7927 (810/64), indicating that the engine is the original engine, although it is currently stamped with 6003, likely a remnant from the engines having been swapped between the cars at the factory. Indeed, close inspection reveals evidence of the block having been restamped, and in the cars various Ferrari Club of America showings, it has not been penalized. Other unique equipment includes electric windows and cloth seat inserts.

After being sold by the factory, the car found an owner in Italy, and was exported to the United States in 1970. It was owned by a Randall Thomas of Florida during the 1970s, and he showed the car at the Ferrari Club of America Concours in 1975. He sold the car in December of 1977, to its next owner, who kept the car for 15 years. The car subsequently found its way to a collection in Switzerland, and in 1999, it was sent to Modena where the engine was rebuilt. The body was also restored, by Bacchelli and Villa at Autosport.

The current owner purchased the car in 2005, and has performed much maintenance and cosmetic work, and shown the car several times including two Ferrari Club of America Platinum Awards, at Concorso Italiano in 2007, and at Chateau Julien in 2009. The car placed second in class in the Carmel Concours on the Avenue in 2008, and 2nd in Class at the Avila Beach Concours dElegance (where it is worth noting that first in class was also Best in Show). Shortly before he acquired the car, the previous owner spent about $7000 at DK Engineering to install bigger brake wheel cylinders, new lightweight clutch, and general setting up. When the engine was apart, it was noted that the engine had high performance cams, heads, and valves. The car comes with invoices for the full engine rebuild and paintwork, as well as the work performed under the current owners care.

Much of this work has been the detail work associated with bringing the car to the level necessary to excel at shows. This included detailing the body cavities, refinishing the wheels, and restoring the fuel tanks, ceramic coating the exhaust system. New XWX tires were also supplied, and some paintwork was also performed. The seats were reupholstered, and details such as the fitment of Cheney and Coniglia clamps as appropriate were also performed. The correct decals were also sourced as were the terminal boots for the ignition coil and cover for the alternator, along with several other items. The trunk and hood weatherstripping were replaced, the clock and spare tire were restored, and most fittings restored as well. The interior was completed restored (including carpets, seats, console, dash, rear shelf, and black trim), including new wood dash, and the bumpers were rechromed as well. The list is endless, extending as far as rewiring the cigarette lighter illumination ring. Even the chrome footwell vents were rechomed. Much mechanical work was also performed, including changing the coolant, replacing the hoses, changing the brake fluid, bleeding the brakes and clutch, restoring the throttle linkage, restoring the radiator, replacing all fuel lines (including those at the tanks), overhauling the water pump, and replacing the clutch slave cylinder and master cylinder. This work, completed between 2006 and 2008, was performed by Randy Reids Antique Auto Restorations and Forza Motors, both in the Monterey region. The total was $71,615.03.

The car is in excellent condition overall, with an extremely strong presentation, as would be expected of a car with such an impressive record on the show circuit. The paintwork is extremely nice overall with just a few prep issues. The wheels are absolutely stunning, and the tires are the correct non-70 aspect ratio XWXs. The chrome is excellent, as are the lamps, including the Cibié headlamps. The car has Scaglietti headlight covers, and the glass is excellent overall, with light road markings and light wiper marks.

The interior is in outstanding condition and is extremely fresh. In all respects, the interior is stunning. The seats are superb, as are the door panels, center console, dashboard, instruments, switches, parcel shelf, carpets, and headliner. The wood is excellent on both the dashboard and the steering wheel, and has been restored to the correct luster.

The engine compartment and trunk are both extremely clean, detailed, and highly correct, as required for show cars. The fittings and finishes are correct throughout, right down to the Pirelli heater hoses, which retain the correct decals. The battery bears the Magnetti Marelli brand, and the trunk is upholstered in the correct carpeting. The car comes with both its large tool roll with tools, and manual pack with books.

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