Lot details
• Ferrari Classiche certification
• Full, high-quality restoration by the best craftsmen
• Superb condition, restored to a very high standard
• Mechanically entirely original (engine and transmission)
• No reserve
With a shape inspired by the legendary Ferrari 250 GTO, the 275 GTB succeeded the 250 GT Lusso in 1964, but with a far sportier look than its predecessor. It was also much more modern, with independent rear suspension and a transaxle, both set-ups tried and tested by the manufacturer on its competition models. And finally, it was more powerful, its 3.3-litre V12 producing 280bhp.
Destined for the North American market and ordered through Rezzaghi Motors in San Francisco, this example was originally finished in ‘Grigio Argento’ (106-E-1) with an interior in blue Connolly leather (VM 3015). Mr Schnabel, its first owner, travelled to Maranello on 16 April 1966 to take delivery of the car, before having it shipped to his home in California.
After he died in 1971, his son inherited the car and used it for five years before selling it in 1976 to S. Drummey in Los Angeles. Some time later, Drummey sold the car to one of his friends, but bought it back after a year, before the registration had even been changed. In January 1982, it was bought by Glen Nesbit, who registered it with the Californian license number NEZ 3, and then, from September 1984, with the number 566 SAX, before selling it in March 1985 to Harlow Barnett, from Grapevine, Texas.
Barnett kept the Ferrari for 14 years, with the successive license numbers 857 HFR and 487 LYN. Believing he was capable of restoring the car, at some point he set about stripping down the car. But as often happens in situations like this, he was unable to complete the project, and in the late 1990s, he ended up asking the specialist Bob Smith Coachworks from Gainesville, Texas, to take things in hand. At this stage, the 275 GTB was finished in red with a black leather interior, and the workshop undertook a complete restoration, including stripping the bodywork to bare metal and restoring the upholstery and mechanical components. The work was carried out gradually, as funds became available, and in 1999, when the car was finished, it was sold to William Locke, from Tequesta, Florida. At the time, Barnett and his wife had decided to change their lifestyle: they sold their house and bought a motorhome to go off travelling.
Once he had the keys to the lovely Ferrari, Locke took part in numerous events organised by the Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA),as well as the Cavallino Classic at Palm Beach in 2000 and the Amelia Island Concours d’Elégance in 2001 and 2003. The car won several prizes, including first in its class at Amelia Island, a nomination for ‘Outstanding Vehicle’ by the AACA, first in its class at the annual meeting of the AACA and the ‘Automotive Design Excellence’ prize at the Hilton Head concours d’élégance ...
In 2010, this magnificent motorcar was bought by its current owner, who, before it left the States, sent it to Greg Jones, a Ferrari specialist based in Stuart, Florida, for a complete mechanical overhaul. It was then exported to Europe and submitted for inspection to Ferrari Classiche, who confirmed the presence of its original engine and gearbox and issued the precious ‘Red Book’ certification.
In 2016, our client, not satisfied with half-measures in matters aesthetic, felt the car was in need of refurbishment and therefore sent it to Toni Auto in Italy. The mechanical components (engine and gearbox) were removed and overhauled, and the gaskets and engine and gearbox mounts replaced. Various jobs were also carried out on other mechanical parts, to bring them up to the same standard as the rest of the car.
Inside, the owner felt the black upholstery was too dark and had it replaced with beige Connolly leather (VM 3218), in accordance with the period specifications, with matching carpets. Work on the interior was carried out by Interni Auto Maieli near Mantua.
Following these jobs, Toni Auto carried out the final checks and adjustments to ensure the car had been restored to an immaculate standard and ran faultlessly. Like all the cars in the W Collection, it comes with a comprehensive file recording its history and the work carried out, as well as its Ferrari Classiche certificate. The car’s new owner will therefore reap the reward of all the care lavished on it, which makes it one of the most attractive 275 GTBs on the market.
