Coachwork by Pininfarina/Scaglietti
Registration no. KPJ 233C
Chassis no. 06901

- One of only 48 right-hand drive 275 GTBs built
- Short-nose steel body; three carburettors
- Delivered new to the UK
- First owned by Sir Max Aitken
- Restored in the 1990s
- Previous ownership for the last 16 years

"The 275 GTB is... a superlatively vigorous, very agile and quick automobile. Its comfort, the quality of its finish, the original lines of its bodywork all justify its exceptionally high price, for it is an exceptional automobile. It is a thoroughbred, with luxury devoid of excess, and a fiery temperament... " Jose Roskinski, Sport Auto, July 1965.

When Ferrari"s highly successful "250" series was superseded in 1964 by the "275", Pininfarina was once again called upon to work his magic for the Maranello concern, creating a true classic of sports car design for the 275 GTB. Penetrative nose, long bonnet, purposeful side vents, high waistline and short be-spoilered tail: these were all ingredients of the recipe, yet the result was so much more than merely the sum of its parts. The tail spoiler and cast-alloy wheels echoed developments first seen on Ferrari competition cars, while beneath the skin there was further evidence of racing improving the breed, the independent rear suspension - seen for the first time on a road-going Ferrari - employing a double wishbone and coil-spring arrangement similar to that of the 250LM racer. The adoption of a rear-mounted five-speed transaxle combining the gearbox and differential in a single unit helped improve weight distribution, and this feature would characterise future generations of front-engined Ferrari road cars. Body construction was entrusted to Carrozzeria Scaglietti, Ferrari"s close neighbour in Maranello.

Now enlarged to 3.3 litres, the 60-degree V12 engine remained the familiar Colombo type, in standard form producing 280bhp at 7,600rpm. This model is rightly recognised as one the most beautiful V12 GT cars ever made but sadly, by 1968 the progress of automobile emissions legislation had effectively outlawed the 275 GTB and its like from Ferrari"s most lucrative export market, the United States, and the model was phased out later that same year after a total of only 460 cars had been completed. Today, many regard these quite rare GTBs as the finest road-going Gran Turismo Ferraris of all time.

Chassis number "06901" has the short-nose steel bodywork and is one of only 48 right-hand drive Ferrari 275 GTBs built. Ordered new in 1965 by Colonel Ronnie Hoare"s Maranello Concessionaires, the Ferrari was delivered to its first owner, Sir Max Aitken - 2nd Baron Beaverbrook and Chairman of Beaverbrook Newspapers Ltd - and originally registered "DUL 9C" (later "MAX 777"). Its original colour scheme was Rosso (red) with Nero (black) full leather upholstery, matching carpets, and light grey headlining. A Webasto sunroof was another early feature.

All the original Ferrari factory and Maranello Concessionaires paperwork is on file together with a considerable amount of correspondence between Sir Max Aitken and Col Ronnie Hoare dealing with, among other matters, proposed upgrades, including the fitting of a Halda Speedpilot and possible alterations to the seating. Sir Max sold the car back to Maranello Concessionaires in late 1967/early 1968.

Following Sir Max Aitken"s ownership, "06901" was owned from February 1968 by Ian Skailes, who sold the car to noted collector Anthony Bamford; it was the latter"s first Ferrari. By this time the car had been reregistered as "KPJ 233C". The next known owner is a Mr Dobson of the Telesurance Group of Companies, London N14, as evidenced by an invoice on file dated 31st December 1971.

Subsequently, the car was exported from the UK to the USA where it was owned from 1977 by Tommy Charles of Birmingham, Alabama. By 1987, the Ferrari was back in the UK. In April 1996, "06901" was advertised for sale by Steve Pilkington following a seven-year restoration, still finished in red but with a tan interior; Rardley Motors carried out the mechanical rebuild, while the cosmetic restoration was completed by Moto Technique (bills on file). The car"s next owner, as evidenced by several invoices on file, appears to have been Mr Greg Melgaard of London W11.

The previous owner was an ex-Maranello Concessionaires technician who worked for the company from early 1965 to 1969. He actually worked on this very same 275 GTB and had always wanted one, and purchased "06901" at auction in 2001. Since acquisition, the Berlinetta has been maintained by Ferrari specialist Vincent Mezzullo of Kingfield, Surrey (bills on file) and also, of course, by the previous owner who has specialist knowledge of the marque.

The car has been kept in professional storage for most of the last 16 years, with occasional outings to Goodwood and other agreeable venues, and is currently MoT"d. The original steering wheel is included in the sale.

Presented in generally very good condition, "06901" represents a rare opportunity to acquire what many consider to be the finest road-going Gran Turismo ever produced by Ferrari.