Ferrari 275 GTB Prototype Is The Finest Rally Car Imaginable

An extremely desirable 1964 Ferrari 275 GTB Prototype will be auctioned off by Gooding & Company at a sales in Scottsdale later this month.

The 275 GTB was introduced in 1964 as the successor to the 250 GT SWB Berlinetta, and the example in question, chassis 06003, just so happens to be the very first 275 GTB ever built that Ferrari used extensively as a prototype and development car.

When initially built, 06003 was outfitted with one of the early Tipo 213 engines and featured the short-nose body style. During development, Ferrari continually updated it and redesigned the coachwork to sport a long-nose style.

In 1965, Ferrari racing manager Eugenio Dragoni and Ferrari managing director Ugo Gobbato made the bold decision to test the 275 GTB in a rally to gather information about its transaxle and independent rear suspension. The car was outfitted with additional driving lights, reinforced glass, a 75 per cent locking differential, a modified hood, a third windscreen wiper, and Dunlop tires. With the help of Ferrari factory test driver Roberto Lippi and rally driver Giorgio Pianta, 06003 was tested for less than 12,000 km (7,456 miles) under rally conditions.

In 1966, the car was entered in the Monte Carlo Rally. Unfortunately, driveline issues forced Ferrari to retire the car.

After the vehicle’s sole rally, it passed through the hands of numerous private owners before being exported to the United States in 1977 while under the ownership of Henry Fuchs. Remarkably, the car has not been exhibited in the past 25 years, despite being the only 275 GTB of its kind.

Gooding & Company expects the car to fetch between $6 million and $8 million. Not exactly 250 GTO money, but still a quite hefty sum