Lot 346: 1964 Ferrari The 1964 Geneva and London Motorshow 275 GTB/2 6 Carburettor

Throughout their illustrious history, Ferraris have retained a strong racing pedigree in all their road cars but the further back one goes into the companies history, the closer the relationship between the production road cars and the factory racers. In the earliest days of the company's history, they produced racing sportscars and single seaters and those who purchased the sportscars either accepted their shortcomings as road cars or used them purely for sport. As the company and their clients developed, the factory racers became more extreme, whilst remaining based on the more civilised road cars sold to the privileged clients. This development gave rise by the early 1960's to a number of 'homologation specials' such as the GTO and the competition SWB, based on the production 250 cars, and similar in so many ways to the GTE and the Pininfarina coupes etc. These cars were the most accomplished competition cars of their day.By the time of the 365 series and the 'Daytona' in the late 1960's, the world of sportscar racing had developed to such a point through the later half of the decade that the Ferrari production split very clearly into two halves. The road cars, still formidably powerful and rewarding to drive in the 'lower' echelons of international motorsport by privateer teams, and cars such as the 312 and 512 series sports prototypes which dominated American sports car events and gave spectators some of the greatest sporting spectacles when they fought with Porsche for domination on some of the greatest circuits in the world. The transition period of the mid 1960's saw the new 275GTB model develop both as an accomplished and civilised GT (in the truest sense of the word), as well as uphold and strengthen the company's reputation on the race tracks of both Europe and abroad. Launched in 1964, the 275 GTB model range featured a rear mounted transaxle for improved weight distribution and independent rear suspension, making it an altogether more sophisticated vehicle than the by then antiquated technology of the solid back axle of the 250 series from which it took over. With these features it proved to be both a classic road car and a hugely successful racer both in the Factories hands and with privateer teams and individuals throughout its production up to 1968. The styling of the GTB is regarded by many to be Pinninfarinas finest work, a purposefully 'haunched' rear end with a long flowing bonnet and wings punctuated by only the most essential louvers to dissipate heat, rather than the many additional vents which litter the surface of the earlier, competition derived, GTO which in many ways the 275's profile echoes.On it's public debut, the 275 was greeted with universal praise both on the road and for it's styling. It heralded a successful period for Ferrari, now very much geared towards 'mass production' of the new car. One of the first GTB's built, 6527GT was first displayed on the Ferrari stand at the 1964 Geneva Motor show, then as now, one of the most important events on the motor show circuit where the new car proved to be one of the most popular vehicles on show. Following the cars debut in Geneva it was then driven by Ferrari works sportscar driver, Mike Salmon, to London for the British Motor show where it was the undoubted star. Helped no doubt by the fact that it was built in right hand drive form, this car re-affirmed that the Ferrari factory appreciated the company's strong following and growing customer base in Britain (built up primarily through the efforts of Colonel Ronnie Hoares' Marranello Concessionaires in Surrey). Whilst Ferrari gained a strong following through racing and were selling cars in Britain in ever increasing numbers, the number of cars built in Right hand drive form was still a very small percentage of production and those that were built were often bought for competition use, being ideal for the clockwise layout of the majority of circuits, making RHD road cars all the more difficult to find.Having been enjoyed by a limited number of owners since, chassis 6527GT remains in excellent condition throughout and has been cared for as part of a world famous and highly significant Ferrari collection whilst in the most recent owners possession. It has just been fully serviced - top to bottom including fitting brand new tyres and was recently prepared for the 2005 Tour Auto for which it was entered. Finished in the original colours of Azzuro blue with a dark blue leather interior it remains one of the most stunning cars, creating as much of an impact when seen in public as it did back in 1964.As a very early car, it is of course eligible for all the most desirable classic touring and competitive events open to pre '65 cars around the world and is therefore one of a very limited number of GTBs, particularly in right hand drive form, eligible for such events. The car has been driven a number of times on the Tour Auto in recent years where it has performed faultlessly.One of the most desirable Ferraris from the mid 1960's, this stunning 275 is very well known in Collectors circles as one of the most desirable early cars and as such, would make an excellent addition to either a private collection of significant Ferraris or would provide a highly enjoyable entry into any of the prestigious touring and competitive events for which it is eligible around the world including - as has recently been announced - the famous Ferrari Challenge.Cette belle et rare Ferrari une provenance impeccable, avec peinture bleu clair metalisee et sellerie en cuir bleu fonce. Conduite a droite, avec documentations de circulation Britanniques, elles est prte courir dans les Rallyes Historiques ou prendre la route et trs attirante.