1965 Ferrari 275 GTS

Debuting together at the Paris Auto Salon in October 1964, Ferrari’s handsome new 275 GTS and 275 GTB succeeded the outgoing 250 series in one stroke. Technically, they marked a quantum leap forward as the first-ever Ferrari road cars equipped with a fully independent suspension, rear-mounted five-speed transaxle, and the new Tipo 213 engine – a 3.3-liter variant of the Gioacchino Colombo-designed single overhead cam V-12.

As the direct replacement for the 250 GT Series II Cabriolet, the 275 GTS featured a clean and crisply tailored Pininfarina body, built to the coachbuilder’s famously high standards. While primarily intended as a fast and stylish open touring car, the 275 GTS was in fact a beautifully balanced and formidable sports car – capable of sprinting from rest to 60 mph in as little as 6.6 seconds, with a top speed in excess of 140 mph.

In all, just 200 examples were built during a two-year production run, with the majority delivered to the US. When new, these glamorous open Ferraris attracted a distinguished clientele – a veritable “who’s who” of the entertainment and social scenes, including Eric Clapton and Jayne Mansfeld.

The 275 GTS presented here, chassis 07449, was completed at the Ferrari factory in July 1965, finished in the elegant color combination of Grigio Argento (Silver Gray) with black leather upholstery and red carpets.

According to Ferrari historian Marcel Massini, 07449 was sold on August 31, 1965, to its first owner Gino Paoli, a 31-year-old resident of Modena. Throughout his ownership, Paoli enlisted local Ferrari specialist Autofficina Neri & Bonacini to carry out necessary service and maintenance.

Best known for creating the famous 250 GT Nembo Spyders, the Scuderia Serenissima “Breadvan,” and Lamborghini 400 GT Monza, Neri & Bonacini were, during the mid-1960s, very much in the business of tuning and customizing fine Italian sports cars. Though it cannot be confirmed, it is possible that some of the fascinating features found on this 275 GTS – the polished side vents, Voxson stereo system, and six-carburetor setup – were added by Neri & Bonacini at the request of the car’s first owner.

As with many Ferraris delivered in Italy, the 275 GTS passed through a succession of owners during its first few years, being registered in Modena, Rome, Milan, Rimini, and Bologna all before 1969. Finally in March 1970, the Italian Automobile Club canceled the Ferrari’s Milanese registration and 07449 was exported to the US.

In summer 1970, Robert Hodur had just returned from military service in Vietnam and was looking for a new sports car. After setting his sights on a Ferrari, Mr. Hodur began his search and eventually discovered this 275 GTS in a suburb outside of Washington D.C. Intrigued by the promise of an open car with the sporting six-carb setup, he successfully negotiated the purchase of 07449.

Amazingly, the Ferrari has remained in Mr. Hodur’s care ever since. Early in his ownership, the 275 GTS served as daily transportation throughout the Chicago suburbs. Mr. Hodur fondly recalls many thrilling high-speed runs in the Ferrari, enjoying his thoroughbred sports car the way it was originally intended. As the years passed, the 275 GTS saw more measured use and was eventually joined by an appropriate stablemate – a 330 GT 2+2.

In 2014, Mr. Hodur sent the 275 GTS to John Hajduk’s Motorkraft in Noblesville, Indiana, for a comprehensive mechanical freshening and sympathetic cosmetic attention. During this process the suspension and braking system were overhauled, the engine bay and chassis were detailed, the fuel tank was cleaned, the radiator and heater were re-cored, and new exhaust sections were fitted. Most importantly, the engine was torn down, inspected, and honed before being reassembled with new bushings, pins, rings, valves, and gaskets, as well as rebuilt cylinder heads and carburetors.

While the mechanical work was being carried out, the bumpers were re-chromed, the wheels were polished, and the car was detailed throughout. Invoices for the recent work performed accompany the sale and will be available for review.

Having spent the past 45 years in the hands of one caretaker, the 275 GTS presents as a well-maintained, largely unrestored example. The coachwork – repainted in the original color some 30 years ago – displays the expected signs of age, and the odometer read 60,377 km (approximately 37,500 miles) at the time of cataloguing. According to Mr. Hodur, the overall appearance of the Ferrari has changed very little since he acquired it in 1970 retaining a great deal of originality, including its upholstery and carpets.

Virtually unknown to the international Ferrari community for more than four decades, this 275 GTS is a most exciting find. Gooding & Company is proud to present this wonderful Ferrari on behalf of its long-term steward and hope that it continues to be appreciated as one of the most interesting and charismatic examples of a rare breed.