Fantasy Junction

Description

1965 Ferrari 275 GTB "short nose"
s/n 07723, engine no. 07723
Argento Metallizzato with Dark Blue Leather

Unquestionably beautiful in every respect, the Ferrari 275 GTB remains among the finest and most desirable sportscars in the world. Over a period of two years, Ferrari built just 250 examples of the original 275 GTB before introducing the revised GTB "long nose" at the Paris Auto Salon in late 1966. With a dramatic shape and superlative performance that has continually captured the imagination of enthusiasts and collectors since its original release, the 275 GTB commands attention from virtually all range of enthusiasts.

Known for their phenomenal performance, the 275 GTB featured the 3,285 cc type 213 SOHC Colombo V-12 engine capable of 300bhp at 7,600 rpm. Constructed using a welded steel tubular frame, engineering advances included fully independent suspension with unequal-length A-arms front and rear, disc brakes, tubular shock absorbers, and a rear-mounted five-speed transmission structurally coupled to the rear axle, with the clutch and bell housing mounted at the engine. This racing inspired engineering, allowed for better weight distribution, and ultimately delivered superior high-speed handling. The GTB was not only a performance icon of racing, it became one of the most sought-after road cars during their short production run.

Although the body design is credited to Pininfarina, the construction of each car was individually crafted by the capable coachbuilders of Scaglietti. In any case, the partnership of these two giants of Ferrari coachwork resulted in a competition inspired beauty capable of exceptional performance. The 275 GTB could be outfitted for touring or racing, with either three or six Weber carburetors. The body could be steel and aluminum or all-aluminum, again to save weight for competition purposes. Cast alloy wheels were standard, but Borrani wire wheels were also a highly desirable option. Changes were made throughout the production run, with the most notable being the extension of the nose of the car, coupled with a smaller grille opening. Earlier “short nose” version cars are considered to be the more pure execution of the original design.

Historically, the 275 GTB marked Ferraris transition to developing more comfortable and luxurious road-going vehicles. Important chassis engineering, four-wheel independent suspension, and improved weight distribution made the 275 GTB not only a superior performance car, but a far more comfortable touring car. These traits continue to inspire collectors today who not only seek rare, beautiful and important Ferraris for their collections, but also wish to enjoy the driving experience afforded in a more refined road car with competition heritage.

According to the Ferrari Classiche Redbook issued for this car, this particular Ferrari 275 GTB retains the original engine, transaxle (no. 357), and the original Scaglietti coachwork. Benefiting from well-documented long term ownership periods, Factory records and Marcel Massini's report indicate that the Ferrari was issued its Certificate of Origin from the factory on 25 September 1965, finished in classic Argento Metallizzato (Metallic Silver) over Nero (Black) Connolly upholstery, and was delivered the same day via Crepaldi S.a.s. in Milan. Its first steward, Alfredo Honegger of Bergamo, was a noted client of Crepaldi's, having previously ordered two 250 GT Pininfarina Coupes, and a 250 GT Berlinetta Lusso which he traded in for the new 275 GTB. s/n 07723 was registered in Bergamo on Italian plates “BG 127987” and remained in its home country through the late 1960s before being exported to Southern California in 1969.

A Mr. Gertner of Newport Beach, California would become the next lucky custodian, enjoying the Berlinetta for three years before listing it for sale in an issue of Road & Track magazine. By 1972, the 275 GTB had joined the membership roster of the Ferrari Owners Club USA, appearing under the ownership of Long Beach resident William Thomas, and in 1975 passed to Los Angeles attorney Douglas G. Simon. It was Simon who commissioned the first full restoration of 07723 by Creative Car Craft, electing to repaint it in a classic red lacquer exterior with fresh Connolly leather upholstery and new Borrani wire wheels. The car subsequently appeared at the Ferrari Club of America's (FCA) Concours d'Eleganza in Los Alamitos in May 1978, where 07723 earned both Best Paint and Best-in-Class honors.

Still in sunny California, by 1981 the Ferrari was acquired through European Auto Mart by Marshall “Bud” D. Bell of Manhattan Beach. Bell would retain the Berlinetta for a remarkable 32 years, with extensive service records on file chronicling the care lavished on 07723 throughout the decades. In 2013, Bell parted with his beloved Ferrari, passing through Gullwing Motorcars before finding its next devoted caretaker in Nick Clemence of European Collectibles in Newport Beach. In this ownership, the car was the subject of a comprehensive three-year, nut-and-bolt restoration commencing in 2018 and concluding in 2021, utilizing some of the best Ferrari restoration specialists around.The bare-metal rejuvenation brought s/n 07723 back to exacting factory specifications with Beckman Metal Works correcting any chassis imperfections, European Collectibles overseeing body-off paint in its original fine flake Argento Metallizzato, Westminster Auto Upholstery retrimming the interior in period-correct blue Connolly leather, and Brook Betz of Betz & Peters handling the mechanical assembly. Every facet of the project was photo documented, and no expense was spared in bringing s/n 07723 to 100-point concours-quality and factory correct standards.Following completion of the restoration, the Ferrari embarked on an enviable run of concours successes that validated the exceptional quality of the work performed. At the 2021 FCA Pacific Region Concorso Italiano alone, the car achieved the 12 Cylinder Award, Best of Show, and a coveted Platinum award amidst stiff competition. Factory validation of 07723's authenticity came in 2022 when Ferrari Classiche certification was carried out by Ferrari of Newport Beach. The resulting “Red Book” confirms that the car retains its original, matching-numbers Tipo 213 V12 engine (number 07723, internal number 662/64) and Tipo 563 gearbox (number 357), along with its original body and chassis.

Today, 275 GTB s/n 07723 remains in superbly restored condition, with less than 500 miles since the three-year restoration was completed. The comprehensive documentation and period accessories that accompany the Ferrari include its original tool kit and jack, the leather-bound owner's manual folio, Ferrari Classiche Red Book, the trophy collection from its 2021 concours successes, an additional set of five Borrani wire wheels (the car currently wears rare "outside lace Borranis, a competition-style option for GTBs), and a “sunburst” pattern alloy spare wheel. This, of course, is in addition to an exhaustive binder of past registration and purchase documents, restoration photographs, and detailed receipts from the various specialists who contributed to the award-winning restoration to bring 07723 to the spectacular condition it exhibits today.

s/n 07723 exemplifies everything that makes the 275 GTB such a compelling choice for the discerning Ferraristi. Its early and pure short nose designation places it among the most desirable examples of the breed, while its combination of Ferrari Classiche certification, concours-level presentation, and meticulous documentation creates a package that is sure to see continued success on the concours circuit or enjoyment on any number of high-speed rallies. With a modest 500 miles traveled since its impeccable restoration, 07723 represents what is surely one of the finest and most thoroughly authenticated examples to surface in years.

Please note: this vehicle is titled as Model Year 1966 with: 275GTB07723 as the VIN.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608