1965 Ferrari 275 GTB
The Ferrari Every Collector Wants
Ferrari introduced the 275 GTB at the 1964 Paris Motor Show, it was more than just a replacement for the widely-loved 250-series. It ushered in a new era for Maranello. Sleek, muscular, and mechanically innovative, the 275 GTB set the blueprint for what a front-engined grand tourer could be. It wasn’t just beautiful. It was top of class.
The 275 GTB holds the distinction of being Ferrari’s first road-going car with a fully independent rear suspension and a rear-mounted transaxle. Two engineering advancements were developed directly from racing experience. It was a machine that could conquer alpine passes with ease, and cross continents at triple-digit speeds, all while draped in a Pininfarina-designed body, built by Scaglietti.
A Leap Forward in Ferrari Engineering
Beneath the long alloy-louvered hood beats the heart of a 3.3-liter Colombo V12 (Tipo 213), fed by triple Weber 40 DCZ/6 carburetors. Producing 280 horsepower in standard trim, the 275 GTB was capable of reaching 0–60 mph in under seven seconds. Impressive for the mid-1960s. But more impressive than outright speed was its balance.
The 275 marked Ferrari’s first use of a rear-mounted 5-speed transaxle, which helped achieve near-perfect 50/50 weight distribution. The combination of that transaxle and independent rear suspension (a first for any Ferrari road car) gave the GTB exceptional handling.
Disc brakes at all four corners and a tubular steel chassis (Tipo 563) made the 275 not just a fast car, but a confidence-inspiring one. The car was an ideal synthesis of race-derived technology and continent-crushing comfort.
Design by Pininfarina, Built by Scaglietti
The GTB’s fastback profile and Kamm tail were a clear nod to Ferrari’s motorsport efforts. Early “short nose” variants like this one feature a more delicate front-end design, later changed to the “long nose” format for aerodynamic stability at high speeds. Today, both designs are coveted for their rarity, as well as beauty.
Inside, the cockpit is pure 1960s Italian craftsmanship. Featuring leather seats, a gated shifter, Veglia gauges, and a dark-stained wood-rimmed steering wheel. It remains one of the most evocative interiors Ferrari ever built: part sports car, part gentlemen’s lounge.
From the Streets to the Circuit
Though the 275 GTB was never designed specifically as a racer, it didn’t take long before Ferrari, and private drivers, put it to the test. Lightweight “Competizione” variants ran at Le Mans, Sebring, and the Tour de France.
This GTB, while not a competition car, is part of that bloodline. It delivers the same driving purity, unmistakable Ferrari sound, and tactile connection that make these cars so revered.
Collector Value & Provenance
Values for 275 GTBs have steadily appreciated over the past two decades. Prized for their blend of usability, beauty, and mechanical sophistication, these cars appeal to collectors who drive as much as they collect. Steel-bodied, short-nose cars remain particularly desirable for their earlier production date and design purity.
Conclusion
Ferrari’s 275 GTB wasn’t just a replacement for the 250-series, it was a transformation. It moved the brand toward modernity, integrating race-proven mechanics with long-distance drivability, all wrapped in an exterior worthy of a museum.
Driving a 275 GTB today still delivers the same thrill as it did in 1965. It’s no surprise they remain a gem in the Ferrari collector’s world. A car that’s as rewarding to drive as it is to admire.
Bobby Pulte
Automotive Copywriter | bobby.pulte@gmail.com
Creating content that informs, engages, and moves the industry forward.
