Footnotes

• There had been open-top Ferrari road cars before the advent of the '250' series, but it was, chiefly, Pininfarina's offerings on the latter chassis that established the convertible as a fixture of the Ferrari range. After the experimentation and variety which characterised the coachwork of the 250-series cars, the arrival of the '275' in 1964 brought with it standard bodywork, that of the 275GTS being manufactured by Pininfarina themselves. In Ferrari nomenclature of the period a model's designation reflected an individual cylinder's cubic capacity, so the newcomer displaced 3.3-litres, up from its predecessor's 3.0 litres. In standard trim the GTS's Columbo-type, 60-degree, V12 engine produced a very healthy 260bhp at 7,000rpm, some 20 horsepower fewer – or 7% – than when installed in the contemporary 275GTB.
  
  The chassis followed Ferrari's established practice, being a multi-tubular frame tied together by oval main tubes, and for the first time on a road-going Ferrari there was independent rear suspension, the latter employing a double wishbone and coil-spring arrangement similar to that of the 250LM sports-racer. The adoption of a rear-mounted five-speed transaxle combining the now all-synchromesh gearbox and differential in a single unit helped improve weight distribution, and this feature would characterise future generations of front-engined Ferrari road cars. Produced between 1964 and 1966, the 275GTS altered little during the course of its short life, apart from the adoption of constant velocity joints for the open prop shaft shortly after the commencement of production.
  
  By the mid 1960s Ferrari's road cars were beginning to lose some of their rougher edges and take on a more luxurious mien, and the 275GTS interior is notable for its generously sized seats and wood veneer dashboard, the latter appearing for the first time in a Ferrari. Even the most sybaritic of customers, though, would acknowledge that the driving experience is the raison d'être of Ferrari ownership, and in this respect the 275GTS had lost none of its predecessors' aggressive charm. Car & Driver magazine had this to say: 'Since the engine is heir to a V12 tradition that's gone on for almost twenty years, it's only natural that it should be the dominating factor in the car's personality, and that the whole car should have been developed around the engine and its own unique character. You can feel it as much as you can hear it. It has a taut, powerful rush of response that comes to you through the seat of your pants, through the steering wheel rim. The instant the clutch is engaged, the chassis takes on life and begins to move as a unit with the engine, it's an all-in-one-piece sensation that you normally feel only in racing cars, one that's unique to the Ferrari among normal passenger vehicles today.'
  
  One of only 200 275GTS models made, chassis number '07293' is the 61st built and the 7th of 19 right-hand drive cars. It was originally finished in Rosso Cina (China Red) with beige Connolly hide and is essentially the same colours now. The car was delivered new on 29th July 1965 to Colonel Ronnie Hoare's Maranello Concessionaires and on 13th August of that year was sold to first owner Charles Lucas, though whether this is the same Charles Lucas who was then running a two-car team in Formula 3 for Jonathan Williams and Piers Courage is not known.
  
  Subsequently, the Ferrari was owned by R G Bond of Cheshire, followed by R J Hands of London (1972) and Bernard Kain of Wiltshire (1974). Between 1985 and 1990 noted collector Adrian Liddell of Goodworth Clatford, Hampshire, owned the car.
  
  The Spyder passed to the current owner in 1994 and since acquisition has resided - duties paid - in both the UK and Hong Kong. Although not currently registered with the DVLA, it comes with a copy V5 (for the registration 'GGO 491C') and Hong Kong registration papers.
  
  '07293' benefits from a recent concours-standard restoration of the body and paintwork and is presented in stunning condition. This work was entrusted to the Brick Kiln Group of Wantage, who also undertake work for the Formula 1 industry. Underside and door shut areas appear 'as new', as does most of the chromium plating. The dashboard, door trim and carpets are very fresh and almost 'as new', while the seats are very presentable, patinated with use but not damaged in any way.
  
  The engine was fully rebuilt approximately six years ago by Chris Holley and his team at the Light Car Company near Faringdon who have looked after the car for the owner. Subsequent mileage has been modest. At the time of writing, the Ferrari's engine was being freshened up with new oil pump, gaskets, timing and tune. Invoices for all the above body and engine work accompany the car.
  
  The car can boast all the right credentials. It has rarity; condition; matching engine/chassis numbers; comes from long-term ownership; possesses well-chronicled provenance; and is offered with a good history files including the all-important Ferrari Classiche certificate, manufacturer's brochures, owner's wallet and tool roll.
  
  '07293' represents a rare opportunity to acquire a fine – and very rare – spyder from the golden era of Ferrari.
  

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Category: Motoring / Motor Cars

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