The Commendatore's best

To fully appreciate the significance of this particular Ferrari, one must understand its unique position within the hierarchy of the 275 GTB. From the introduction of the 275 GTB in 1964 to the final 275 GTB/4 leaving Maranello in 1968, the first and last models might seem similar to a casual observer, but they were markedly different. Ferrari continually refined their cars throughout production to enhance their performance. Each 275 GTB was custom-built for individual clients, whether for the road or the racetrack, leading to significant variations among them. Considering these evolutionary changes, the latest model is often regarded as the most desirable.

The 275 GTB/4, which replaced the 275 GTB in 1966, embodied all the rolling changes made during the 275 GTB’s production. This included long nose bodywork and a torque tube transmission, along with the new Tipo 226 3.3-litre engine featuring four overhead camshafts and six Weber carburetors as standard. Unlike the 275 GTB, the 275 GTB/4 had no dedicated variants but offered options to enhance its sporting nature.

One notable option was alloy bodywork, fitted to only sixteen 275 GTB/4s, including the car featured here. Antoine Prunet’s book, The Ferrari Legend: The Road Cars, mentions it specifically, stating, "It appeared that the 275 GTB/C did not have a true counterpart in the GTB/4 series... it also seemed that some examples obtained, at the works itself, special treatment. This was, for example, the case of 09413/GT-4A which, in addition to its special designation, received among other modifications, special pistons, an aluminum body, an external fuel filler, and Borrani wire wheels." This made it as close to a 275 GTB/4 ‘Competizione’ as one could get. Finished in Rosso Chiaro over a Pelle Nera interior, this 275 GTB/4 was unmistakably Ferrari’s latest and greatest.

In May 1967, it was sold new to Robert “Bob” Peak of Connecticut. Peak, a renowned commercial illustrator, was famous for designing film posters. His earliest success came with the poster for West Side Story, and he continued creating iconic posters for Hollywood and Broadway into the late 1970s, with famous works including Apocalypse Now, The Spy Who Loved Me, and Superman. Though not a famous face in Hollywood, his work profoundly influenced film and theatre, with millions worldwide recognising his artistry.

Within the hierarchy of the 275 series of Ferrari road cars, only a select few — bearing names like N.A.R.T. and Speciale — surpass this car in rarity and importance. Simply put, this car represents the pinnacle of Ferrari’s development of the 275 GTB platform before the 365 GTB/4 Daytona was introduced.

This 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 Alloy by Scaglietti is currently available through Sotheby’s Sealed auctions. Photos © Sotheby’s.