Mecum to Auction Rare 1964 Ferrari 275 GTB/C Speciale

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In the upcoming month, Mecum Auctions is preparing to offer a highly unique Ferrari at its Kissimmee, Florida event.

This extraordinary vehicle is a 1964 Ferrari 275 GTB/C Speciale with the chassis number 6701. It is an incredibly rare find, being one of only three such models ever manufactured, marking it as one of the most scarce Ferraris available.

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Previously auctioned in 2014, the car was sold for $26.4 million. Although Mecum has not disclosed a pre-auction estimate, a higher sales price is anticipated due to factors like inflation and the car’s recent restoration. The current owner restored the car to its original Rosso Cina red color, a shift from the Grigio Scurro Metalizatto silver it predominantly sported.

After concluding its 250 GTO racing program in 1964, Ferrari intended to transition to the mid-engined 250 LM, already showcased in 1963. However, Ferrari faced challenges in getting the 250 LM approved for GT racing in 1964, leading to the introduction of an updated 250 GTO for that season, along with the 275 GTB/C Speciale, which was a modification of the 275 GTB road car.

1964 Ferrari 275 GTB/C Speciale, Chassis No. 6701 – Courtesy of Mecum

Only three units of the 275 GTB/C Speciale were produced between 1964 and early 1965. Among them is chassis no. 6701. Another notable example belonged to the late racer and collector Preston Henn, with chassis no. 6885. Henn’s vehicle is the only one among the three that has been raced, including its remarkable performance at the 1965 24 Hours of Le Mans, where it won the GT class and placed third overall. This remains the highest finish for a front-engined car in the era increasingly dominated by mid-engined vehicles. Henn’s car, due to its rarity and racing history, has been valued at over $100 million.

Comparable to the iconic 250 GTO, the 275 GTB/C Speciale is both an engineering marvel and a work of art. Its lightweight, aluminum-paneled, tube-frame chassis was designed by Scaglietti. The aluminum used was about half the thickness of that in the road cars, which made it susceptible to dents. Additionally, the Speciale models featured thinner chassis tubes to further reduce weight, making them about 300 pounds lighter than their road counterparts.

The cars also boasted increased power. They were equipped with a 3.3-liter V-12 engine, featuring six Weber carburetors and delivering an impressive 315 horsepower – 69 hp more than the standard 275 GTB. Furthermore, the car was designed with a double-wishbone independent suspension on all four corners and was equipped with four-wheel disc brakes.

This particular car is listed as lot no. S195.2 in Mecum’s auction, scheduled for January 2-14.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Ferrari 275 GTB/C Auction

More about Ferrari 275 GTB/C Auction

• Mecum Auctions
• Ferrari 275 GTB/C Speciale Information
• Preston Henn’s Ferrari 275 GTB/C Speciale
• Ferrari 250 GTO Comparison
• 1964 Ferrari 275 GTB/C Speciale Restoration
• 24 Hours of Le Mans History