Equipment
Centerlock alloy wheels, driving and fog lights, covered headlights, cowl-vented hood, six Weber carbs, windshield header-mounted third windshield wiper, radio, dual inside rear view mirrors.
Condition
#1 Concours
World-class. Could compete in the world’s best Concours d'Elegance events.
The Ferrari factory's test and development 275 GTB prototype. Competed in the 1966 Monte Carlo Rally with factory support driven by Giorgio Pianta with factory test driver Roberto Lippi navigating (dnf). Several subsequent owners (including the infamous Consolidator Collection of Hans Thulin), still with its original engine, never restored and still largely as it was in the Monte Carlo Rally. Sound older repaint and road car interior. Old undercoat in the wheel wells. Orderly engine compartment with old paint and some minor leakage stains. Stored since the early 90's and not refreshed or serviced before the auction nor submitted to Ferrari Classiche for certification. An intriguing Ferrari in refreshing largely original condition.
Market commentary
It's not a typical rally car, that's for sure, even in the Sixties. The prototype and Monte Carlo history is a definite value plus; its condition, not so much. The estimate range is highly ambitious, and even the reported high bid is optimistic in a model where it takes an alloy body and successful competition history to push values to the region of $5 million or beyond. The bid here was realistic for this car's history while also recognizing that it's not road-ready in the present condition. It's a sweet Ferrari, but it should never have been brought to auction in this neglected and aged condition. The bidders said, "If I can steal it, with room to make it right".