MOTOR CARS | 275‘The 275 GTB is... a superlatively vigorous, very agile and quick
automobile. Its comfort, the quality of its finish, the original lines of its
bodywork all justify its exceptionally high price, for it is an exceptional
automobile. It is a thoroughbred, with luxury devoid of excess, and a
fiery temperament... ‘ Jose Roskinski, Sport Auto, July 1965.
When Ferrari’s highly successful ‘250’ series was superseded in 1964
by the ‘275’, Pininfarina was once again called upon to work his
magic for the Maranello concern, creating a true classic of sports car
design for the 275GTB. Penetrative nose, long bonnet, purposeful
side vents, high waistline and short be-spoilered tail: these were
all ingredients of the recipe, yet the result was so much more than
merely the sum of its parts.
The tail spoiler and cast-alloy wheels echoed developments first
seen on Ferrari competition cars, while beneath the skin there was
further evidence of racing improving the breed, the independent
rear suspension - seen for the first time on a road-going Ferrari -
employing a double wishbone and coil-spring arrangement similar
to that of the 250LM racer. The adoption of a rear-mounted five-
speed transaxle combining the gearbox and differential in a single
unit helped improve weight distribution, and this feature would
characterise future generations of front-engined Ferrari road cars.
Body construction was entrusted to Carrozzeria Scaglietti, Ferrari’s
close neighbour in Maranello.