60 | THE GOODWOOD REVIVAL SALE
Chassis number ‘06901’ has the short-nose steel bodywork and is one
of only 4 right-hand drive Ferrari 275 GTBs built. Ordered new in 19 5
by Colonel Ronnie Hoare’s Maranello Concessionaires, the Ferrari was
delivered to its first owner, Sir Max Aitken - 2nd Baron Beaverbrook and
Chairman of Beaverbrook Newspapers Ltd - and originally registered
‘DUL 9C’ (later ‘MAX 777’). Its original colour scheme was Rosso (red)
with Nero (black) full leather upholstery, matching carpets, and light grey
headlining. A Webasto sunroof was another early feature.
All the original Ferrari factory and Maranello Concessionaires paperwork
is on file together with a considerable amount of correspondence
between Sir Max Aitken and Col Ronnie Hoare dealing with, among other
matters, proposed upgrades, including the fitting of a Halda Speedpilot
and possible alterations to the seating. Sir Max sold the car back to
Maranello Concessionaires in late 19 7early 19 . Following Sir Max
Aitken’s ownership, º0 901’ was owned from February 19 by 0an
Skailes, who sold the car to noted collector Anthony Bamford; it was
the latter’s first Ferrari. By this time the car had been reregistered as
‘KPJ 233C’. The next known owner is a Mr Dobson of the Telesurance
Group of Companies, London N14, as evidenced by an invoice on file
dated 31st December 1971. Subsequently, the car was exported from
the UK to the USA where it was owned from 1977 by Tommy Charles of
Birmingham, Alabama. By 19 7, the Ferrari was back in the <K.
In April 1996, ‘06901’ was advertised for sale by Steve Pilkington
following a seven-year restoration, still finished in red but with a tan
interior; Rardley Motors carried out the mechanical rebuild, while the
cosmetic restoration was completed by Moto Technique (bills on file).
The car’s next owner, as evidenced by several invoices on file, appears to
have been Mr Greg Melgaard of London W11. The current vendor is an
ex-Maranello Concessionaires technician who worked for the company
from early 1965 to 1969. He actually worked on this very same 275 GTB
and had always wanted one, and purchased ‘06901’ at auction in 2001.
Since acquisition, the Berlinetta has been maintained by Ferrari specialist
Vincent Mezzullo of Kingfield, Surrey (bills on file) and also, of course, by
the current vendor who has specialist knowledge of the marque.The car has been kept in professional storage for most of the last 16
years, with occasional outings to Goodwood and other agreeable
venues, and is currently MoT’d. There is a letter on file from Ferrari
archivist Tony Willis stating that Ferrari Classiche has been applied for
and accepted, and that the all-important Red Folder will follow in due
course. The original steering wheel is included in the sale.Presented in generally very good condition, ‘06901’ represents a rare
opportunity to acquire what many consider to be the finest road-going
Gran Turismo ever produced by Ferrari.
£1,100,000 - 1,500,000
€1,300,000 - 1,700,000