First prototype Ferrari 275 GTB 4 heads multi-million pound COYS London auction

First prototype Ferrari 275 GTB 4 heads multi-million pound COYS London auction

The first prototype Ferrari 275 GTB/4, estimated at £2,000,000 to £2,500,000, will go under the hammer at Coys’ London auction at the Royal Horticultural Halls in Westminster on May 18th.

This most significant Ferrari was the first 275 GTB/4 produced in 1966 and was used to unveil this legendary model to the world on the Ferrari stand at the Paris Motor show that year.

Chris Routledge, CEO of Coys, said: “The 4-cam has always been considered the most beautiful 12-cylinder car from Maranello, and it is with some excitement that we are bringing the factory prototype, Chassis No 1 and 1966 Paris Motor Show car to the market.”

On its public debut in the French capital, the 275 was greeted with universal praise both on the road and for its styling, heralding a successful period for Ferrari. This model was then taken to the United States by the next owner, a Mr. Gordon Walker of Northbrook, Illinois, and remained in his ownership until 1983 when it was offered by Ferrari South USA.

In the late eighties it resided in the Swiss collection of Albert Obrist who put together, arguably the most comprehensive and renowned collection of Ferraris in the world. Obrist chose this car because he believed that it was the most seminal of 275s given its background.

A few years later the car changed hands to become part of another world-renowned car collection, this time in England, and remained stored until the early 2000’s with other priceless automobiles. In 2004, Coys sold it at its Monaco auction to the current vendor, who used it sparingly for a variety of events.


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