It’s hard to fill a pair of shoes owned by the Ferrari 250, arguably the most iconic Ferrari->ke252 in history. The Ferrari 275 was given that task, and for the most part, it had the kind of success as a road car and a race car that the 250 would be proud of. Produced from 1964 to 1968, the 275 GTB was the first iteration to be released. It was also the first Ferrari to feature a four wheel independent suspension and a five-speed transaxle that helped the car improve its weight distribution.

Italian design house Pininfarina is largely credited as the design driving force behind the Ferrari 275, even though rival Scaglietti is credited as the hands behind the construction of the legendary grand tourer. The 275 also benefited from a 3.3-liter V-12 engine that produced between 280 to 300 horsepower. While the engine went through numerous updates during its time, the 275 pretty much relied on this one block during its life.

The 275 also had different iterations, including the aforementioned 275 GTB, as well as the GTB/C, the GTS, and later on, the Scaglietti-penned GTB/4 that became the first Ferrari to be offered without wire wheels. The GTB/4 was also different because its 3.3-liter V-12 engine came with a four-cam engine instead of the two-cam configuration of its predecessors, hence the “4” identifier on the car’s name.

Separately, a Ferrari 275 GTB/4 NART Spyder was also produced, albeit in vastly limited quantities and exclusively to American dealer Luigi Chinetti. Only 10 units of the 275 GTB/4 NART were built and its limited number made this particular model one of the most valuable Ferraris in history.

In fact, a 275 GTB/4 NART (chassis #10709) was sold for $27.5 million at the RM Auctions in Monterey on August 2013, making it one of the most expensive production cars ever sold.

Click past the jump to read more about the Ferrari 275 Gran Turismo Berlinetta Competizione Scaglietti.

Exterior

The Ferrari 275 underwent different design versions during the course of its time. The 275 GTB was the first to arrive and it featured a shorter nose compared to the later models. In fact, the “long nose” 275 followed shortly with the objective of improving the car’s high-speed stability, specifically to reduce front-end lift at high speeds.

Another design evolution on later models of the 275 is the larger rear window, which was put in to improve visibility. Likewise, the trunk hinges, which were first located inside the boot, were now placed outside.

Interior

The wraparound dashboard is a prominent highlight of the Ferrari 275, connecting both door panels in a continuous pattern that created a striking design balance in the cabin. At that time, automakers like Ferrari had a different interpretation of the word "premium" compared to how it's used today. Instead of the usual tech-filled gadgetry we normally see in today's Prancing Horse models, the 275 mostly went with a well-designed instrument panel and center stack just behind the three-spoke steering wheel and a long gear shifter that was in vogue at that time.

This particular 275 GTB does have a fancy, if slightly overused, blue leather trim fitted throughout the cabin. The blue leather interior was likely a customized option exercised by Georges Filipinetti when he was still the race car's owner.

Drivetrain

A 3.3-liter V-12 engine may sound like a Jurassic engine today, but back then, it was a fire-breathing gargantuan that was capable of spewing 300 horsepower and 217 pound-feet of torque. That was the engine of the ‘standard’ 275 GTB and all subsequent iterations that were classified under the 275 name.

The 275 GTB chassis 09079's lighter and stronger chassis compared to the standard 275 was also a hallmark feature of the 275 GTB, as were the reinforced wheel hubs, wider wheels, and twin saddle-mounted alloy fuel tanks.

The 275 GTB was a born and bred race car and it came with an extensive list of uprated factory modifications. All these upgrades allowed it to perform on the track like the speed merchant it was meant to be, earning itself the long and illustrious list of race wins it accumulated during its career.

Prices

Prepare to break all your piggy banks if you want to buy the Ferrari 275 Gran Turismo Berlinetta Competizione Scaglietti at the 2015 Bonhams Scottsdale Auction on January 15, 2015. Be forewarned, though. Early estimates have the car selling for at least $10 million. I'm no math genius, but that's 1 with seven 0s behind it.

Don't worry, the model is certified by Ferrari Classiche and that's all you really need to know about the car's authenticity.

The Ferrari 275 Gran Turismo Berlinetta Competizione Scaglietti Headed to Auction

Classic Ferraris fetch millions in auctions these days and even then, it’s still rare to see a Ferrari like this 1966 275 Gran Turismo Berlinetta (GTB) Competizione Scaglietti with so much racing tradition tied to it cross an auction block.

The history behind this 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB is as singular as the car itself. Under the ownership of legendary race team owner Georges Filipinetti, the 275 GTB chassis number 09079 went on to have one of the most decorated careers for a Ferrari race car.

It competed three times at Le Mans from 1967 to 1969, winning the GT class in its first run at one of the most daunting races in the world.

In 1969, it competed in its first and only race at the Spa-Francorchamps, winning the GT class in that event. It then followed that by winning its class in Imola, thus rightfully earning the status as one of the most prominent and successful Ferrari race cars.

We’ve already established its history, which is admittedly incredible given how successful it was in the races it competed in. But the 275 GTB chassis number 09079 wasn’t just a handful on the track, it was, and remains one of the rarest Ferrari racers Maranello has ever produced. Only 12 of them were made and this model, in particular, is the 11th of the dozen.

All 12 models were essentially modified versions of the standard Ferrari 275, created specifically for racing purposes. The Italians, with the help of Scaglietti, built it using a lightweight alloy body, ensuring that its physical properties were light enough to compete handily in any racing situation. Its long, shark-like nose remains a thing of beauty to this day and the the gill-like side vents, the short rear section, and the chrome bumpers and body trims all contributed to its timeless predatory appearance.

Specific to this car are the racing graphics, including the “Scuderia Filipinetti” decal above the side vents. The unmistakable “28” decal is clearly marked on the the hood, the doors, and rear end, while a splattering of sponsor graphics complete its historic racing look

Conclusion

As far as historical Ferrari race cars are concerned, you'd be hard-pressed to find more than five models in Maranello's history that carry the same racing pedigree and tradition as the 275 GTB chassis number 09079.

Even after its racing career came to an end, it was still scooping up awards left and right, evolving into an iconic showpiece model that has won numerous honors at contemporary events like the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.

It has also changed owners multiple times over the years and it even survived a 1985 garage fire that damaged its body. Extensive repairs were done and the car was restored to its original factory specifications by Carrozzeria Brandoli.

Through it all, its status as one of the finest cars Ferrari has ever built remained and was further cemented when it received its red book certification from Ferrari Classiche. More recently, it was even selected to represent the 60th anniversary of the Italian automaker's presence in the US.

There are only a handful of Ferraris that will break your finances. The Ferrari 275 GTB chassis 09079 is one of them.