Mecum Monterey 2023: 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4

Mecum Monterey 2023: 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4

Mecum Monterey 2023: 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4

As part of the Monterey 2023 auction, Mecum Auctions is showcasing the impressive 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4. This stunning car is not only a symbol of automotive elegance but also holds a significant place in racing history. With its captivating Nero 20-B-50 (Black) finish, vibrant Pella Orange Connolly leather seats, and complementing Red carpets, this automobile effortlessly combines style and performance in true Ferrari fashion.

What sets this particular 275 GTB/4 apart is its rarity, being one of only six originally painted in Black. It has recently been refinished in its original color scheme, perfectly blending classic aesthetic charm with contemporary refurbishment. Beneath its striking exterior lies the heart of a true racer – a robust 3286cc four-cam V-12 engine.

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The car’s lineage is as remarkable as its aesthetics. It was originally owned by Dr. Luigi Ravizza of Verona, Italy, who raced it in various Italian gentleman hillclimb races under the pseudonym “Meo.” Vintage photos from 1967-68 beautifully capture these racing adventures.

Throughout its time with Ravizza, the car received regular maintenance and servicing at the Ferrari factory’s Assistenza Clienti in Modena. Its significance in Ferrari’s illustrious history was further solidified by being featured in the Ferrari 1968-69-70 Yearbook.

In 1971, the 275 GTB/4 made its way to the United States, specifically to Gerry Sutterfield of Mount Vernon, Ohio, a prominent figure in the Ferrari enthusiast community. Sutterfield, a member of the first Ferrari Club of America Board of Directors, served as the National President in 1969-70 and gained recognition for his participation in vintage racing with a Porsche 917.

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The car’s third owner, Don Vitale, an attorney from Southbury, Connecticut, purchased it in 1984. Under Vitale’s ownership, the Ferrari underwent a restoration, receiving a new Red finish and Black interior. The restoration was completed in 1990, and the car proudly participated in the 1990 FCA National Concours in Watkins Glen, New York, as well as the 1991 FCA National Concours in Washington.

In 1999, the Vitale family sold the car to Rick Grant III through Peter Sweeney’s Forza Motors. The 275 GTB/4 continued to dazzle spectators at prestigious events, including the 1999 Cavallino Classic Concorso D’Eleganza and the Cavallino Classic track event at Moroso Motorsports Park.

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Now, this beautifully restored 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 will be one of the highlight attractions at Mecum Auctions’ Monterey 2023 event. Its captivating history, rare original color, and outstanding provenance make it an irresistible opportunity for serious car enthusiasts and collectors alike. As this remarkable vehicle heads to auction, it carries with it a rich heritage of speed, elegance, and the finest Italian craftsmanship.