David Letterman’s Ferrari 275 GTS Headed to Auction
Ferrari created an instant classic with the 275 GTS, which wowed with its Pininfarina styling and 5-speed transaxle.
A Ferrari 275 GTS once belonging to David Letterman will soon be available at the Mecum Auctions according to duPont Registry. The late-night funnyman has an affinity for fine cars and this one sure fits the bill. While Ferraris might not be everyone’s cup of tea, this classic ’65 275 GTS simply oozes class and beauty. It’s hard not to love.
Values for these cars are obviously high. The average sale price according to Hagerty is $1.3 million. That’s a lot of dough even for an elegant piece of metal. But what makes this vehicle in particular special?
History
First, some history. The 275 GTS debuted at the October 1964 Paris Salon. What set this Ferrari apart was its fully independent suspension system and its 5-speed rear transaxle. This model marked the first time Ferrari had utilized independent suspension for all four wheels and the front-engine rear-mounted transaxle layout lent to beautiful weight distribution.
Under the hood was an updated variant of Ferrari’s Colombo engine. This new powerhouse sported 3.3 liters of displacement and 260 hp. Oh, and it was a V-12. So it made some sweet, buttery V-12 sounds.
Bodywork was done by none other than iconic design house Pininfarina. And the GTS came solely in the Spider configuration with a folding soft-top and available auxiliary hardtop. In total, only 200 were ever made from 1964-1966.
275 GTS Auction Piece
This particular 275 was carefully restored by the Bobileff Motorcar Company. It exemplifies its original beauty and even sports the ultra-rare auxiliary hardtop; which is valued higher than most modern sports cars at $50k.
The restoration was so well done in fact, that the vehicle earned the 2018 FCA Platinum, 2018 FCA Best 1974 and earlier V-12, and 2019 Cavallino Platinum awards.
But perhaps what is more intriguing are its previous owners. Fist and foremost, the vehicle is up for auction by current owner Dr. Vance Shappley. But, it once belonged to iconic Late Show host David Letterman. Jon A. Shirley, former president, COO, and director of Microsoft also held the car for a time.
To top it all off the 275 GTS holds the esteemed Ferrari Red Book and Classiche Certifications.
This GTS comes with its original 3.3L V-12 engine. For mileage info, you’ll have to call. (Mecum’s keeping secrets) Completing the collection is a set of Borrani wire wheels and a set of genuine Ferrari books and tools. Lastly, his GTS is clad in Nero black and houses a Ferrari Red interior.
Letterman’s Collection
While not as well-known for his automotive prowess as Jay Lenno, Letterman is quite the gearhead himself. He even owns his own racing team!
Throughout the years, Letterman has been the proud owner of many timeless vehicles like the 275 GTS. Some of his more impressive notable include:
- 1973 Chevy Cheyenne
- 1956 Austin-Healy 100-4 BN2
- 1955 Jaguar XK 140
- 1961 Porsche 356 Cabriolet
- 1963 250GT Lusso
- 1956 Porsche 356 1500 GS Carrera
- 1985 Ferrari 288 GTO
Auction Info
Letterman’s former 275 GTS is being sold at the Mecum Indy 2020 as Lot No. R481. The auction takes place July 10-18. For even more info., be sure to check the Mecum website.
Photos: Mecum