Description

The Ferrari 275 GTS, introduced alongside the 275 GTB at the 1964 Paris Motor Show, was the open-top counterpart in Ferrari’s new generation of V12 grand tourers. While sharing the same mechanical foundation as the GTB, the GTS was designed as a refined, luxurious convertible rather than an out-and-out sports car, appealing to buyers who wanted Ferrari performance in a more relaxed and elegant package.

Power came from the familiar Colombo-designed 3.3-liter V12, producing around 260 horsepower in GTS specification. Equipped with three Weber carburetors and paired with a five-speed manual gearbox in a rear-mounted transaxle layout, the GTS could reach top speeds of over 230 km/h. Fully independent suspension front and rear — a first for Ferrari road cars — gave it excellent ride comfort and handling balance, while disc brakes provided confident stopping power.

Pininfarina designed and built the bodywork for the 275 GTS, giving it a distinct character from the more aggressive GTB. The styling was smoother and more understated, with a shorter nose, simpler side vents, and elegant chrome accents. The proportions were balanced and graceful, with a fabric folding roof that could be stowed neatly for open-air driving. Many examples were finished in bright colors with contrasting interiors, enhancing their Mediterranean grand touring appeal.

Inside, the GTS offered a higher level of comfort and luxury than the GTB. Soft leather seats, detailed trim, and a well-appointed dashboard created a more relaxed driving environment, though the driver-focused layout remained. The car’s grand touring mission meant it was just as at home on scenic coastal drives as it was cruising at high speeds on the autostrada.

Production of the 275 GTS was limited, with only around 200 examples built between 1964 and 1966, making it one of the rarer Ferrari convertibles of the 1960s. In 1966, it was succeeded by the 330 GTS, which retained the same styling but adopted a larger 4.0-liter V12.

Today, the Ferrari 275 GTS is celebrated for its blend of elegance, usability, and performance. It offers all the mechanical sophistication of the GTB — including the transaxle layout and independent suspension — but with a more relaxed personality, making it one of the most desirable open Ferraris of the period for collectors and enthusiasts alike.