1l7CcRC

Staying in Continental Europe for much of the next 8-9 years, itwould change hands just once more to Dr. Michael Duess before itwas discovered there by an agent representing the current owner.His remit was very simple, he was commissioned to find a 275GTB which would prove to be the most usable of tour cars whichwould be routinely driven, and the best example that was available.In line with these parameters, it was decided to source a triplecarburettored alloy Berlinetta.When 08155 became available in 1999 the agent hotfooted it toGermany. He inspected, agreed the deal and drove it back to theUK, an exercise which was accomplished with typical ease andwithout issue.At first it was deemed to check the car over mechanically, to ensureit could be used as intended. At the same time and ahead of thecurrent interest in originality, the owner and agent very sensiblydecided that the original seats were likely to suffer from use andthat since they were in relatively good shape it would be wise toremove them. A second set of 275 seats were found and recoveredin matched deep red leather, while the originals were sympatheticallyrefurbished and the central fabric carefully cleaned. These remainwith the car and could be refitted if necessary.Some light paintwork was carried out, specifically it was notedthat the doors had suffered corrosion inside, no doubt from theiroriginal delivery location. These were carefully restored and the paintmatched. It is thought that just one previous repaint had been carriedout in the early 1970s.Over the course of the last 15 years, the car has been systematicallymaintained with absolutely no regard for the cost of doing so. Thiswork has almost exclusively been entrusted to Bob Houghton’sfamed Ferrari garage in Northleach. Routinely after any event a‘snag’ list has been supplied and everything fixed however large orsmall an undertaking. More major work carried out has included anengine and gearbox rebuild as well as replacement of the engine andgearbox mounts, the suspension and brakes were fully rebuilt andthe fuel system including both mechanical and electric pumps wererebuilt also. While rebuilding the engine, the opportunity was taken torepaint the engine bay. Not surprisingly these invoices are fastidiouslydocumented and accompany the car.As a true custodian of an important Ferrari, the owner has balancedhis work with play ensuring that the car has been present at the mostsignificant gatherings of 275s and Ferraris.1The original seats are offered with the car1Motor Cars | 151