Ferrari’s 275 GTB is perhaps one of the marque’s most desirable models, and this particular chassis – 06003 is perhaps the most sacred amongst all 275 GTB variants. This very first example served as the prototype and later as an ongoing development car that was used to test numerous upgrades.

With coachwork penned by the legendary Pininfarina and built by Scaglietti, this prototype was originally completed in the short-nose body style – it wasn’t until 1965 that its coachwork was updated with the long-nose, a style that subsequently became the standard after approximately 250 cars were built. 06003 was then geared up for rally testing the new transaxle and independent rear suspension configuration. With rally lights, reinforced glass, a modified bonnet, the prototype was painted in Prototype Giallo and entered into the 1966 Monte Carlo Rally, a race that driver Giorgio Pianta once described as “the most beautiful memory of my life.”

06003 was well documented in books and publications in the past, but has been absent from the public eye for the past 25 years. Aesthetically, it has been restored to its former glory as seen in the 1966 Monte Carlo Rally – mechanically, however, it still requires some TLC. Gooding & Company will offer this prototype at its Scottsdale auction in 19 January. Check out the listing page for more images and a full ownership history of this truly one-of-a-kind Ferrari.