Charles Leclerc knows Monaco better than almost anyone on the F1 grid, as he grew up there, learned to drive there, and now races there for Ferrari in front of his home crowd. However, this time he awed the people of the principality by driving through the streets behind the wheel of a true Maranello legend.
Charles Leclerc’s Taste For Heritage
Leclerc was spotted driving a classic Ferrari 275 GTB through the streets of Monaco, which is valued at more than $3.4 million and considered one of the most beautiful road cars Ferrari has ever built. In a world dominated by hybrid hypercars and digital dashboards, the sight of a beautiful analogue V12 Ferrari rolling through Leclerc’s hometown felt like a step back in time.
The Monegasque has been a Ferrari driver since 2019 and remains one of the most recognizable figures in F1. Over the years, he has claimed multiple Grand Prix wins and pole positions and has established himself as Ferrari’s long-term leader during a challenging competitive era.
Away from the track, Leclerc is known for his love of cars that goes far beyond modern performance figures, and while his personal garage includes modern icons like the SF90 Stradale, SF90 XX, 488 Pista, Daytona SP3, and the 812 Competizione, the 275 GTB stands way apart.
The Ferrari 275 GTB was produced between 1964 and 1966, with around 440 road cars built across Series I and Series II and designed by Pininfarina and constructed by Scaglietti. The car is widely regarded as one of Ferrari’s finest road-going creations. Leclerc’s car appeared in a striking Verde Pino color and featured Borrani wire wheels, a desirable factory option.
Under the bonnet is a 3.3-liter Colombo V12 producing around 280 horsepower paired with a five-speed transaxle and independent rear suspension, which can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in roughly seven seconds and reach a top speed of up to 160 mph, which are impressive figures for a car of its era.
Ferrari 275 GTB Still Matters Today
Leclerc’s affection for the 275 GTB is not new, as in 2021, he drove a restored example around Ferrari’s Fiorano test track and spoke openly about the experience, “what an incredible car to drive, it’s just, pure, pure joy. You can hear the sound is just incredible – and the feeling is just amazing. You can feel the story behind it, and that’s what’s so nice. It’s also great to see how much cars have evolved from that day.”
“It’s a different kind of feeling. The vibe in this car is just incredible. But yeah, then the brakes, the engine how much there’s been an evolution since that day was incredible. It will definitely be fun. I was not pushing at the maximum, but obviously the feeling is great. And to be racing in this back in the ’60s, I think it was, with these cars had to be something very, very special,” he added.
The 275 GTB is special not just for its rarity or price tag but also because it was the first Ferrari road car to feature a rear-mounted transaxle and an independent rear suspension which influenced generations of cars that followed and seeing Leclerc drive the car through Monaco, proves that emotions do sometimes come before speed and for Leclerc, the 275 GTB is a piece of history and a reminder that some connections between driver and machine never fade.
