Bonhams will offer a 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB with an outstanding competition history as the highlight of its Scottsdale auction on January 15.

The 275 GTB will see big bids, with collectors keen to own cars with a fine racing pedigree

The important Ferrari is the 11th of just 12 ever built, and was campaigned successfully by the Scuderia Filipinetti team throughout the 1960s.

Delivered new to team owner Georges Filipinetti of Geneva, Switzerland, chassis 09079 raced three times at Le Mans (in 1967, 1968 and 1969), winning the GT class in the first year with Rico Steinmann and Dieter Sporry at the wheel.

In 1969, it won the GT class at the Spa-Francorchamps, and also won its class at Imola.

The 275 GTB boasts a lighter and stronger chassis than the standard 275, built especially for competition in the GT class. It is fitted with reinforced wheel hubs and wider wheels, with twin saddle-mounted fuel tanks.

The GTB is also wrapped in an ultra-thin alloy body, enabling it to fly round the track powered by a 3.3-litre, V12 engine.

Chassis 09079 passed through the hands of some respected collectors before its body was damaged in a fire in 1985. Thankfully, the engine, drivetrain and chassis were unharmed, and it was shipped to Italy for an exacting restoration by marque expert Carrozzeria Brandol.

Now Ferrari Classiche certified, the car has competed in the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, Le Mans Classic and Silverstone Classic among others. It was recently selected as one of 60 models displayed to mark the 60th anniversary in Beverly Hills.

Please sign up to our free newsletter for more exciting news about classic car auctions.