Nick Mason 275 GTB

I have had several Lussos and several GTB's of assorted varieties. Except for the GTB/C (9057) I actually preferred the Lussos as drivers. Something about the shifter in the GTB's always bothered me; too notchy. I always felt very connected in the Lusso (or SWB for that matter.) The GTB/C was another thing entirely, one of my all-time faves. Just my 2c; don't know if that helps or not.

 

Based on personal experience and ownership, and lot of driving on open roads, not only circuits, SWB is a very easy car to drive. Nimble, balanced, good brakes for performance. In my opinion underpowered but mine was a Street car with 240hp on dyno.

Successor, if called like this, the Lusso, was heavier ( or felt heavier) apart from that ok to drive.

275 are bigger cars, no doubt. Bigger engine, even 2 cams, had lot of trouble with brakes until they were upgraded to whatever is acceptable under FIA rules, then brakes were excellent. Rolling much less than SWB, in corners, but a bigger and heavier car, served by bigger engine. Mine was a SN.

4 cams , mine was very very original, never restored, and brakes were good, and engine pulling with a sound and feeling close to Daytona.

In my view, apart from styling, Dayona has the best combination of big engine and lot of torque, very good brakes,,,specially the 480hp Group 4 ,,,but I am biaised.

From memory, because I remember seeing it at COYS showroom, almost 15 years ago, may be more, Nick Mason also had a Street Daytona, ex Jacky Ixck if my memory is correct. So I guess he did not like it either,,,so we are safe to say that NM does not like road Ferraris,and definitely prefers racing cars. May be he prefers racing cars, full stop and drive an SUV or a big Merc to go from A to B. I won't tell what I drive as every days car(s) so I can understand.

 

In his book Into the Red Mason said he had owned three Daytonas a street car, a lightweight one (presumably 12547) and Competizione 15373 and at the time of writing the book had only sold one of them (again presumably 12547). He also says how much he enjoys driving them.

 

He has sold more than one, the prototype Daytona competition, the car that did not race at Le Mans because of an accident in 1969 ? (all this from memory) was for years and years with Mario Bernardi and I would assume still there. NM still has a competition group 4, and the street car, with nevertheless interesting provenance, he sold it early on. So sold 2 out of 3...and only kept the racing car.