Formula 1 star Charles Leclerc swaps high-tech for tradition – the Ferrari driver was spotted in a rare classic car on the streets of Monaco

When you think of Charles Leclerc, images of lightning-fast cars, hybrid power, and state-of-the-art aerodynamics usually come to mind. But away from the racetrack, the Monegasque seems to be discovering a fondness for the good old days. In his home country of Monaco, the Ferrari driver was spotted in a real gem: a Ferrari 275 GTB.

This is not just any sports car from Maranello, but a legend on wheels. The market value of this classic is currently estimated at well over three million euros.

Analog passion in “Verde Pino”

Since joining Scuderia in 2019, Leclerc has acquired an impressive collection of modern supercars. He and his fiancée Alexandra Saint Mleux are usually seen in high-powered monsters equipped with the latest technology. But the 275 GTB is the exact opposite: an analog driving experience through and through.

The model in which Leclerc was spotted features an elegant “Verde Pino” (pine green) paint job and rolls on classic Borrani spoke rims—a coveted factory option.

The technology: 12 cylinders and pure sound

Built between 1964 and 1966, the 275 GTB is powered by a 3.3-liter Colombo V12 engine. Paired with a five-speed transaxle transmission and independent rear suspension, the engine delivers around 280 hp.

The performance data seems almost modest by today’s Formula 1 standards, but is impressive for a classic car:

Acceleration: 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in approximately seven seconds Top speed: Between 250 and 260 kilometers per hour, depending on the source Exclusivity: Only around 200 were built. The icon was designed by Pininfarina, while Scaglietti was responsible for its manufacture. In Leclerc’s garage, the classic now joins modern heavyweights such as the SF90 Stradale, the SF90 XX, a 488 Pista, the Daytona SP3, and an 812 Competizione.

Leclerc raves: “Pure pleasure”

The car was not completely new territory for the 28-year-old. Leclerc had already had the opportunity to test a restored version of the 275 on Ferrari’s home track in Fiorano in 2021. Even then, he was full of praise.

“What an incredible car, it’s just pure pleasure,” said Leclerc about the driving experience. “You hear that sound—it’s just incredible—and the feeling is fantastic. You can feel the history behind it.”

The Monegasque driver is particularly fascinated by the contrast to modern cars: “The atmosphere in this car is insane. When you see how much brakes and engines have developed since then, it’s impressive.”

Longing for the 60s?

Leclerc, who is considered one of the best qualifiers of the modern era, shows respect for the drivers of yesteryear: “I can hardly imagine what it was like to race in a car like this. I didn’t push it to the absolute maximum today, but the feeling was great. Racing with it in the 60s must have been something very special.”

The Ferrari star feels a little wistful when he thinks about the present day: “It would actually be nice to have that back—to drive to the track in a road car and race there, just like in the old days.”

In the narrow streets of Monte Carlo, the 275 GTB probably caused just as much of a stir as Leclerc’s current Formula 1 car.