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Steve McQueen owned several classic Ferraris, but very few could stack up to the 275 GTB/4 when it comes to the coolness factor. This is an incredible car.
Why would this star-owned Ferrari be a conversation topic today? The car that was once owned by Steve McQueen is heading to auction in Monterrey later this summer. That’s right; another well-heeled car enthusiast will get their hands on this incredible Ferrari and have the pleasure of owning a piece of automotive history and a car that was owned by Mr. Cool himself.
How long did McQueen actually own the car?
As strange as it sounds, Steve McQueen only owned the car for four years. Considering he had some changes made to it before he took delivery and during his ownership, you would think he might have kept it a little longer. This car has changed hands multiple times and ended up with a retired Australian racer in the 2000s. The last time it was up for auction was in 2014, but now it’s going on the block again and should fetch a hefty sum, especially when you consider the original owner.
What changes did McQueen make to the car?
Some of the Steve McQueen touches made to the Ferrari 275 GTB/4 include a paint color change from gold metallic to Chianti Red and the addition of wheels and the wing mirror from his convertible 275 GTB/4 that he crashed before buying this car. The Australian racer who owned the car ensured it was completely restored to McQueen’s specifications by Ferrari Classiche to bring it back to its original glory. This restoration took three years, but it seems to have paid off in beauty, style, and presence that makes it one exciting car.
What is this incredible Ferrari?
The Ferrari 275 GTB/4 brings a long front end where the engine is housed and has been considered a bit of an outlier in the 1960s sports car world. The original 275 was designed by Pininfarina, but the GTB/4 features bodywork completed by Carrozzeria Scaglietti. This impressive car also brings a four-cam, 3.3-liter Colombo V12 engine instead of the two-cam layout found in the regular 275. Only 280 versions of this car were made between 1966 and 1968, making it one of the rarest cars to survive the decade.
Did Steve McQueen drive a Ferrari regularly?
Although Steve McQueen only owned the Ferrari 275 GTB/4 for four years, we know he drove a Ferrari regularly. He owned a 1963 Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta Lusso, which was his daily driver, and had a stable of Ferrari sports cars. Considering the 275 GTB/4 can achieve 300 horsepower and a top speed of 166.5 mph, it’s pretty easy to imagine McQueen stepping into this car for some fast and fun times out on the road. Of course, today, we can only imagine how often the man drove this car and enjoyed everything it stands for.
Has this car been on display before?
This particular Ferrari should have luggage stickers to show where it’s been around the world. It’s been on display at many of the top locations in the world, including the Museo Ferrari in Maranello, the Petersen Automotive Museum in California, and at the Villa d’Esta Concorso d’Eleganza in Lake Como. This car has been where the high-end car enthusiasts gather to look at some of the rarest and most amazing machines. It’s not surprising that even the well-heeled want a look at one of the finest Ferraris ever owned by Steve McQueen.
How much should this car get at auction?
Let’s see; we’ve got a bit of a formula for this one. The Ferrari 275 GTB/4 is one of the rarest cars ever made, with only 280 built. Although we don’t know how many still exist, the rarity and age give us a hefty sum to start with. Toss in the meticulously perfect condition of the car, and you’ve got more on the table. Finally, you add the fact that the original owner was none other than Steve McQueen, and you know this car should hit some high seven-figure numbers when the hammer drops at the auction.
Although the Steve McQueen-owned Ferrari 275 GTB/4 sold for $10 million at RM Sotheby’s in 2014, the current estimation is that this car should fetch between $5 and $7 million in August when it goes under the hammer. Of course, the bidding could push that number much higher.
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