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Classic

How much for McQueen’s Ferrari?

Published: 12 May 2014

In a few months' time, this 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 once owned by Steve McQueen will come up for auction. And it could sell for millions.

Well, probably. You see, last weekend in Monaco at the annual RM Auctions sale, a 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB/C - number nine of only twelve cars ever built - sold for just under £4.7m (€5,712,000), making it the most expensive fixed head 275.

So what of McQueen's 275? The Bullitt star ordered it during the filming of The Thomas Crown Affair, and immediately sent it to be repainted ‘Chianti Red' before he even drove it. Well, why not?

He also fitted the Borrani wire wheels from his ‘beloved' (and totalled) 275 GTB NART Spider, along with a custom rear view mirror, retractable radio antenna and custom seat trim. Once all this work was completed, the car was delivered to McQueen (while he was filming Bullitt in 1968), and remained the only Ferrari in his collection for five years.

McQueen sold it to Guy Williams (TV's Zorro in the late 50s/early 60s) in 1971, after which the 275 went through a few more ‘respected' owners (ie, not Gymkhana enthusiasts), before being purchased by the current owner in 2010.

This owner commissioned Ferrari Classiche to complete a full restoration, with the car remaining a feature attraction at the Ferrari Museum throughout 2013. And for good reason, too, because it's a beaut'. The GTB/4 was the first production Ferrari to be fitted with the four overhead cam version of the V12, derived directly from the P2 prototype; a 3.3-litre V12 packing 300bhp capable of sending the 275 to a top speed of 166mph.

So, how much do you reckon it'll sell for? McQueen's 275 will be auctioned alongside a 2006 FXX and 1961 250 GT NART Spider at RM Auctions' Monterey sale, taking place in California between 15-16 August. We suspect some millions will be involved.

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