This is One of The Best Ferraris Money Can Buy

Yep, we said it. The thing about Ferraris is that they’re all wonderful. But few are truly extraordinary. This car’s debut is especially exciting, as it also marks the inaugural Paris car show Retromobile, in New York City. Gooding Christie’s will be the official auction house at the event, taking place November 19-22. Though you’re waiting to read what this showstopping car is, aren’t you? 

Meet the 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4*S NART Spider – a car that needs little introduction to make an impression. For starters, there’s the provenance. This particular example was once part of Steve McQueen’s personal collection. It was delivered new to the famed actor, racer, and Hollywood icon from Luigi Chinetti, who influenced Ferrari to authorize a limited production run of the 275 GTB/4*S, constructed by Scaglietti.

And the result? The 275 GTB4*S retained its predecessor’s, the berlinetta, 3.3-liter, four-cam V-12 engine, a five-speed transaxle, independent suspension and disc brakes, beautifully existing on the razor’s edge of unbelievable performance with elegant open coachwork. And of course, there’s a sporty, but discreet North American Racing Team (NART) badge on the tail panel. 

This one, chassis 10453, was the sixth NART Spider Built. The coachwork was originally finished in Blu Sera (Evening Blue) over black Connolly leather– the first of just two with this specification. For the discerning eye, the car is accompanied with extensive documentation, allowing its future owner to meticulously examine even the exact tire, wheel and instrumentation specifications too. 

Chassis 10453 landed at LAX in the fall of 1967, where Steve McQueen’s friend received it. When he got back into town, McQueen had thoughts– “Gotta paint it. Not my kind of blue.” Sure, he had spent $15,000, (multiply that by ten for today’s price), but movie stars like what they like. 

So as a result, the bumpers were removed, a quick-fill fuel cap and rally-style mirror were added, as well as a radio console and some new trimming for the seats. The refinishing took the car to a dark metallic blue. 

Steve McQueen’s ownership has been documented extensively by Ferrari historian Marcel Massini. And maybe, that’s part of the allure of this beauty– it’s one of the greatest-of-all-time open Ferraris and was owned by a movie star, but it’s kind of an if-you-know-you-know car– a hidden figure classic. 

To add to the mystique of it all, the car has just two other owners from new– the last owner had the car for four decades. Seldom seen in public and never before offered at auction, its rarity is unmatched. Though it will likely sell for tens of millions of dollars, perhaps its new owner will be more inclined to share it with the world.

As Marcel Massini put it, “Forever linked to its previous owner, Hollywood legend Steve McQueen, this brilliant Ferrari 275 NART Spider is the ultimate icon, uniting two global legends in a single machine. Marking a monumental moment in car history, this iconic machine will make its historic first auction debut this November.”

So stay tuned for Gooding Christie’s Retromobile New YorkAuctions, where the 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4*S is sure to turn heads at the Javits Center this November. And Ferrari Tifosi, hold on to your horse-hats because there’s a whole bunch of other models in the auction catalogue you can peruse now.