The legendary actor and car enthusiast Steve McQueen’s 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 is set to be auctioned in Monterey, California, on August 18-19, 2023. The car is a former McQueen possession, having been purchased by him through Hollywood Sport Cars in 1967. McQueen used the car for his commute to the Bullitt set, and it was painted in a unique shade of dark maroon that he requested. The car was then sold to fellow actor Guy Williams in 1971, after which it went through various owners, with Robert Panella purchasing it in a damaged state in 1980. In 2009, the car was bought by ex-Porsche factory driver and 1983 Le Mans winner Vern Schuppan.
Schuppan had the car restored to McQueen’s specifications by Ferrari Classiche between 2010 and 2013. The restoration process involved dry sump lubrication, a torque tube setup, 4-cam valve actuation, and a long-nose body configuration. The car is also certified with a Ferrari Classiche Red Book and documented with a factory build sheet, period correspondence from Steve McQueen, and a history report by marque expert Marcel Massini. The car has been exhibited at Maranello’s Museo Ferrari and the Villa d’Este Concorso d’Eleganza.
McQueen’s passion for visceral speed machines was legendary, and his garage included luxury sports cars, motorcycles, and race cars, including four different Ferraris. As a true icon of automotive culture, McQueen’s Ferrari 275 GTB/4 is a rare collector’s item that combines automotive history and cinematic legend. The auction is expected to attract collectors from around the world who are eager to own a piece of this legendary actor’s legacy.
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