The 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 by Scaglietti stands as a paragon of automotive excellence on its own, but this particular model, chassis number 10621, is not just any Ferrari. It’s a car that carries with it a legacy of speed, style, and cinematic cool, thanks to its original owner, the legendary actor and car enthusiast Steve McQueen.
A Star-Studded History
The 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 by Scaglietti is a car that was born into the spotlight. Originally owned by none other than the “King of Cool” himself, Steve McQueen, this car is as much a part of Hollywood history as it is a piece of automotive excellence. McQueen, a renowned car enthusiast, purchased the car to replace his damaged 275 GTS/4 NART Spider, another rare gem in the Ferrari lineage.
The car was initially finished in a Nocciola (hazelnut) paint over a Nero leather interior. However, McQueen, ever the individualist, had the car repainted in a unique shade of dark maroon, dubbed Chianti Red. This customization, along with the fitting of Borrani wire wheels and a sleek sideview mirror, gave the car a distinctive look that was unmistakably McQueen.
Steve McQueen was an iconic American actor known for his roles in classic films during the 1960s and 1970s. Born on March 24, 1930, in Beech Grove, Indiana, McQueen’s rugged good looks and cool on-screen persona earned him the nickname “The King of Cool.” His most notable roles include playing Vin Tanner in “The Magnificent Seven” (1960), Hilts “The Cooler King” in “The Great Escape” (1963), and Frank Bullitt in “Bullitt” (1968). McQueen was known for performing many of his own stunts, particularly in the car chase scenes that became a hallmark of his films. Despite his success in Hollywood, his life was not without struggle, including a battle with lung cancer that led to his untimely death on November 7, 1980. His legacy continues to influence actors and filmmakers today.
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A Journey of Restoration
The car’s journey didn’t end with McQueen. After changing hands several times, it found its way to Vern Schuppan, a championship racing driver, in 2009. Recognizing the car’s historical significance, Schuppan embarked on a mission to restore the car to its original specifications. This painstaking process, carried out by Ferrari Classiche from 2010 to 2013, saw the car returned to its original berlinetta coachwork configuration and refinished in McQueen’s customized Chianti Red paint over black leather seats.
A Testament to Excellence
Today, the 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 by Scaglietti is a testament to the enduring allure of classic Ferraris. It’s a car that continues to turn heads and ignite passions, whether it’s on display at Maranello’s Museo Ferrari or gracing the pages of renowned automotive magazines like Classic & Sports Car, Auto Italia, and Forza.
The 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 by Scaglietti is more than just a car. It’s a piece of automotive and cinematic history, a testament to the passion and craftsmanship of Ferrari, and a symbol of the cool, rebellious spirit of Steve McQueen. Whether it’s presented at major concours d’elegance, marque gatherings, or movie-related exhibits worldwide, this unique car is sure to continue captivating audiences and inspiring new generations of car enthusiasts.
Fully certified with a Ferrari Classiche Red Book, the car presents with top-shelf elegance and mechanical correctness. It’s a car that invites you to step into the shoes of Steve McQueen, to feel the thrill of the open road and the roar of the four-cam V-12 engine. It’s a car that invites you to become a part of its storied history.
So, to the next caretaker of this magnificent machine, we say this: buckle up. You’re not just acquiring a car. You’re stepping into a legacy of speed, style, and unmatched cool. You’re stepping into the driver’s seat of the unmatched Steve McQueen’s 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 by Scaglietti. And that’s an experience# The 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 by Scaglietti: A Legacy of Speed and Style
The car will be auctioned with RM Sotheby’s at the auction in Monterey taking place between 17th and 19the August 2023
