1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4
The Ferrari 275 GTB/4 is a legendary grand touring car that was produced by Ferrari between 1966 and 1968. It was the first production Ferrari to feature a version of Ferrari’s V12 with four overhead camshafts, delivering about 300 horsepower and a top speed in excess of 260 km/h. The 275 GTB/4 was also the last Ferrari to use the classic Colombo-designed 60-degree V12 engine that premiered in the 1940s.
An evolution of the earlier 275 GTB, the 275 GTB/4 improved on the earlier model’s two overhead camshaft V12 engine. The newer V12 engine was mounted behind the front axle, giving the car a near-perfect weight distribution contributing to its excellent handling.
The body of the 275 GTB/4 was designed by Pininfarina and built by Scaglietti. It was similar to the 275 GTB, but featured some subtle differences, such as a longer nose, a revised grille, and a bulge on the hood to accommodate the taller engine. The body was constructed of steel, although some customers opted for an aluminum version that was lighter and, of course, more expensive. The interior was as luxurious and comfortable as could be expected from Ferrari, featuring leather seats and wood trim with a very Italian set of gauges.
Upon its debut the 275 GTB/4 received a great deal of praise for its performance, style, and overall quality. Additionally, the 275 proved to be successful in racing, winning several events such as the Targa Florio, the Tour de France Automobile, and the Le Mans 24 Hours. Only 330 examples of the 275 GTB/4 were built, making it not the rarest Ferrari, but still a limited production example.
Steve McQueen's 275 GTB/4
Much as Ferrari is the iconic Italian sports car, Steve McQueen was one of the most iconic actors of the 20th century. He starred in classic films such as The Great Escape, Bullitt, and The Thomas Crown Affair. He was known for his cool and rebellious persona, as well as his passion for racing and motorcycles. He died of cancer in 1980, at the age of 50. In this blog post, we will explore some of the highlights of his life and career, and why he is still remembered as the “King of Cool”.
It should come as no surprise that Steve McQueen owned a Ferrari 275 GTB/4 and his name is still a big pull for buyers. It’s believed that McQueen drove this 275 GTB/4 when commuting to the set of Bullitt – in fact there’s a photograph of him in costume standing next to this car. He sold the 275 GTB/4 that will be offered for sale by RM Sotheby’s in 1971 to another actor, Guy Williams, which started the travels of this car that lead it to Monterey and RM Sotheby’s this year.
Watch What Happened Last Time
The last time we saw Steve McQueen’s Ferrari 275 GTB/4 change hands at auction it hammered for $9,250,000. That was in Monterey at RM Auctions, prior to their tie-up with Sotheby’s. Monterey certainly presents the best opportunity to sell a significant car such as this. RM Sotheby’s currently estimates this car will sell for $5,000,000 – $7,000,000 which seems a bit weak. Anything below $10,000,000 should be considered quite well-bought, but it should be able to comfortably hit the eight-figure range when it crosses the block on Saturday, August 19, 2023.