Veteran actor Steve McQueen was celebrated not only for his performances on screen but also for his passion for automobiles and motorcycles. Known for his extensive personal collection, the Hollywood star owned dozens of cars and more than 140 motorcycles during his lifetime. He also competed in races under the alias Harvey Mushman.Now, one of the rarest Ferraris once owned by McQueen is set to go under the hammer in New York, with the prized automobile carrying an estimated selling price of USD 15 million to USD 20 million.
Steve McQueen’s rare Ferrari heads to auction
The Ferrari in question is a 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4S NART Spider, an exceptionally rare open-top model produced by Ferrari in collaboration with the North American Racing Team. Only 10 examples of the car were built, making it one of the most sought-after Ferraris from the period. McQueen owned one of only two NART Spiders finished in the distinctive ‘blue sera’ colour. According to Gooding Christie’s, the car is scheduled to be offered during Rétromobile New York, which is set to take place at the Javits Center in New York City from November 20 to 21.
McQueen bought the Ferrari new
McQueen purchased the Ferrari for USD 15,000. The car was completed in September 1967 and delivered to the actor in Los Angeles later that fall. David Byrnan, a senior specialist with the company handling the sale, spoke to Mansion Global about the car’s history and McQueen’s association with it.“McQueen bought the NART Spider new from Hollywood Sports Cars,” he said, referring to the renowned Los Angeles dealership and race shop.Byrnan also noted that the Ferrari was not McQueen’s first car from the Italian marque. The actor had previously purchased a 1963 Ferrari 250 GT Lusso, which remained in his collection until around 1965 or 1966.
The Ferrari underwent several modifications
McQueen was reportedly away when the Ferrari arrived in Los Angeles, so he arranged for his friend R. Lee Brown, who owned a body shop, to collect the car from Los Angeles International Airport and carry out several modifications. According to Byrnan, the changes included repainting the Ferrari in a darker blue metallic shade, removing its bumpers, installing an electric antenna and replacing the seats. The modifications were completed in late 1967, before McQueen began driving the car.
McQueen crashed the Ferrari shortly after delivery
The rare Ferrari also has an eventful history from the period when McQueen owned it. According to the report, the actor was involved in a rear-end collision on the Pacific Coast Highway only a few days after taking delivery of the car. The Ferrari was subsequently sent back to the manufacturer for repairs. It was repaired and repainted before being returned to McQueen. The car later became part of McQueen’s screen legacy as well. It appeared in his 1968 film ‘The Thomas Crown Affair’, in which Faye Dunaway’s character is shown driving the distinctive Ferrari.
One of only 10 NART Spiders
The 275 GTB/4S NART Spider is particularly significant because of its limited production. With only 10 examples manufactured, the model has become a highly collectible Ferrari. McQueen’s example carries additional provenance because of its former ownership by the actor, its distinctive ‘blue sera’ finish and its appearance in The Thomas Crown Affair.
Ferrari could fetch up to USD 20 million
The upcoming auction has placed an estimated value of USD 15 million to USD 20 million on the Ferrari. The final price will depend on bidding at the New York event. The auction also brings renewed attention to McQueen’s long-standing association with cars and motorsport. His interest in automobiles extended beyond collecting, with the actor regularly participating in racing events under the name Harvey Mushman.
What happened to Steve McQueen’s Ferrari after he sold it?
The subsequent ownership history of the Ferrari remains unclear. There is currently no information available about when McQueen sold the car or who acquired it from him.
