One to Buy: ex-Steve McQueen 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4
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Two years after launching the rakish 275 GTB at the Paris Motor Show in October 1964, Ferrari began to fit dual instead of single overhead camshaft engines to their flagship Berlinetta. The revised model, dubbed 275 GTB/4, also benefited from a new dry-sump lubrication system.
Meanwhile, in the 24 months prior, other significant updates had already been phased in on the 275 GTB, all of which were incorporated into the GTB/4. Most notably, these improvements had included a longer air-piercing nose to reduce front-end lift and a torque tube.
With 300bhp on tap from its 3.3-litre V12, the 275 GTB/4 was among the fastest production cars of its day. With a top speed of around 170mph, a 0-62mph time of under six seconds and perhaps the most handsome coachwork of its era, the 275 GTB/4 was a hit and 330 were built during a two-year production run.
Set to go under the hammer at the RM Sotheby’s Monterey auction between August 17th and 19th is this 275 GTB/4 purchased new in December 1967 by the actor, Steve McQueen.
McQueen acquired the car (chassis 10621) from William Harrah’s Modern Classic Motors in Nevada via Chic Vandagriff’s Hollywood Sport Cars. Upon delivery the GTB/4 was sent to McQueen’s painter, Lee Brown, who changed the colour from its original Nocciola to Chianti Red.
The customised GTB/4 would replace McQueen’s 275 GTS/4 (chassis 10453) that had recently sustained some rear end damage. Both the GTS/4’s Borrani wire wheels and its aerodynamic exterior mirror were fitted to 10621.
Today, following a restoration by Ferrari Classiche, chassis 10621 is offered restored in its original Berlinetta configuration having at one point been converted to GTS/4 Spyder trim.
