Ferrari 275 GTB: Steve McQueen’s Legendary NART Spider Hits The Auction Block
Marcus Vance
3 minutes read
| 🚀 Key Takeaways: • The legendary Ferrari 275 GTB NART Spider formerly owned by Steve McQueen hits the auction block. • Under the hood sits a soulful 3.3-liter V12 engine delivering 300 horsepower in a classic front-engine layout. • With only 10 units ever produced, this specific chassis is estimated to fetch between $15 million and $20 million. |
Steve McQueen did not simply drive cars; he treated them like physical extensions of his own psyche. Now, the 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4*S NART Spider he famously beat to a pulp on the Pacific Coast Highway is finally heading to auction.
The Ferrari 275 GTB Legacy
Engineering perfection defined the 1960s, and the Ferrari 275 GTB remains a testament to that golden era. Specifically, this NART Spider variant represents a stripped-back, aggressive evolution of the standard berlinetta. Consequently, it delivers a driving experience that modern, computer-numbed supercars simply cannot replicate.
With a 3.3-liter V12 engine at its heart, this machine is a mechanical symphony of brass and steel. Furthermore, the chassis balance, derived from Maranello’s finest racing lineage, provides an intimate connection between driver and tarmac. As reported by Ferrari, the 275 series remains the benchmark for analog GT performance.
| ⚙️Engine / Powertrain | 3.3L V12 |
| 🐎Power Output | 300 HP |
| ⚡Peak Torque | 217 lb-ft |
| ⏱️0-60 mph (0-100 km/h) | 0-60 mph in 6.0s |
| 🚀Top Speed | 160 mph |
| 🔄Drivetrain / Gearbox | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| 💰Starting Price / Est. | $15,000,000 (est.) |
Competitor Analysis: The Italian Old Guard
Comparatively, the Ferrari 275 GTB stands head and shoulders above its contemporaries like the Lamborghini 400GT. While the Lambo offers brute force, the Ferrari possesses a delicacy in its steering rack that remains legendary among true petrolheads. Moreover, against the Aston Martin DB6, the Ferrari’s power-to-weight ratio feels significantly more urgent and track-focused.
Pricing, Available Trims, and Ownership Value
Acquiring a piece of automotive history comes with a stratospheric price tag. Estimated Auction Value: $15M – $20M. Meanwhile, insurance premiums for such a priceless asset are essentially bespoke, and maintenance requires specialized artisans rather than standard mechanics. Consequently, owners must account for Long-term Preservation Costs which easily climb into six figures annually.
Ultimately, this car is less an investment and more a stewardship of kinetic art. If you fancy a more modern ride, check out our recent feature on the latest supercar trends at Auto News Magazine. Collectors should prepare for a fierce bidding war this November.
Future Speculation
Historically, McQueen-owned vehicles appreciate with an intensity that defies traditional market logic. Therefore, I predict this Ferrari 275 GTB will break records at the Rétromobile New York sale. Collectors view this specific chassis as a blue-chip asset, ensuring its value continues to climb indefinitely.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the NART Spider is the ultimate expression of the Ferrari 275 GTB ethos. It is raw, it is damaged, and it is undeniably authentic. Whoever places the winning bid is not just buying a car; they are purchasing a piece of Hollywood and motorsport immortality.
Marcus Vance
Senior Track & Performance Editor at Auto News Magazine. Veteran automotive journalist specializing in chassis dynamics, apex telemetry, track-day specials, and high-revving mechanical purity.
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