The Ferrari 275 GTB4 which originally belonged to film icon Steve McQueen has just been restored by Ferrari Classiche, the specialist in rediscovering the beauty of classic models from the stable of the Prancing Horse.
Whilst most of us dream of open-air driving, the thought of slicing the roof off a classic Ferrari is enough to make most enthusiasts shudder. Added to the sacrilege was that this particular Ferrari had previously counted Steve McQueen as one of its former owners. Yet, such was the fate of this particular 275 GTB4 as it had been turned into a Spider.
Given the current upward trend in value of cars ‘previously-loved’ by legends of the past, it is no surprise that the present owner wanted to have this Ferrari restored to its former glory. Recently, a 250 GTO built to specification for Stirling Moss was sold for around £22m.
The glory days for this particular model were at a time when the film and cult icon was on the top of his game. Steve McQueen, understandably loved fast cars. This particular Ferrari belonged in his Hollywood stable, taking delivery of it at the time he filmed one of his most famous roles, in Bullitt.
The rare coupe was returned to such supreme condition when the current owner wished it to receive the official authenticity certification. Ferrari is only able to authenticate car should it have the same specifications as when it rolled off the factory floor at its creation.
The official restoration arm of the Italian marquee, Ferrari Classiche, was able to provide the level of detail and craftsmanship required in order to do just this. ‘De-spiderising’ the coupe meant that hand-beaten steel panels were used to reproduce the roof and buttresses. With such vigorous work, as strengthening some of the frame elements and reforming the lines so that the roof became once more an integral part of the profile, the coupe was restored to its exquisite pristine condition. Since 2006, this team of master artisans has been a key in unlocking the certification of more than 3300 certification requests. With the continued interest in restoration of performance models from the past, it would seem as though they will be responsible for many more works of art to come.