A FERRARI previously owned by A-list celebrities is selling for an eye-watering sum after being restored.
Car enthusiasts will have to cough up £2million for the chance to own the car that has been driven by Steve McQueen, Jane Fonda and Miles Davis.
The 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB is being auctioned at RM Sotheby.
The flashy car is bursting with 60s charm, fitted with a wooden dashboard and steering wheel bearing the iconic Ferrari logo.
With a sleek black interior and long-nose steel bodywork, this car has a long and star-studded history.
The motor once belonged to well-known French screenwriter, film director and producer, Roger Vadim Plemiannikov.
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Roger was famous for his erotic-themed movies such as the 1968 science fiction sex comedy Barbarella, which starred his wife Jane Fonda.
He purchased it in 1966, with the director later transferring the documentation to Jane.
The pair kept their 275 GTB for about two and a half years and during this time, they were photographed with the car frequently.
In August of 1966, they were photographed emerging from the car in Saint-Tropez.
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The Ferrari has also been a part of some deeply personal celeb moments.
In 1968, Jane was seen in the passenger seat departing the hospital with her new born baby.
The 275 GTB was returned that same year to Franco-Britannic Autos from where it was sold to its future owners.
The car also saw some action on the race track when It appeared at Pierre Bardinon’s famous Mas du Clos circuit.
It was driven by Jean-Claude Killy, a former World Cup ski racer and triple Olympic Champion at the 1968 Winter Olympics in Grenoble.
Car Auctions: How To Nab A Bargain
Car auctions are a way to sell vehicles based on a bidding system with the highest offer securing the deal.
Auctions aren't restricted to the rich and famous as thousands of cars are sold at motor auctions in the UK each week.
Here's what you need to know before attending an auction:
- Be prepared: Do your research on the car you would like to purchase beforehand.
- Check the car: Cars will usually be lined up before the start, so make sure to arrive early to inspect the desired car thoroughly.
- Have a back-up: Be ready for disappointment as your desired motor may be sold to someone else and select a few back-ups.
- Be realistic: Realise that there won't be a "perfect" car at an auction and adjust expectations accordingly.
- Set a budget: It is easy to overspend in the heat of the moment during bidding. Ensure you have set a budget and do not go over it.
Key phrases to look out for:
- ‘No major mechanical faults’ – suggests that there shouldn't be any issues with the car's drivetrain, gearbox, suspension, or engine.
- ‘Specified faults’ – the auctioneer will read out specific faults.
- ‘Sold as seen’ – the vehicle is sold with any problems it may have. The auction company will rarely entertain complaints regarding the mechanical or cosmetic condition of these vehicles after sale.
- ‘Sold with a warranted mileage’ - The car is being offered based on the report, which confirms the mileage through an independent check.
A listing for the Ferrari reads: “In the last five years, this car was subject to a full restoration seeking to bring the car back to its original colour scheme.
“The car received Ferrari Classiche certification, confirming that it retains its original chassis, engine, and gearbox.
“Presented today exactly as it was when it was delivered to Jane and Roger, chassis number 08641 sits amongst the upper echelon of 275 GTBs, with its celebrity ownership only adding to its known history, and Classiche certification.
“It would be at home on a concours lawn anywhere in the world, but would perhaps be most at home cruising the roads of the south of France in unrivalled style as it did with its first owners.”
FERRARI REPLICA LAWSUIT
Ferrari are currently involved in a five-year-long law suit after José Vitor Estevam Siqueira built his own replica Ferrari F-40 from scratch.
The Brazilian dentist was sued by the car giant after they spotted an online advertisement for his model, claiming he violated trademark law.
At the time, José, a boyhood fan of the cars, said: “It was a childish, innocent dream, I didn’t imagine it could happen.
"I accepted it as a challenge for myself and started studying, investing time and money to make it happen."
A seizure of the vehicle was requested, and five years later, they are still trying to obtain compensation.
Ferrari claimed they were seeking payment for loss of profits and material damages.
This is despite the replica never having actually been successfully sold.
On November 8th, the Court converted the freezing of the amount into a seizure.
This means the dentist was forced to empty his bank account to pay Ferrari.
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José launched a counter-suit claiming moral damages, but it was denied.
The lengthy lawsuit continues.