We somehow almost let the 80th anniversary of Steve McQueen’s birth go by with out an appropriate commemoration. The legendary American actor was not only the “King of Cool” but a motorsports enthusiast of the first order who much preferred racing to making movies. He owned many incredible sports cars over the years but the jewel in his collection was a 1963 Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta Lusso, a legend in i’s own right. McQueen’s car was sold at auction in 2007 for $2.3 million, but you can now get one just like on JamesList for €1.2 million. In production for barely 18 months, only 350 of were built, making it one of the most sought-after of all Ferrari’s front-engined V-12 powered gran turismos.
The example on offer in Austria via James was owned by the world famous conductor Herbert von Karajan and was built in 1964. Originally introduced at the 1962 Paris Motor Show, the last of Ferrari’s 250 GT series bore the lusso or “luxury” designation for its posh appointments. The Lusso combined the best features of the 250 GT Short Wheelbase Berlinetta and the 250 GTO in one beautiful, refined, quick, responsive, luxurious package, wrapped in one of Pininfarina’s most successful designs; a masterpiece matched by its aerodynamic refinement. The car on offer, finished in silver with a red leather interior, was completely restored by the Modena-based specialist Brandoli in 1985 and remains in pristine condition. McQueen would be proud.
