A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity awaits car enthusiasts and Formula 1 fans next month as a 1996 Ferrari F355 GTS, formerly owned by racing legend Michael Schumacher, goes up for auction at Sotheby’s Auction House. Bidding opens on 4th February, and the car will be offered without reserve, making this a rare chance to own an exceptional vehicle with storied provenance.
The 1996 Ferrari F355 GTS is going up for sale after over two decades of ownership by a dedicated enthusiast. The news of its auction has garnered significant attention in the automotive world, with subsequent features in renowned publications such as Forza, Ferrari World and Auto Trends, all highlighting its connection to seven-time Formula 1 World Champion Michael Schumacher.
Finished in a striking Blu Le Mans exterior paired with a Pelle Crema leather interior, the F355 GTS is both elegant and distinctive. It was Ferrari Classiche Certified in 2020: confirmation of its authenticity and historical significance.
Accompanying the vehicle are its original manuals and service book, documenting its delivery to Weber Management GmbH. Meanwhile, a letter from Cavallari Monaco Motors verifies Schumacher’s ownership, and photographs show the legendary driver behind the wheel. Adding to its allure, Schumacher signed the back of the driver’s seat, making it a truly personal collector’s item.
Racing history
By the mid-1990s, Schumacher was already celebrated as one of Formula 1’s greatest-ever talents. After securing back-to-back championships with Benetton in 1994 and 1995, Schumacher made the pivotal move to Ferrari in 1996. As a welcome gift, Ferrari presented him with this very F355 GTS, likely the first road car he used during his tenure with the Scuderia Ferrari team.
The F355 GTS, introduced in 1995, was Ferrari’s latest marvel, perfectly suited for its newest star driver. The car features a traditional six-speed manual gearbox, a deliberate choice by the racing legend to provide a driving experience starkly different from the high-performance, automated cars he piloted on track.
In 2004, this remarkable F355 GTS was sold during the Monaco Historic Grand Prix, where its Schumacher connection made it a standout attraction. The current owner, believed to be the car’s third, acquired it at that auction and has cherished it ever since.
Meticulously cared for, the car’s history includes a service by Monaco Motors in 1997 while under Schumacher’s ownership. Its legacy is further documented by correspondence confirming its use by the champion driver during his early Ferrari years.
For more information on the car and to register to bid, click here.
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Photo via Sotheby’s