Christopher Steel began his Ferrari ownership journey in 1994 and has continued ever since, amassing a spectacular collection of around 15 Ferraris.
What is your earliest memory involving a Ferrari? Did you always dream about owning a Ferrari?
The TV show The Persuaders! left a lasting impression on me. Tony Curtis in his role as 'Danny Wilde,' drove a stunning red Ferrari Dino 246 GT. That iconic image sparked my fascination with Ferraris at a young age. I didn’t just dream for long, as I turned that passion into reality. By 1994, I achieved my goal and bought my first Ferrari, a Ferrari 348 GTS.
What is your most cherished memory with Ferrari?
One of my most cherished memories with a Ferrari happened last year at the Aurora event. I was invited to showcase four of my prized cars: the 512 BBLM, F40, 250 GT Lusso Competizione, and my unique 275 GTB, which is the only Ferrari in Bosco Verde with documented racing history, driven by Benelli 'Riccardone' and Nanni Galli in the 1967 1000km of Monza, where it finished in 2nd place.
During the event, I made sure to let the kids sit in my cars. On the way to the prize ceremony, I noticed a young boy nearby and asked if he would like to come along for a ride. Just then, his older brother appeared and insisted that his younger sibling was too young to ride but that he, himself, would be happy to join. This clever move made me smile, so I decided to put both brothers in the F40. The pure joy in their eyes is something I will never forget.
Do you prefer modern Ferraris or classic models? What draws you to each?
My heart belongs to the classic Ferraris. There's a unique charm and timeless elegance in the older models that modern versions simply can’t replicate. Being the same age as my beloved 275, I feel an especially deep connection to the 275 series, its lines, performance, and history resonate with me in a personal way.
In the 1970s, the 365 Daytona captured my imagination with its sleek design and powerful V12 engine. By the 1980s, the Ferrari F40 took center stage as my dream car of the decade.
Which cars are currently in your collection?
My collection is a blend of classic icons and modern cars. It includes several Ferrari 275s, a 250 GT, the F40, a 458 AF Corse GT3, and a 512 BBLM that reflects my passion for racing heritage. On the modern side, I have the SF90 Spider Cavalcade Tailor Made, the SF90 Spider XX Hyperclub Edition, the 812 Competizione Cavalcade Tailor Made, the Roma, the Roma Spider, and the Ferrari Purosangue.
What do you appreciate most about the 1960s Ferrari GT cars? I noticed you own six of them—what makes them special to you?
What I appreciate most about the 1960s Ferrari GT cars is their pure, unfiltered driving experience. These cars are so refreshingly simple to drive, with no electronic aids or technical assistance.
Just you, the machine, and the open road. The raw scent of oil, fuel, and fine leather fills the cabin. What makes them truly special to me are their beautifully crafted silhouettes, designed without the constraints of modern aerodynamic wind tunnels.
Can you share the story behind your Ferrari 512 BB LM chassis 35529?
The story of how I came to own my Ferrari 512 BB LM is quite an unexpected one. It all started when I placed a bid at an RM Auction some years ago, not thinking much of it. To my surprise, I found myself as the only bidder and, in a moment, became the new owner of this piece of automotive history.
This particular 512 BB LM was in untouched condition, having competed in the 1982 Le Mans 24 Hours race. After that, it spent 40 years preserved in a museum. We set out to make the car race-ready again, meticulously restoring it with the intention of getting it back on the track. However, I soon realized I was too tall to comfortably drive it, which led us to pause the project. Instead of racing, we bring it to events like Villa d'Este and Aurora.
Could you tell us about your experiences racing Ferraris?
Racing Ferraris has given me some of the most exhilarating and cherished experiences of my life. One of the highlights was winning the 2023 Le Mans Classic alongside my friend Toni Vilander in my 430 GT2 works car. The feeling of crossing the finish line victorious at such an iconic event is unmatched.
Transitioning to the Daytona during that event, however, presented its own challenges. After driving the modern 430 GT2, the Daytona felt different, with its classic mechanics.
One of the most special cars in my racing experiences is our 250 GT Lusso Competizion, specifically, the very first car (4213) and number 173 with a storied race history. We make it a tradition to take her out to historic events like the Goodwood Revival every year. Driving this Lusso, surrounded by other vintage icons and the enthusiasm of motorsport fans, is fantastic!
What has your F40 ownership experience been like and do you believe the F40 lives up to its legendary status in the automotive world?
My ownership experience with the F40 has been nothing short of incredible. The F40 is undoubtedly one of the standout showpieces in our collection. I’ve noticed that it particularly captivates the younger generation, who often find it more fascinating than a 275 due to its aggressive, modern look. As one of the first true hypercars, the F40 holds a special, iconic place in automotive history.
Last year, we participated in the F40 Legacy Tour, where we put the car to the test on the open roads. The experience of driving it at speed is astonishing, you’d never guess that the car is nearly 40 years old. Its raw power and agile handling still feel ahead of their time.
What has surprised me most about owning Ferraris, including the F40, is the overwhelmingly positive response from people. They are always grateful that our collection isn’t full of 'trailer queens' or 'garage corpses' that never see the light of day. Instead, we drive all our cars and showcase them to the public. There’s something uniquely special about Ferrari ownership; people are genuinely enthusiastic when they see these cars on the road, and there’s no sense of jealousy.
If you could add any Ferrari to your collection next, which one would it be?
The Ferrari F80, of course.
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Great article
I love it has one but $$$
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