Renowned auction house RM Sotheby’s is conducting a sealed auction in February for a Ferrari F355 GTS with no reserve price. Ferrari made 2,577 GTS models between 1995 and 1999; however, something about this striking blue example sets it apart from the rest. It once belonged to seven-time Formula 1 World Champion Michael Schumacher. This one was no garage queen, too, as the sale includes photographs of the F1 legend himself behind the wheel.
Michael Schumacher established himself as one to watch when he secured his maiden F1 title with Benetton in 1994, in a car many believed was far from being the most superior on the grid. He attracted Ferrari’s attention when he successfully defended his title the following year, with the Italian carmaker successfully luring him over for the 1996 F1 season. It was with Ferrari that Michael Schumacher would go on to secure another five world championship titles, bringing his total haul to seven, an incredible feat matched only by one other F1 driver, Sir Lewis Hamilton.
The Ferrari F355 GTS was allegedly Schumacher’s first Ferrari road car while driving for the racing team. Launched in 1995, it was the newest model in Ferrari’s lineup at the time. Schumacher’s example is finished in a Blue Le Mans coat, complemented by a light Pella Crema leather interior. Reportedly configured by Schumacher himself, one of the car’s highlights was its traditional six-speed manual gearbox, making for a thrilling and engaging driving experience, even by today’s standards.
According to the car’s service notes, the Ferrari F355 GTS was delivered new to Weber Management GmbH (the company of Michael Schumacher’s manager, Willi Weber) in April 1996, two days after the European Grand Prix at the infamous Nürburgring, where Schumacher finished second.
It is unclear how long Schumacher used the car, but it subsequently passed through the hands of Pierre Valentin in Mougins, France and later Christopher Allen in Vallauris. The current owner purchased the car back in 2004 at that year’s Monaco Grand Prix. In 2020, the car was granted Ferrari Classiche certification, confirming that it retains its original chassis, gearbox, bodywork, and original colour combination. The certification also confirms that the car is no longer fitted with its original engine, but one of the correct type.
The sale of the Ferrari F355 GTS is accompanied by all its original manuals, comprehensive service records and a letter from Cavallari Monaco Motors confirming Michael Schumacher’s ownership. Bidding will open on February 4 and last 24 hours, after which the special car will be handed over to its new custodian.
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