Jeremy Clarkson's Ferrari F355 GTS Returns to Auction: Will it Finally Break Six Figures?
The Return of a Legend: Clarkson's Ferrari F355 GTS Seeks its Six-Figure Destiny
A Legendary Ferrari Returns to the Auction Block: Jeremy Clarkson's F355 GTS Up for Grabs
Jeremy Clarkson's celebrated 1996 Ferrari F355 GTS is once again making headlines as it heads to auction. Iconic Auctioneers will present this remarkable vehicle at their NEC Classic Motor Show sale in Birmingham on November 14, 2026. The car is projected to fetch between £200,000 and £250,000, which translates to approximately $267,000 to $334,000 USD. This particular F355 GTS, chassis ZFFXR42C000106175, was originally ordered and received by Clarkson himself in August 1996. He enjoyed it for roughly 6,000 miles before it became a reader prize in 2000. Notably, this stands as the only Ferrari he has ever owned outright.
The F355's Second Chance: A Price Adjustment and a New Audience
This isn't the first time Clarkson's Ferrari has been offered for sale this decade. The F355 GTS previously appeared at RM Sotheby's Cliveden House sale on July 8, 2025, with a more modest estimate of £180,000 to £220,000 (about $240,000 to $294,000). However, it failed to find a buyer at that time. The current re-listing, with a higher guide price, reflects a fresh strategy and a different potential market. The NEC Classic Motor Show typically attracts a distinct audience compared to a country-house sale, suggesting Iconic Auctioneers is targeting a new group of enthusiasts. For context, a similar 1997 F355 GTS, albeit without the celebrity connection, sold for £120,375 (around $160,700) at an Iconic Auctioneers event on August 23, 2025. The added celebrity provenance and recent maintenance of Clarkson's car are expected to command a premium. Clarkson famously declared the F355 "the greatest car in the world; ever," a sentiment that now accompanies this specific chassis through its auction journeys, essentially becoming part of its unique selling proposition.
The Allure of the 1996 Ferrari F355 GTS: A Collector's Dream
This specific Ferrari F355 GTS is a truly special example. It showcases a stunning Rosso Corsa exterior perfectly complemented by Crema leather interior with Rosso carpets. A rare factory option, the carbon-backed sports seats, trimmed in Crema with striking red inserts, further elevate its desirability. The odometer reads approximately 15,200 miles since its departure from Maranello, indicating relatively low usage. Powering this beauty is a six-speed manual gearbox, a highly sought-after feature given the F355's notoriously problematic F1 automated transmission option. The car retains its original, numbers-matching V8 engine – the five-valve-per-cylinder Tipo F129B unit, capable of producing 380 horsepower at 8,250 rpm. This power propels the car from 0 to 62 mph in a mere 4.7 seconds, with a top speed exceeding 180 mph. The comprehensive documentation accompanying the sale is just as impressive as the car itself. It includes original order correspondence through Maranello Sales of Egham, the warranty card proudly displaying Clarkson's name as the first owner, owner's manuals, the complete tool kit, and a car cover. Additionally, newspaper columns chronicling his four-year ownership add a unique historical touch.
Meticulous Upkeep and Investment: Ensuring the F355's Pristine Condition
The car's provenance is further reinforced by its recent and extensive maintenance history. In May 2025, the current owner invested a substantial £9,345 (approximately $12,500) into its upkeep. This extensive work included cosmetic enhancements, attention to the steering rack, a crucial cambelt replacement, and a full service. The interior also received professional reconditioning, and the exterior was treated to a ceramic coating, ensuring its pristine condition. Potential buyers should be aware that Iconic Auctioneers applies a 12.5 percent premium plus VAT, totaling 15 percent inclusive, on the final sale price.