I believe he owned the 275 since 1969-70 when it was not a multi million dollar car. Others he has had for a long time as well.
Cars? Preston was at the top of Gulfstream’s customer list. I think he bought the first G650. He lived in Hillsboro Beach with other certified billionaires. He had a lot of business interests, including several Swap Shop operations. And his racing exploits weren’t just vanity indulgences. He was a serious racer with Le Mans entries and a driver roster that included names like Foyt, Wollek, Sullivan, Mears, Holbert, Gregg and Ballot-Lena.....a who’s who of the 935-956/962 era. Foyt’s drive in the Swap Shop Andial 935 Moby Dick to win at Daytona in 1983 was epic. The last I heard, as of last week, 06885 is in a shop having some things attended to. It wouldn't be polite to name the shop.
My pics of 06885 were from October 11, 2014 at Ferrari's 60th Anniversary show in Beverley Hills, CA.
My sister's best friend's husband owns JetEdge that sold Prestons G650 to a Japanese buyer, Preston grossed $12ish Million profit on the deal minus JetEdgs'e commission (I have no clue how much that was) but I think they sold it to the Japanese buyer in 2014. Lots of people put orders in for new in-demand jets hoping to sell their position for a profit to others who do not want to sit out the wait which could be 5+ years for some models. I was this close to getting a position on a Honda Jet back in the day not to keep the plane but to sell the position as Preston did. He was big wheeler-dealer, always into something to make a buck.
Who knows, maybe the first 3 stayed with Gulfstream as demonstrators? But I know his was the 4th one made.
I only recall because I took my 275 that year and remember thinking there was no better 275 in the world than 06885. I have seen it several times...Malcolm
I think it would be worth more. Much rarer, more developed, but hardly suffering from modern technology. If I had to choose one for free I would take Preston's 275.
Fascinating car. I've never been one for yellow, but one has to admire a car as iconic as that. Now, as for the venue it sat in for so many years, thankfully it isn't there any longer. Sorry, but I'd much rather something that special is admired in a more appropriate setting. Although, the Beverly Hills Concours was perfect. I hope it ends-up in the stewardship of a great owner. I can think of a handful that I think would be ideal. They are both great caretakers and who share/show their cars in only the finest venues. I certainly hope it makes its way back to the Cavallino Classic some day. It belongs on a significant stage.
I respectfully disagree. Preston displayed his car (and others) at that venue because he was a true enthusiast, not some wine and cheese concours snob. He was a real "character" who shared his love for cars and racing with everyone and anyone. A once refreshing breath of air in a circle full of uptight blue blazers. Having his 275 on display to the "common" man made it possible to inspire a whole new generation of Ferrari enthusiasts. Imagine how many young kids saw that car there at the Swap Shop and then went on to learn about Ferrari, Le Mans, etc!!! No doubt an experience that they would never had had if it weren't for Preston. IMO the owners of these cars are stewards of the brand's "soul" and should do everything they can to ensure as many people as possible can experience the magic of such an iconic creation. But what do I know? After all I believe the owners who selfishly hoard them away only to be trailered to the occasional concours should be beaten profusely with a mid 80's timing belt!!! Forza!!!!
So were the long nose 275 comp cars but as valuable as they have become they will never fetch GTO prices.
The problem with that is I get to travel who knows how many miles to see it and if I go to Cavallino or Pebble I get to see a great many cars I want to see. You may call it selfishly hoarded away but then contradict yourself when you bring up it going to a concours. None of those big events would even exist if the owners were as you describe them to be. In my opinion we owe them a debt of gratitude for keeping this part of history alive.
I didn't say they shouldn't do concours. I said they shouldn't ONLY do select concours and hide them away in storage the rest of the time. I'm talking about the guy that shows at Pebble maybe once every five years (just for increased value) and then locks it away never to be seen. I am NOT talking about someone like Bruce Meyer who shares and shows his cars at every opportunity. I'm for having people see them at as many places as possible. Even a flea market.
Well I guess we have pretty different perspectives. It is great when they have them out and about and I like that as much as anyone but also knowing a number of collectors who have a strong desire but in some cases a real need to be very private. I just cannot fault them for it. My perspective of that is if I feel so strongly about it, buy the cars and do as I please with them.
Preston Henn’s collection was a remarkable one. He was a colorful and controversial character, to put it lightly. I’m a capitalist, so I certainly don’t begrudge the man for doing as he pleased with his property. But, let’s not over interpret his intentions. He planted those cars in that Swap Shop to bring in people. Again, more power to him. But, if his sole desire was to inspire little children to dream big, he could have shown his cars at a multitude of various shows all over the country, or just simply in his own state of Florida, many of which are free and most aren’t like “Pebble Beach” or “Cavallino”. There are a endless options a man of his means could have exercised. After all, what bout the thousands of other children who would never go to the Swap Shop? I’m just hoping that his 275 (and all the other great cars he owned) will now fall into the hands of great collectors who will share them with many.
Probably fulfilled his accountants requirement to take some kind of tax deduction for them. I never got the feeling from dealing with him he did it because he was "a man of the people".
There's a guy in Houston, "Mattress Mac," who keeps a F-40 on the showroom floor. On any given day, there are kids crawling all over it. Some of you might object, but I like it. To me, they're just cars. Really, really, cool cars, but they're just cars. I hate the idea of them being considered as works of art. Then again, I'm not in the restoration business.
Well I too consider them just cars but not just rental cars but then I take care of my stuff.....all of it.
You should check out @sharetheenzo on Instagram. Great guy who drives the hell out of his Enzo and shares it with everyone.