The home featured in the famous 1986 movie 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off', is actually on the market, a 5,300 square foot, four bath, three car garage, less than a half hour from Chicago, listed at $2.3 million by Melodee Hughes of Sotheby’s International Realty. It is at risk of being torn down, Landmarks Illinois officials say, because several inquiries have been made regarding the demolition of the house and a possible lot split

 

It joins many other homes for sale, however it is an amazing architectural and cultural treasure. This is a unique property designed by A. James Speyer and David Haid, both notable architects of the 20th Century. It is also known by more people for being the residence of Ferris’ anemic best friend Cameron, as well as his father’s “so choice - If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up” red 1961 Ferrari 250 GT California, of which, according to Cameron “less than a hundred were made”, but actually 104 were produced. The car, which was specifically designed for the American market, and had more horsepower than its European originator.

 

The most memorable moment of the film, at least for car enthusiasts, may be after a self-guided field trip adventure by the kids in Chicago, parking attendants take the car for a joyride. In order to turn back the odometer so Cameron’s father won’t notice (back 204.5 miles according to Cameron) so his they jack up the car and put it in reverse (anyone know if this is possible in real life?). While this is happening Cameron flips out on during a tirade about his dad, kicking the front fender, sending his father’s beloved treasure thru the glass walled garage and into the ravine below.

 

The scene stills makes me flinch! Three fiberglass versions of the Ferrari using an MG chasis, were used in the film, using smoke bombs to make it seem more devastating. During one of the takes, the fiberglass hood ripped (something that an original would not have happen), but it was concealed with a tree branch. The producers received several angry letters from movie goers thinking a real Ferrari had been destroyed.

 

The owner of the home at the time reportedly received a $25,000 fee for the use of his home for the scene. The car actually ran on a track to insured that it would not damage the structure of the garage, and merely sail through the glass window.

The glass walled garage doubled as an art gallery, but there is also a separate two-car garage for cars that are daily drivers.

By Car Chat Guy

Car Chat Guy is the Publisher and Editor in Chief of Car Chat Club Magazine. He has been a lifelong fan of cars, particulary Mustangs and Shelbys.

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