Ferrari’s first EV sells for record $40 million at auction

Ferrari’s Electric Debut Shatters Auction Record at $40 Million

Poinews.com – RM Sotheby’s closed out a charity auction in the United States with a result no one had projected: a bespoke Ferrari Luce — the marque’s inaugural fully electric vehicle — hammered down at $40 million (€34.5 million). The figure obliterated the house’s pre-sale estimate of more than $1.1 million (€950,000) and established a new benchmark for the highest price ever paid for a new car at auction.

“Chassis 0” Takes the Hammer in California

The car that crossed the block during Monterey Car Week in California over the weekend carried the designation “Chassis 0,” marking it as the very first production unit in the Luce programme. Rather than a standard showroom example, the vehicle had been specially customised into a one-of-a-kind collector’s piece, a distinction that likely amplified its appeal among bidders.

Engineering Under the Skin

Unveiled in May — nearly three months before the auction — the Luce arrived with a sticker price of €550,000 and a specification sheet that reads like a performance brief. Four independent electric motors, one driving each wheel, deliver a combined maximum output of 1,050 horsepower. Ferrari claims a sprint from zero to 100 km/h in 2.5 seconds and a top speed of 310 km/h. Power comes from a 122 kWh battery pack, which the carmaker says supports a range exceeding 530 km.

Design Controversy and Market Turbulence

The model’s exterior, shaped by LoveFrom — the creative collective co-founded by Sir Jony Ive and Marc Newson — triggered an immediate and vocal backlash among enthusiasts, many of whom took issue with the styling choices. Ferrari’s share price dropped sharply in the wake of the unveiling. Yet the equity story has since turned: the company raised its full-year guidance last month, reported strong earnings, and confirmed that Luce orders are tracking in line with internal expectations. From the closing level of €284.05 recorded in the first trading session after the 25 May reveal, Ferrari’s share price has climbed by roughly 27%.

A New Ceiling Above the Old Record

The previous mark for the most expensive new car sold at auction stood at $26 million, set in 2025 by a bespoke Ferrari Daytona SP3. The Luce’s $40 million result more than doubles that figure.

All proceeds from the sale will be donated to the Ferrari Foundation to support its educational initiatives.

The auction house confirmed the charitable destination of the funds, ensuring the record-breaking transaction also serves the marque’s philanthropic arm.