Ferrari’s bespoke Luce EV one-off fetches $40 million at charity auction

MILAN, Aug 17 - Ferrari's bespoke one-off Luce electric vehicle has been sold at auction for $40 million, according to the luxury sports car maker. The funds will be utilized for education initiatives aimed at supporting young people. U.S. billionaire Herbert A. Wertheim, an optometrist and founder of Brain Power Inc., purchased the vehicle at a Monterey Car Week auction in partnership with RM Sotheby’s.

This sale marks a world record for a new car sold at auction, surpassing the $26 million that another one-off Ferrari Daytona SP3 fetched last year when bought by Wertheim. The $40 million sales price aims to bolster Ferrari's momentum following the lukewarm reception of the Luce, unveiled in May as the company's most radical product launch.

The €550,000 five-seat, four-door EV sparked debate among enthusiasts, analysts, and social media users, with critics questioning whether wealthy buyers would be drawn to a fully electric Ferrari. However, Ferrari has expressed satisfaction with the orders received for the Luce, though exact figures have not been disclosed. The proceeds from the auction will support education projects in the U.S. and globally through the Ferrari Foundation.