Ferrari's first ever electric car sold for record $40m at auction

Ferrari's inaugural electric vehicle, dubbed the 'Luce', has achieved a record-breaking sale price of $40 million at auction, with the proceeds designated for charitable causes. This significant sale occurred despite a mixed reception following the car's launch, which drew criticism from prominent figures.

Among the critics was Italy's deputy prime minister, Matteo Salvini, and former Ferrari chairman Luca Cordero di Montezemolo. Montezemolo famously stated the car was "risking the destruction of a legend." However, Ferrari's chief design officer, Flavio Manzoni, previously defended such critiques as a natural part of the innovation process, expressing confidence that the Luce would eventually be appreciated.

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risking the destruction of a legend

Despite the controversy, Ferrari has reportedly met its sales target for the Luce this year, driven by strong demand, particularly from China, according to a Financial Times report. Ferrari itself has not publicly disclosed its sales goals for the model.

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unbeatable opportunity

Sotheby's, the auction house, described the auctioned vehicle as an "unbeatable opportunity" to own the first production model of the Luce. The car features unique specifications, including special wheels, custom brakes, and an exclusive white finish. The charity sale was hailed as a "tangible expression of innovation, responsibility, and long-term vision for future generations."

While the $40 million sale sets a new record for a Ferrari electric car and surpasses the $26 million achieved by a bespoke Ferrari Daytona SP3 supercar in 2025 for charity, it does not top the all-time auction record. That distinction still belongs to a 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé, which sold for $142 million in 2022.

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tangible expression of innovation, responsibility, and long-term vision for future generations