The first electric car of Ferrari, the world's most famous racing car maker, has been sold in America for $40 million. This amount is equivalent to ₹382 crore in Indian currency. This car was sold through auction and according to reports, its selling price was 35 times more than its original price.
Sotheby's, the auction house that sold the first electric Ferrari, said the proceeds will be used for the Ferrari Foundation's educational programs. Although the auctioneers did not reveal the identity of the buyers, the names of the buyers have reportedly appeared in other reports providing registration information.
What's special about this record-breaking Ferrari?
The model sold at auction – 'Ferrari Luce Chassis 0' – is the most expensive new Ferrari ever sold. This is a fully customized electric model. The Italian company has named it 'Ferrari Luce' (although in English it is called 'Luce').
1. Car power and design
It is the first fully electric (battery-powered) car in Ferrari's history, marking the luxury brand's entry into the electric vehicle market. Despite being completely electric, this car produces more than 1,000 horsepower.
'Chassis 0' refers to the first production chassis of Ferrari's electric model range (Luce Programme) and bears a special plate to distinguish it. Additionally, Ferrari's signature 'Prancing Horse' logo is set against a distinctive optical-white background.
The car was designed in collaboration with 'LoveFrom', the renowned studio of Sir Jony Ive – the former Chief Design Officer of Apple and creator of the iPhone. 2. No two cars of this model look alike
The car has been customized based on the lighting concept. Specially formulated 'MadrePerla' semi-gloss paint has been used on its exterior, which changes color from green to purple depending on the angle and intensity of the light. The painting process is so complex that no two cars look exactly alike.
3. Interior features for premium feel
The cabin uses 'Perla Le Mans' metallic leather, which is made from the finest Swiss hides. 'Grigio Corvara' – a color that makes its debut on this model – replaces the traditional black in various parts of the interior. This car has specially designed wheels and customized brake callipers. It is a unique electric grand tourer car with four doors and five seats. Its final assembly will take place in Maranello, Italy and its delivery will begin in the first quarter of 2027.
4. How powerful is this car?
At the heart of the Ferrari Luce is a cutting-edge 'born-electric' skateboard platform that takes its performance to new heights. It has a separate electric motor on each wheel – that is, a total of four motors – which provide tremendous power. This powerhouse produces a total of 1,050 hp of power and 990 Nm of torque, making it a true speed machine. The special thing is that once fully charged, this car gives a range of about 550 kilometers. It has three main modes to enhance the driving experience: 'Range Mode' (430 hp) for daily long-distance driving, 'Tour Mode' (617 hp) for comfortable travel, and 'Performance Mode' (986 hp) to experience the car's full power. However, when launch control is activated, the car unleashes its full 1,050 hp power on the road. As a result, the car accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.5 seconds and reaches a top speed of 310 km/h.
What information has been revealed about the buyer of this car?
Although the auction company has not named the buyer of this record-breaking Ferrari, some reports citing registration records claim that Herbert 'Dr. 'Herbie' Wertheim is the one who spent ₹382 crores on this model. He is known for his distinctive looks; Herbert always wears a bright red fedora hat. He is a self-made American billionaire, optometrist, inventor and well-known investor. His net worth is estimated to be around five billion dollars.
difficult childhood
He was born in Philadelphia during the Great Depression. He ran away from home as a teenager, then picked oranges in Florida and worked odd jobs while living with the Seminole tribe in the Everglades. At the age of 16, after being charged with truancy, a judge gave him the choice between a juvenile detention center or military service; He decided to serve in the US Navy at the age of 17.
NASA engineer and optical innovator
After serving in the Navy, he studied physics and chemistry and worked as a NASA engineer at Cape Canaveral. Later, he completed optometry studies on scholarship. In 1969, he created a special tint for plastic lenses that blocks harmful UV rays from the sun and helps prevent cataracts. In 1970, he started a company called 'Brain Power', which today holds over 100 patents in optical technology.
Recognized as a patient and disciplined investor
Wertham's fortune wasn't built overnight from a single IPO; Rather, it is the result of disciplined investment over decades. He bought shares of many big corporate companies and retained them. His early investments included companies such as Apple, Microsoft, Google, General Electric (GE), and Bank of America. His largest investment has been in HEICO, a maker of aerospace parts. His $5 million investment in 1992 has grown to $800 million today, making him the company's largest individual shareholder.