Ferrari’s First Electric Car Sold For 382 Crore
What Makes It Special, And Who Spent Such A Huge Amount?
The very first electric car from Ferrari the company behind the world’s most popular racing cars has been sold in the US for $40 million. In Indian currency, this amounts to ₹382 crore. The car was sold via auction. Reports indicate that the car fetched a price 35 times higher than its original value.
Sotheby’s, the auction house that sold this first Ferrari electric car, stated that the proceeds would be directed toward the Ferrari Foundation’s educational programs. The auctioneers did not disclose the identity of the buyer. However, other reports citing registration details have allegedly revealed the names of the buyers.
Let us explore why this car is so special and what information has emerged about the person who purchased it.
What Are The Features Of This Record-Breaking Ferrari?
The model sold at auction the most expensive new Ferrari ever sold is the ‘Ferrari Luce Chassis 0’. It is a fully customized electric model. The Italian company Ferrari named it ‘Ferrari Luce’ (though it is being referred to as ‘Luce’ in English).
- Car’s Power And Design
This is the first all-electric car powered entirely by a battery—in Ferrari’s history, marking the luxury brand’s entry into the electric vehicle market. Despite being fully electric, the car delivers over 1,000 horsepower.
‘Chassis 0’ represents the first production chassis of Ferrari’s electric model series (the Luce program) 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’s design has been developed in partnership with LoveFrom, the renowned studio of Sir Jony Ive Apple’s former Chief Design Officer and the creator of the iPhone.
- No Two Cars Of This Model Look Alike
The car has been customized based on the concept of light. Its exterior features a specially crafted ‘Madreperla’ semi-gloss paint that shifts from green to purple depending on the angle and intensity of the light. The painting process is so intricate that no two cars look exactly alike.
- Interior Features For A Premium Feel
The cabin utilizes ‘Perla Le Mans’ metallic leather, crafted from the finest Swiss leather. ‘Grigio Corvara’ has been used for interior accents instead of the traditional black a first for this model.
The car is equipped with specially designed wheels and customized brake calipers. It is a unique four-door, five-seat electric grand tourer. Final assembly will take place in Maranello, Italy, with deliveries scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2027.
- How Powerful Is This Car?
At the heart of the Ferrari Luce lies a state-of-the-art ‘born-electric’ skateboard platform, elevating its performance to new heights. It features an independent electric motor at each wheel meaning a total of four motors combine to deliver immense power. This powerhouse generates a total of 1,050 hp and 990 Nm of torque, making it a true speed machine. Impressively, the car offers a range of approximately 550 kilometers on a single full charge.
To enhance the driving experience, it offers three main driving modes. There is Range Mode (430 hp) for everyday long-distance driving, Tour Mode (617 hp) for a comfortable journey, and Performance Mode (986 hp) for when you want to experience the car’s full power. However, when the launch control is activated, the car unleashes its full 1,050 hp on the road. Consequently, the Luce accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.5 seconds and reaches a top speed of 310 km/h.
What Information Has Emerged Regarding The Buyer Of This Car?
Although the auction house did not disclose the buyer of this record-breaking Ferrari, some reports citing registration details claim that the person who spent the equivalent of ₹382 crore on this model is Herbert ‘Dr. Herbie’ Wertheim. He is known for his distinctive look; Herbert always wears a bright red fedora hat. He is a self-made American billionaire, optometrist, inventor, and prominent investor. His net worth is estimated to be around five billion dollars.
A Childhood Spent In Difficult Circumstances
He was born in Philadelphia during the era of the Great Depression. He ran away from home during his teenage years, subsequently taking up odd jobs such as picking oranges in Florida and working alongside the Seminole tribe in the Everglades. At age 16, after facing charges for truancy, a judge gave him the choice between a juvenile detention center and military service; he chose to serve in the U.S. Navy at the age of 17.
NASA Engineer And Optical Innovations
After his naval service, he studied physics and chemistry and worked as a NASA engineer at Cape Canaveral. Later, he completed his studies in optometry on a scholarship. In 1969, he invented a specialized eyeglass tint for plastic lenses that filters out harmful UV rays from the sun and helps protect against cataracts. In 1970, he founded a company named Brain Power, which today holds over 100 patents in optical technology.
Reputation As A Patient And Disciplined Investor
Wertheim’s wealth was not built overnight through a single IPO; rather, it is the result of decades of disciplined investing. He purchased and held shares in corporate giants like Apple, Microsoft, Google, General Electric (GE), and Bank of America during their early stages. His most significant investment has been in HEICO, an aerospace parts manufacturer; his $5 million investment made in 1992 has grown to $800 million today, making him the company’s largest individual shareholder.
Known As A Major Philanthropist
He has signed the famous “Giving Pledge” initiated by Bill Gates and Warren Buffett, committing to donate at least half of his wealth, primarily to the field of education. He has donated over $100 million (approximately ₹956 crore) to Florida’s public universities alone.
…And A Long-Time Ferrari Enthusiast
Wertheim possesses a magnificent collection of expensive Ferraris. Just last year, he purchased a customized Ferrari Daytona SP3 model for $26 million (approximately ₹248 crore) at the Monterey Car Week auction. At the time, this set a new record for the most expensive new car ever sold at auction. This time, he surpassed his own previous bid by 54%, acquiring the Luce EV for $40 million (approximately ₹382 crore).
