Ferrari’s first-ever production electric car has sold for an extraordinary $40 million (£29.5 million) at auction, turning its controversial launch into one of the most remarkable stories in the marque’s recent history.
The 2026 Ferrari Luce “Tailor Made” was sold at an RM Sotheby’s auction in Monterey, California, over the weekend. The winning bidder has remained anonymous, although reports have suggested that an American billionaire may have secured the car.
Ferrari described the sale as an “unrepeatable opportunity” to own “Chassis 0” - the first production model created as part of its Luce electric-car programme.
The proceeds will be donated to future educational initiatives through the Ferrari Foundation.
Although the car was built to US specifications, it will now return to Ferrari’s headquarters in Maranello, Italy. Delivery to its new owner is expected to take place during the first quarter of 2027.
A unique Ferrari Luce
The auction car has been given a specification unlike any other Luce.
Its exterior is finished in an exclusive Madreperla Semi-Gloss paint developed specifically for the vehicle. The finish creates an iridescent effect, with colours shifting between green and violet depending on the angle and intensity of the light.
Inside, Ferrari’s Tailor Made programme has been used extensively. The cabin features Le Mans metallic leather in Perla, along with a dedicated plaque identifying the car as the first production chassis.
Ferrari described Chassis 0 as “one of the most complete and significant expressions” of its Tailor Made programme.
Its historical significance clearly played a major role in the auction result. The $40 million price was enough to put the Luce comfortably ahead of every other car sold during the event.
A 1996 McLaren F1 GTR finished second, selling for £34.6 million ($46.8 million).
Ferrari’s controversial electric debut
The enormous auction price is particularly striking given the reaction to the Luce when Ferrari first unveiled it.
The company’s first electric production model attracted criticism from some enthusiasts and industry observers, with much of the debate focusing on its styling.
The Luce was designed with the involvement of Sir Jony Ive, the celebrated former Apple design chief responsible for the design of products including the iPod and iPhone. Ive worked on the project alongside designer Marc Newson and their LoveFrom collective.
Ferrari’s technical claims are equally ambitious.
The Luce is expected to offer around 329 miles of electric range and accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.5 seconds. Its four electric motors are expected to deliver a combined maximum output of 1,050 cv, while a 122kWh high-capacity battery supplies the energy.
The car also uses a bespoke technical platform developed specifically for Ferrari’s electric ambitions.
Comparisons with the Nissan Leaf
Despite those impressive figures, the Luce quickly became the subject of online jokes and comparisons with much cheaper electric cars, including the latest Nissan Leaf.
The Ferrari is expected to cost around £470,000, while the Nissan Leaf is priced from £32,249 in the UK, including a £3,750 discount under the Government’s Electric Car Grant.
The comparison highlights the unusual position Ferrari occupies in the electric-car market. The Luce is designed primarily as an exotic, high-performance Ferrari rather than a conventional electric family car, meaning its price reflects exclusivity, engineering and brand value as much as range or practicality.
Even Ferrari’s former chairman, Luca di Montezemolo, expressed concerns about the direction of the company’s electric strategy. He previously warned that the Luce could “risk the destruction of a legend”.
Yet the $40 million auction result suggests that, at least among collectors, the Luce’s controversial arrival may ultimately become part of its appeal.
As the very first production example, Chassis 0 is unlikely to be judged solely as an electric car. Instead, it has already become a piece of Ferrari history - and its extraordinary auction price reflects the value collectors can place on being the first.