The first Ferrari Luce electric car was sold for a record $40 million
August 17, 2026, 1:00 PM
Serhii Ivanov – reviewer for autocentre.ua. He specializes in covering major events in the global automotive industry and reviewing new models. An expert in automobile history, he is the author of numerous publications and books on this topic.
The first production unit of Ferrari’s electric supercar, Luce, became the biggest sensation at the Monterey Auto Week. Before the auction at RM Sotheby’s began, experts cautiously estimated the car’s value at $1.1 million, but the final bid from a buyer reached an astronomical amount of $40 million. All proceeds from the sale will be donated in full to the Te Ferrari Foundation charity.
The buyer of this unique electric car is 87-year-old American billionaire, inventor, and optometrist Dr. Herbert Wertheim. He amassed his vast fortune by owning Brain Power Inc., the largest manufacturer of optical tinted lenses, as well as through early investments in stocks of technology giants Apple and Microsoft.
Given that the official retail price of the Ferrari Luce model is $640,000, the purchase for $40 million has purely a philanthropic purpose. The difference between the market value and the final price will be reported by the businessman as a huge tax deduction for charitable purposes. Wertheim took a similar step last year when he bought the unique trackster Ferrari Daytona SP3 for $26 million.
The exclusive status of the first production Luce model is emphasized by a special finish from the factory’s Tailor Made customization division. The electric car’s body is painted in Madreperla Semi-Gloss, a pearlescent matte white color. This unique paint changes its shade, displaying purple or green tones depending on the viewing angle and lighting conditions. The appearance is completed with white wheel rims painted to match the body color.
The four-seater interior is entirely upholstered in special metallic white Le Mans leather, crafted from carefully selected Swiss leathers.
“AC” Note
The production model of Ferrari Luce represents a historic milestone for the Italian brand from Maranello, as it is the first electric vehicle in the company’s history. Many fans and automotive critics initially faced the car’s design with fierce criticism, calling it a misstep away from Ferrari’s traditional style. However, the company’s CEO, Benedetto Vigna, stated that he deliberately took such a radical step to separate the classic gasoline lineup from the new electric era. As for the charitable organization The Ferrari Foundation, it funds educational programs, medical research, and supports young engineers around the world.
Electric Vehicles
Auction
Ferrari
RM Sotheby's
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