Herbert Wertheim Buys First Ferrari Electric Car for $40 Million

Billionaire investor Herbert Wertheim purchased the first production example of the 2026 Ferrari Luce for $40 million at an RM Sotheby's auction during Monterey Car Week. Identified as Chassis 0, the vehicle is the first fully electric car in the company's history. The final price far exceeded the initial estimate of $1.1 million and outsold a 1996 McLaren F1 GTR, which fetched $34.6 million.

The Luce features a quad-motor powertrain producing between 1,035 and 1,050 hp, enabling a 0-60 mph time of 2.5 seconds. Designed in collaboration with Jony Ive's LoveFrom studio, the model initially faced aesthetic criticism and a dip in company share prices following its May unveiling. The vehicle was configured via the Tailor Made program with Madreperla Semi-Gloss paint and Perla Le Mans metallic leather.

RM Sotheby's waived the buyer's premium to ensure all proceeds went to the Ferrari Foundation. While one report suggests the funds will raise awareness for transverse myelitis, other sources state the money will fund global educational initiatives, including a technical school in Maranello, Italy. The car will return to Ferrari headquarters before being delivered to Wertheim in the first quarter of 2027.