When it comes to car collecting, most people stick to rare models or the latest releases. But there are those for whom standard boundaries simply don’t exist. One such person is an entrepreneur from California who has turned his garage into a true temple for Ferrari enthusiasts. His approach to collecting is not just astonishing—it challenges the very concept of luxury: it’s not about quantity, but about a concept taken to the extreme.
Instead of being content with one or two cars, this individual set out to acquire all five iconic Ferrari supercars, known as the ‘Big Five,’ and in two colors at once—classic red and striking yellow. This move not only placed him among the elite of the automotive world but also set a challenge for anyone who considers themselves a true aficionado of Italian sports cars.
A collection on the edge of insanity
In Ferrari’s automotive mythology, there is a special pantheon—five models that, in different decades, defined the brand’s technological peak. These are the 288 GTO, F40, F50, Enzo, and LaFerrari. Each of these cars is a separate chapter in engineering history, and bringing them together is already seen as a feat. But our protagonist went even further: he didn’t just assemble them—he did it twice, choosing the brand’s two signature colors for each car.
In his garage in Walnut, two rows of Ferraris stand like a parade of pride: one in deep red, the other in bright yellow. The yellow models were much harder to find, as such versions were produced in limited runs and rarely appeared on the market. It took the collector seven years to find them all, each car discovered in perfect, museum-worthy condition.
Unlike most millionaires who keep their cars under covers and take them out once a year, this man isn’t afraid to use his Ferraris for their intended purpose. For him, it’s not just about aesthetics, but also the emotions that driving gives. He claims that the true value of a collection lies in the memories, sounds, and sensations that remain after every trip.
An Obsession with Detail
The collector didn’t settle for simple accumulation. His aim is to trace the evolution of Ferrari from the 1960s to today, showing how the brand’s technology, design, and philosophy have changed. Every car in his garage is not just a showpiece, but part of a larger story reflecting the spirit of the era and engineering ingenuity.
A special place is reserved for the Ferrari Enzo—a model that bridged the brand’s past and future by combining Formula 1 technology with road car practicality. Right next to it is the 288 GTO, the pioneer of the turbocharged supercar era, and the F40, the last project approved by Enzo Ferrari himself. The F50 brought racing car performance to public roads, while the LaFerrari, the brand’s first hybrid, proved that electric power can be truly thrilling.
Each of these cars is the result of extensive searching, negotiations, and at times, a real hunt for unique specimens. The collector admits that the process was akin to a marathon: it required not only patience, but also the ability to build relationships with sellers, dealers, and even representatives from the Maranello factory.
The next level
Just when it seems the peak has been reached, a new challenge arises. Recently, Ferrari announced the F80 model—a potential successor to the legendary five. The collector has already placed an order for this car, choosing the classic red color to emphasize the continuity of tradition. His status in the Ferrari world is so high that he gained access to the exclusive Tailor Made program, allowing for a truly unique vehicle configuration.
Thus, with the arrival of the F80, his collection will become even more exclusive. It is not simply a set of expensive toys, but a living chronicle of one of the most iconic automotive brands. The California garage is turning into a private museum, one that attracts not only Ferrari enthusiasts, but also representatives of the company itself.
In a world where luxury is often reduced to a show of status, such a collection stands as a symbol of passion, patience, and deep understanding of the subject. Here, the value is not just the car itself, but the story behind each one. The irony is that even among billionaires, few can achieve such a feat—not because of money, but due to a lack of genuine obsession.
David Lee is a legendary figure among Ferrari collectors. His approach to building his car collection stands out not just for its scale, but for its philosophy: for him, the meaning behind each car is as important as its rarity. Lee is renowned not only as an entrepreneur, but also as a connoisseur of horology, which shows in his attention to detail and pursuit of perfection. His California garage has long become a pilgrimage site for fans of Italian supercars, while he himself is considered an informal Ferrari ambassador in the US. Thanks to enthusiasts like him, automotive culture continues to evolve and legends get a new lease on life.
