The first Ferrari Luce, the brand’s inaugural all-electric production model, sold at a charity auction in Monterey for $40 million. The result far exceeded the expectation that the car would fetch more than €1 million. The 2026 Ferrari Luce “Tailor Made,” chassis 0, was described as the first production example of Ferrari’s first fully electric model.
The buyer was Dr. Herbert Wertheim, a Ferrari collector known for his work as an inventor and philanthropist. AutoNext reported that Wertheim had also acquired a Tailor Made Daytona SP3 for $26 million at the previous Monterey event. The Luce sale gives Ferrari’s first EV an exceptional debut in the collector market.
Ferrari’s move into the electric market marked a major shift for the Maranello marque. The car’s launch prompted debate among enthusiasts about whether an electric powertrain could embody the spirit of the Cavallino Rampante. The Luce is reported to use four electric motors, one for each wheel, producing a combined 1,050 horsepower. Published performance figures include acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.5 seconds and a top speed of 310 km/h.
Charity Auction at Monterey
RM Sotheby’s conducted the Monterey auction, and the entire $40 million proceeds went to The Ferrari Foundation. Motor16 described the result as the highest-value charity auction and ranked it among the most expensive car sales recorded. Its coverage placed the Luce among the top Ferrari auction results, reflecting the significance of its first-of-its-kind status and bespoke specification.
The car’s technical package is reported to include an 800-volt electrical architecture and a battery of about 122 kWh. Autocar India has reported 990 Nm of torque, while other published figures put the claimed range at around 530 km. These specifications accompany a four-motor layout that sends power to all four wheels.
The auction car also stands out for its bespoke design. It features a pearl-white exterior and matching wheels. Its Cavallino badge received special detailing, with customization overseen by Ferrari Tailor Made, the brand’s personalization division.
Distinctive Interior and Collector Appeal
Inside, the cabin carries the exterior’s white finish with subtle grey accents. The specification gives the car a distinct identity within the Luce range, while its mechanical setup retains the model’s reported performance figures. The Tailor Made treatment and chassis number 0 distinguish the auction car as a singular collector example.
The sale’s charitable purpose and the Luce’s place in Ferrari history set it apart from a conventional retail transaction. Motor16 characterized the result as the third-highest Ferrari sale and the sixth-highest car sale overall. It also called the result a record for a charity auction. The outcome puts Ferrari’s first electric production car among the marque’s most valuable collector cars.
Context and Significance
Ferrari’s move into electric vehicles reflects the wider change of the automotive industry, as established manufacturers adapt their engineering to electrification. The Luce’s debut has generated discussion, much like the recent unveiling of the 12Cilindri Manuale, which blended classic V12 power with modern engineering, a story explored in this feature on Ferrari’s developing approach to tradition and innovation.
The $40 million result shows the scale of collector interest in the first Luce and in bespoke Ferrari models. With all proceeds directed to The Ferrari Foundation, the Monterey sale linked automotive collecting with philanthropy and set a striking early benchmark for Ferrari’s electric era.
