The 2026 Ferrari Luce “Tailor Made” was offered as an exceptionally significant example of the marque’s move into electric vehicles. Ferrari presented the car as an “unrepeatable opportunity” to purchase “Chassis 0”, the first production model created as part of the Ferrari Luce programme.
According to Ferrari, proceeds from the sale will be donated to support future educational initiatives through the Ferrari Foundation.
Although the car was sold to an anonymous buyer, it will first return to Ferrari’s headquarters in Maranello, Italy. Delivery to its new owner is expected to take place during the first quarter of 2027.
Bespoke design and exclusive details
Built to US specifications, the auction car was given a number of unique touches to distinguish it from future production examples.
Its exterior is finished in an exclusive Madreperla Semi-Gloss colour developed specifically for the vehicle. Inside, Ferrari’s Tailor Made division created a bespoke cabin featuring Le Mans metallic leather in Perla.
The car also carries a dedicated plaque identifying it as the first production chassis of the Luce. Ferrari described “Chassis 0” as “one of the most complete and significant expressions” of its Tailor Made programme.
The enormous auction price highlights the importance Ferrari attaches to the vehicle as it enters a new era. However, the Luce has not been without controversy since its unveiling.
Electric Ferrari draws criticism
Some Ferrari enthusiasts and automotive experts have questioned the styling and technical direction of the Luce, particularly because the Italian manufacturer is traditionally associated with high-performance internal-combustion engines and their distinctive sound.
The electric model was designed by Sir Jony Ive, the celebrated former Apple design chief, working with Marc Newson and their LoveFrom collective.
Ferrari says the Luce is expected to deliver an electric driving range of around 329 miles. It is also projected to accelerate from 0-100km/h in just 2.5 seconds, while producing a maximum combined output of 1,050 cv.
Underneath its distinctive bodywork will be a 122kWh battery, four electric motors and a bespoke technical platform developed specifically for the car.
Prices for the production Luce are expected to begin at approximately €550,000, equivalent to around £470,000.
The move has attracted criticism from some figures closely associated with Ferrari's history. Former Ferrari chairman Luca di Montezemolo previously warned that the company's shift towards electric vehicles “risked the destruction of a legend”.
Luce dominates Monterey auction
Despite the debate surrounding Ferrari’s transition into electric power, the Luce proved to be the star of the Monterey auction.
Its $40 million (£29.5 million) result placed it comfortably ahead of the event's other major sales. A 1996 McLaren F1 GTR changed hands for £34.6 million (£25.5 million), making it the second-highest sale at the event.
The result gives Ferrari’s first electric production car an extraordinary place in automotive history even before deliveries of the regular production model begin. Beyond its technical significance, the record-setting sale also demonstrates the strong collector interest surrounding rare and historically important Ferrari models.