Ferrari’s first electric car has sold for $40 million at a charity auction, setting a new record for the highest price paid for a new vehicle at auction.
The Ferrari Luce fetched more than 35 times its standard price during the RM Sotheby’s sale in California. The custom vehicle was the first production example of Ferrari’s first fully electric car.
The Luce was unveiled in May 2026 as Ferrari’s first entry into the electric vehicle market, marking a major departure for a company historically associated with high-performance combustion engines. The five-seat EV was developed with input from former Apple design chief Sir Jony Ive.
Ferrari Luce auction raises $40 million for charity
RM Sotheby’s said the $40 million sale gives the unnamed buyer the first production Ferrari Luce, complete with several features created specifically for the vehicle.
The one-off Luce features a unique white finish alongside special wheels, customized brakes and other bespoke components.
All proceeds from the auction will be donated to the Ferrari Foundation and used to support its educational programs.
The sale also broke the record for the most expensive new car ever sold at auction. That record was previously held by a bespoke Ferrari Daytona SP3, which sold for $26 million at a charity auction in 2025, with proceeds also supporting Ferrari’s education initiatives.
X: DexertoThe Luce’s launch earlier this year was met with criticism from some Ferrari fans and prominent figures in Italy over its electric powertrain, five-seat configuration and departure from the automaker’s traditional designs.
Italy’s deputy prime minister Matteo Salvini was among those who criticized the vehicle, while former Ferrari chairman Luca Cordero di Montezemolo said the company was “risking the destruction of a legend.”
Ferrari chief design officer Flavio Manzoni responded to criticism in May, arguing that pushback is part of the innovation process and saying he believed people would eventually come to appreciate the Luce.
Despite the response surrounding its unveiling, Ferrari has reportedly already reached its 2026 sales target for the Luce, with the Financial Times citing particularly strong demand from China. Ferrari has not publicly disclosed how many vehicles it plans to sell.
While the Luce now holds the record for a new vehicle sold at auction, it remains well short of the overall record. A 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé sold for $142 million in 2022, making it the most expensive car ever sold at auction.
I’m Abhishek Sharma, an author at TigerJek.com. I enjoy exploring games, testing different strategies, and turning what I learn into clear, useful guides. My goal is to help players understand the game better and improve without the usual confusion.
