Ferrari’s first electric car sells for $40MILLION despite controversial rollout of Luce EV

Ferrari said it was an “unrepeatable opportunity” to acquire the “Chassis 0” of the first production model of the Ferrari Luce programme.

The Italian supercar manufacturer said the proceeds of the auction would be donated to benefit future educational initiatives through the Ferrari Foundation.

Bidding was available to participants around the world, although the vehicle itself was built to US specifications.

Now the vehicle has been purchased, the Luce will return to Maranello, Italy, with it scheduled to be delivered to the customer in the first quarter of 2027.

The exterior features an exclusive Madreperla Semi-Gloss finish, which was developed specifically for this car.

It is capable of producing iridescent reflections, ranging from green to violet depending on the strength and angle of the light.

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The interior has been specially developed for the Ferrari Tailor Made programme, including the use of Le Mans metallic leather in Perla.

Given its status as the first production chassis of the Ferrari Luce, it has been fitted with a dedicated plaque to mark its status as a piece of history.

Ferrari described the “Chassis 0” as “one of the most complete and significant expressions” of the Ferrari Tailor Made programme.

The winner of the auction has remained anonymous, although some reports suggest that an American billionaire was responsible for the sale.

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Lot 345 blew all other auctions out of the water, with the 1996 McLaren F1 GTR placing in second place, selling for £34.6million (£25.5million).

The Ferrari Luce was met with derision when it first launched, with many experts and enthusiasts alike criticising the design of the brand’s first electric vehicle.

Ferrari’s debut electric model was designed by visionary Sir Jony Ive, who was instrumental in the now-legendary design of the Apple iPod and iPhone, alongside Marc Newson and his LoveFrom collective.

The Luce is expected to have an electric range of 329 miles, a 0-100km/h time of 2.5 seconds and a maximum total power output of 1050 cv.

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It will come equipped with a high-capacity 122kWh battery, in addition to four electric engines and a bespoke technical platform.

Despite the high-grade specifications, many were quick to mock the design of the Luce and its specifications, comparing it to the new Nissan Leaf.

The Luce is expected to cost around £470,000, while the Nissan Leaf boasts a bigger range and a price tag of just £32,249, including a £3,750 discount from the Government’s Electric Car Grant.

It even drew the ire of former Ferrari chairman, Luca di Montezemolo, who said the Luce “risked the destruction of a legend”.