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Rare 1995 Ferrari F50 Previously Owned by Ralph Lauren Heads to Auction
A highly collectible Ferrari F50, formerly owned by fashion icon Ralph Lauren, is set to go under the hammer. This exceptional 1995 model, one of only 349 ever produced, boasts a Formula One-derived V12 engine, striking aesthetics, and a prestigious provenance, making it a top draw for classic car collectors. The rare supercar, finished in the vibrant Giallo Modena yellow, is expected to fetch a multi-million-dollar price at the upcoming Monterey auction.
An Icon of 1990s Automotive Excellence
The Ferrari F50 is widely regarded as an iconic road car from the 1990s. It possesses all the characteristics sought after in a multi-million-pound classic vehicle, including limited production numbers, an exclusive V12 engine descended from Scuderia Formula One cars of that period, and undeniably captivating design.
The specific 1995 Ferrari F50 heading to auction this year is particularly striking. Its allure even captured the attention of Ralph Lauren, a globally recognized fashion luminary renowned for his discerning taste.
Ralph Lauren’s Coveted Ferrari F50
Delivered new to the renowned American billionaire Ralph Lauren, this particular 1995 Ferrari F50 is an exceptionally desirable automobile. Its rarity is immediately established by its production run of just 349 units at the Maranello factory.
Adding to its exclusivity, this model is one of only two delivered to the US market finished in the distinctive Giallo Modena yellow paint.
This prized vehicle will be auctioned in California this summer, having covered a mere 5,400 miles in its three decades.
Astronomical Price ожидается
The anticipated price for this exceptional Ferrari F50 is substantial.
This 1995 Ferrari F50 was delivered new to fashion designer Ralph Lauren. Some 30 years later, it is going under the hammer with an astronomical guide price
RM Sotheby’s will present this remarkable vehicle at its prominent Monterey Sale in the United States, scheduled for August 15th and 16th.
Given its celebrated status and distinguished original owner, the auction house estimates a sale price ranging between $6.5 million and $7.5 million. In British pounds, this equates to approximately £5 million to £5.7 million.
Initially delivered to Ralph Lauren in 1995, he retained the F50 within his extensive car collection for eight years.
Ralph Lauren: A Passionate Car Collector
Lauren, aged 85, is well-known as an avid car enthusiast, having accumulated a collection exceeding 100 exotic automobiles.
His impressive garage includes a 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO, highly esteemed by classic car aficionados.
Furthermore, his collection features two Ferrari TRs, three 1996 McLaren F1s, a Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing, a 1929 Bentley Blower, a Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic, a 1937 Bugatti Type 57SC Gangloff, a Bugatti Veyron, a 1930 Mercedes-Benz SSK ‘Count Trossi’, and a 1938 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Mille Miglia. Lauren’s profound appreciation for automobiles is evident.
Ralph Lauren, 85, is recognised for being a proper petrol head and car collector. He has over 100 exotic models in his garage
The Ferrari F50 ticks all the multi-million-pound classic car boxes: it has low-volume exclusivity, a V12 engine and achingly beautiful looks
Initially presented to Lauren in 1995, he kept it in his booming car collection for eight years
For the last 22 years, it has remained in single enthusiast ownership in which it has largely been kept away from the limelight, making very few public appearances
Years in Private Ownership and Auction Debut
In 2003, Lauren sold the F50 to its current owner through Ferrari of Washington. Since then, it has remained within a single private collection, largely shielded from public view.
Its only significant public appearance in the last 22 years was a brief display at the Cavallino Classic in 2009.
RM Sotheby’s Expert Commentary
‘The Ferrari F50 is rapidly establishing itself as one of the most sought-after road cars of all time,’ states Zach Oller, car specialist at RM Sotheby’s.
‘In the realm of collector cars, several elements contribute to desirability – rarity, provenance, and the brand itself. These details carry even greater significance when considering Ferrari.’
‘This particular car excels in every aspect. Its specifications are exceptional: finished in the ultra-rare Giallo Modena, it stands as one of only two US-delivered F50s in yellow.’
‘Its provenance is unparalleled – previously owned by Ralph Lauren.’
‘Furthermore, its condition is among the finest known to exist.’
‘Such vehicles seldom become available, and when they do, they command the attention of the entire collector community.’
With only 349 F50s produced by the Maranello factory, it’s already an exceedingly rare – and desirable – model. But this one is even more special as it’s only one of two US-delivered models painted striking yellow, a paint colour Ferrari calls Giallo Modena
Built to celebrate Ferrari’s 50th anniversary, the F50 was designed as a roadgoing Formula One car, featuring a 4.7-litre V12 powerplant derived from Ferrari’s 1990 F1 engine
RM Sotheby’s will offer the beautiful supercar at its flagship Monterey Sale in the US taking place on the 15 and 16 August
Given its legendary status and famous original custodian, the auction house reckons it will sell for between $6.5million and $7.5million (£5m-£5.7m)
F50: A Successor to the F40 Legend
Introduced in 1995, the F50 faced the formidable challenge of succeeding the Ferrari F40, widely considered one of Ferrari’s greatest modern automotive achievements.
Initially, collectors displayed a somewhat lukewarm reception, with values remaining comparatively modest.
However, in recent years, the F50 has experienced a surge in appreciation, both among affluent car enthusiasts and in monetary worth.
Mirroring the trend of Ferrari’s other ‘Big Five’ supercars – the 288 GTO, F40, Enzo, and LaFerrari – prices have consistently climbed, with the F50 emerging as a particularly prominent example.
Collectors are drawn to the F50 as it signifies a pivotal point in Ferrari’s history: it represents the marque’s final naturally aspirated, open-top supercar with a manual transmission, directly descended from Formula One technology.
‘For collectors seeking rarity, provenance, and an emotionally engaging driving experience, this stands as one of the most compelling modern Ferraris to enter the market in recent years,’ Sotheby’s emphasizes.
Launched in 1995, the F50 had the incredibly difficult task of following in the tyre tracks of arguably Ferrari’s greatest automotive creation of the modern era: the F40
In recent years, the F50 has become a supercar that’s appreciated both in the opinion of the wealthiest petrol heads and value
The F50 bookends a generation of vehicle from the Italian giant: it’s Ferrari’s last naturally aspirated, open-top, manual-transmission supercar developed with direct F1 lineage
Ralph Lauren’s former Fezza heads to the US auction in the summer showing just 5,361 miles driven
Formula One Technology for the Road
Engineered to commemorate Ferrari’s 50th anniversary, the F50 was designed as a road-going Formula One car, featuring a 4.7-liter V12 engine derived from Ferrari’s 1990 F1 engine program.
Equipped with a carbon fiber monocoque, a six-speed manual gearbox, and a detachable hardtop, it remains a purist’s automotive dream.
Of the 349 units produced, only 55 were specified for the US market. Predominantly, these were finished in red.
Lauren’s Giallo Modena example is believed to be among only four non-red US cars, positioning it as one of the rarest and most desirable F50s in existence.
Exceptional Condition and Completeness
Certified by Ferrari Classiche, this F50 remains entirely numbers-matching and retains its original components throughout.
Showing a mere 5,361 miles on the odometer, this Ferrari has recently undergone a comprehensive service and will be sold with its original manuals, leather case, and Ferrari-branded flashlight.
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