The Ferrari Luce made headlines during Monterey Car Week after selling at auction for $40 million, more than 36 times its presale estimate of over $1.1 million. While the price may appear excessive to critics of Ferrari’s first fully electric vehicle, the sale was tied to both the identity of the buyer and a charitable cause.
Ferrari Luce Auction Raises $40 Million
The Luce was purchased by Dr. Herbert “Herbie” Wertheim, a billionaire businessman, inventor and philanthropist who also bought the Ferrari Daytona SP3 Tailor Made for $26 million last year.
Both Ferraris were auctioned to benefit the Ferrari Foundation, with all proceeds supporting educational initiatives. Wertheim has also made substantial donations to educational institutions, including $100 million to the University of Florida and $50 million to UC Berkeley’s optometry school.
Who Is Herbert “Herbie” Wertheim?
Wertheim built his wealth through several business ventures, including the development of plastic-lens tints and the founding of Brain Power Inc. in 1970. Much of his fortune, however, came through long-term stock investing.
He purchased shares in companies including Apple and Microsoft during their initial public offerings and became the largest individual shareholder in Heico, an American aerospace and electronics company.
For someone with Wertheim’s wealth, a $40 million Ferrari purchase may appear less extraordinary. The specific Luce sold at auction was also a unique U.S.-spec example, known as Chassis 0.
A One-of-a-Kind Ferrari Luce
The Ferrari Luce Chassis 0 features an exclusive Madreperla Semi-Gloss exterior, bespoke five-spoke wheels and white brake calipers. Inside, the car uses Perla Le Mans metallic leather, an exclusive material developed for the Ferrari Tailor Made program.
The model has attracted criticism over its unconventional design, with critics arguing that it moves away from Ferrari’s traditional styling. As the brand’s first fully electric vehicle, the Luce has also faced criticism from purists accustomed to Ferrari models powered by V8 or V12 engines.
$40 Million Sale Counters Luce Criticism
Despite the criticism surrounding the Luce, the $40 million auction result shows that online backlash has not necessarily translated into weak demand. Ferrari also reportedly reached its 2026 sales target of just under 500 Luces within two months, with strong demand from China helping drive sales.
Following the auction, Wertheim’s 2026 Ferrari Luce Tailor Made Chassis 0 will return to Maranello, Italy, ahead of its scheduled final delivery in the first quarter of 2027.
