Kathmandu. Ferrari’s first fully electric car has been sold for $40 million (more than Rs 6.9 billion) at auction.
The auction was held for charity. It holds the record for the highest price paid for a new car at auction.
The Ferrari Luche has sold for more than 35 times its normal price at an auction in California. The auction house described the car as a “first-of-its-kind chassis” with a special finish and a number of customizable parts.
Luche is considered to be the brainchild of iPhone designer Sir Johnny Eve. Since its launch in May, some have criticized it as a departure from Ferrari’s traditional design. Some even said that the brand has lost its identity by creating a battery-powered, five-seater car.
Organisers said all proceeds from the sale will be donated to the Ferrari Foundation’s educational programs. The buyer of this custom Lucches car is not named.
The launch of Lucches was considered one of the biggest new car launches in recent years. However, Ferrari’s shares plunged the day after Lucche’s launch. The stock fell after criticism of the car.
Critics of the car include Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini and former Ferrari president Luca Cordero di Montezemolo. “The car risks ruining a legend,” Montezemolo said. ’
Ferrari’s chief design officer, Flavio Manzoni, said in an interview in May that criticism is part of the innovation process. He is confident that people will gradually appreciate Luche.
The company has not publicly disclosed any sales targets for Luche. However, the Financial Times reports that Ferrari has already met its sales target for this year due to strong demand in China.
“The car sold at auction was a unique opportunity to purchase Luche’s first product car,” the auctioneer said in a statement. ’
The car has special wheels, customized brakes and white finishes. Ferrari cars often fetch the highest price at auction. However, the current record for the highest price ever paid at auction is that of a 1955 Mercedes-Benz SLR Ollenhout Coupe. The car sold for $142 million in 2022. –Agency
