One to Buy: ex-Mike Tyson 1995 Ferrari F50
/
After the 288 GTO and F40 had used twin turbocharged V8s that propelled them to hitherto unseen levels of performance, Ferrari took a different approach for its third generation limited production flagship: the F50.
Famously, the F50 was powered by an F1-derived normally aspirated V12 that Ferrari needed to put into production in order to homologate the engine already being used by the 333 SP racing car.
While the 333 SP went on to have a stellar career, Ferrari built just 349 examples of the F50 between 1995 and 1997. It featured an all-carbonfibre construction, a 512bhp 4.7-litre V12, six-speed manual gearbox and rose-jointed double wishbone suspension with push-rods, coil springs and electronically adjustable Bilstein dampers.
Set to go under the hammer at RM Sotheby’s Monterey sale scheduled for August 13th-15th is a particularly interesting F50, chassis 104220, the first owner of which was legendary former heavyweight boxing champion, Mike Tyson.
One of 55 examples specified for the US market and the 73rd F50 built, chassis 104220 commenced production in November 1995. In February 1996 it was delivered via Ferrari of North America to Beverly Hills Sports Car in Beverly Hills, California.
Finished in Rosso Corsa with Nero upholstery and Rosso seat inserts, the car was quickly acquired by dealer / broker, Nader Amirvand of nearby Fountain Valley, who in turn sold the car to its first private owner, Mike Tyson.
Later in 1996, Tyson sold the F50 back to Mr. Amirvand, since which time chassis 104220 has passed through the hands of several more US owners to include Kevin Marcus, Bruce Weiner, Brian Ross and Todd Morici. During January 2008 the car was factory-certified with a Ferrari Classiche Red Book that indicates the presence of the original matching-numbers chassis, engine, transaxle, and bodywork.
Currently displaying 6,196 miles, the F50 has undergone a major service by Ferrari of Newport Beach in preparation for sale.
