One to Buy: ex-Ralph Lauren Giallo Modena 1995 Ferrari F50
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Having fitted twin turbocharged V8 engines to the 288 GTO and F40, Ferrari switched to an F1-derived normally aspirated V12 for its third generation super high end special: the F50.
Created to homologate a broadly similar V12 engine for the 333 SP that heralded Ferrari’s return to Prototype Sports car racing after an absence of 21 years, the F50’s 512bhp 4.7-litre motor was bolted direct to a composite tub that weighed in at just 102kg.
Whereas over 1300 examples of the F40 were completed between the prototype’s showing in 1987 and the end of production in 1992, the F50 was a more rarefied beast; just 349 were sold to customers during a brief production run between 1995 and 1997.
Unsurprisingly, one of those 349 cars was supplied to noted Ferrari collector and fashion designer, Ralph Lauren. That very car will be going under the hammer at RM Sotheby’s Monterey sale between August 15th and 16th.
Lauren configured his F50, chassis 104798, in Giallo Modena with monotone Nero upholstery. Of the 55 US specification F50s built, only one other was painted the same colour. Having taken delivery in 1995, the fashion mogul put 3300 miles on chassis 104798 before parting with it in 2003. Since then, the car has resided with just one husband and wife who have continued its meticulous maintenance.
Now showing a little under 5400 miles, chassis 104798 is being offered fresh from a recent major service complete with Ferrari Classiche certification.
