2017 Ferrari LaFerrari No.500 raises $9.5m for earthquake fund

The 500th Ferrari LaFerrari, built specifically to raise funds for the parts of central Italy devastated by earthquakes has sold for US$7 million ($9.37m) at auction.

Ferrari had originally restricted its $2m flagship, hybrid-powered supercar to 499 units but decided to produce a final version in response to the August national disaster that killed 298 people.

The region was hit by further earthquakes in October that damaged historic buildings.

The red LaFerrari coupe bears a plaque noting it’s the final edition and features a slightly unique livery comprising white ‘dream’ lines on the bonnet and rear window surround, as well as an Italian flag at the pointy end of the bonnet.

It’s the highest auction price paid yet for a car built in the 21st century, though the LaFerrari’s $US7m result places it a fair way down a long list of big-money prancing horses.

The current record auction price for a Ferrari is the $38,115,000 paid for a 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO.

The owner might still expect their LaFerrari to appreciate in value. Used versions of the previous 499 allocation have already been fetching more than double their $2m new-car price.

Although Ferrari is no longer producing the LaFerrari coupe, it unveiled an open-top version called the Aperta at October’s Paris motor show.

It’s powered by the same hybrid drivetrain comprising a 6.3-litre V12 with an electric motor for a total output of 708kW. There’s no change to performance, meaning acceleration capabilities such as 0-200km/h in just seven seconds.

Just 209 examples of the LaFerrari Aperta will be built. And, yes, they’re all sold out.