The very first production Ferrari Luce sold at auction this weekend for $40,000,000. RM Sotheby’s handled the sale during its ‘The Monterey Auction’ in California, held at the conclusion of Car Week.
All proceeds from the sale will benefit The Ferrari Foundation, which funds technical education and opportunities for future generations, according to the auction house.
An overlooked Ferrari with a quiet legacy
The Luce’s sale drew attention away from another Ferrari with its own unusual history. The Ferrari 400i, introduced in the late 1970s, faced criticism when new. Its appearance differed from traditional Ferraris, and it included a three-speed automatic transmission, a feature purists rejected at the time. The 4.8-liter V12 engine produced just over 300 horsepower, a modest output compared to the brand’s sportier models.
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Over time, the 400i has gained appreciation. Its design, free of the excessive aero details common in 1980s cars, now appears clean and timeless. The headlight shape even predicted Ferrari’s current styling. Rarity also adds to its appeal—Ferrari built only 883 examples, making it one of the less common models from that period.
A 1980 model in Blu Sera Metallizzato with a tan interior and five-spoke wheels is currently listed for just under £50,000. That price represents a fraction of the Luce’s sale. The car recently received a £25,000 engine overhaul, so its next owner won’t face immediate mechanical concerns.
A different kind of Ferrari experience
The 400i wasn’t designed for track performance or high-speed runs. Instead, it offered effortless cruising, where the driver could lower the window, rest an arm on the door, and enjoy the V12’s smooth sound. This isn’t the Ferrari experience most people expect, but it may be the one that endures.
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For those who view cars as more than specifications, the 400i provides something rare: a Ferrari that doesn’t need validation. It isn’t about auction results or price tags. It’s about the driving experience, the aesthetics, and the feeling of owning a piece of automotive history without the pressure of a museum piece.
The car’s current price won’t match the Luce’s sale. For the right buyer, though, it may offer a more compelling choice.
