Two Record Ferrari Sales - Some Key Learnings for Investors.

Monterey 2025 will be remembered for scarlet headlines. Ferrari’s Tailor Made Daytona SP3 consigned by Ferrari itself hammered for $26,000,000 at RM Sotheby’s, with proceeds benefiting The Ferrari Foundation, a U.S. 501(c)(3). That makes it the most expensive example of the SP3 and among the priciest modern Ferraris ever sold at public auction.

source - https://hypebeast.com/2025/8/ferrari-daytona-sp3-rm-sothebys-monterey-auction-record-breaking-26-million-usd-sale-news

Just as jaw-dropping: the ex–Ralph Lauren 1995 Ferrari F50 (one of only two U.S.-spec cars in Giallo Modena) sold for $9,245,000, setting a new world auction record for the model.

So they are record numbers…..but why did these Ferraris break so many records?

1) Charity premium + tax math

Charity lots routinely trade at a premium because bidders are competing for both the object and the philanthropic halo. In the U.S., only the amount paid above fair market value (FMV) is generally deductible as a charitable contribution, provided the nonprofit is a qualified 501(c)(3) and documentation rules are met.

Ferrari confirmed proceeds from the SP3 went to The Ferrari Foundation, making the structure appealing to U.S. buyers weighing both optics and potential deductions.

2) Global liquidity: a hedge against policy and currency swings

Ultra-high-net-worth individuals and family offices don’t live only in equities, they’re balancing global portfolios. In 2025, that means navigating:

• Currency volatility: The U.S. dollar has swung sharply on shifting policies and inconsistent economic signals, with numbers and targets changing week to week.

• Liquidity rebalancing: With tighter credit in some markets and softer valuations in private equity and venture, many family offices are rotating into hard, mobile assets like art and collectible cars.

• Portability: Cars of this caliber can be stored, insured, and if needed, relocated or liquidated globally.

In short: buying a $26M Ferrari is not only about passion, it’s a portfolio hedge against the very real uncertainties of U.S. fiscal and monetary direction.

3) The future: Ferraris as collateral

Another reason these headline sales make sense: blue-chip collectibles are now bankable collateral. Major private banks and specialty lenders have expanded lending against fine art, classic cars, and even rare wine collections with the Ferrari Brand being the go-to option.

For family offices, this creates a two-tier benefit:

• Enjoy the cultural and prestige upside of holding the asset.

• Retain access to liquidity by borrowing against it at competitive rates.

In volatile policy environments, the ability to collateralize a $10M–$25M Ferrari means investors can park capital in a stable (excuse the pun), trophy asset while still unlocking cash for other opportunities, or to hedge against shocks in traditional portfolios.

4) Scarcity + provenance = rocket fuel

• SP3 “Tailor Made”: manufacturer-consigned, one-off spec, with proceeds to charity. Truly unrepeatable.

• F50 “Ralph Lauren”: one of two U.S. examples in Giallo Modena, celebrity provenance, Ferrari Classiche certified.

Each had both scarcity and story, precisely the traits collectors will pay record premiums for.

5) Monterey’s stage still matters

Concentrated global demand + theatre + story = records. Even as broader luxury indices softened, Monterey proved again that the top end has its own gravitational pull.

Could rare classics replace gold bars in the uber wealthy vaults? - Image representative only

Strategic Takeaways for CIOs and Family Offices

1. Segment collections into “core” vs. “performance” assets

   • Treat irreplaceable cars like the SP3 and F50 as “core”long-term cultural stores of value.

   • Use more liquid, mid-market assets as “performance, tradable to capture cycles.

2. Leverage tax-advantaged acquisitions strategically

   • Charity-linked purchases can create both reputational capital and structured tax benefits.

   • Coordinate with advisors early, deductibility hinges on fair market value substantiation.

3. Use collectibles to diversify liquidity

   • Don’t think of these assets as “dead money.”

   • Structured correctly, cars can serve as collateral for private banking credit lines, freeing capital for real estate, private equity, or tactical opportunities.

4. Balance passion and prudence

   • Passion is the entry point, but in today’s climate collectibles also serve as macro hedges.

   • Align them with the broader asset allocation strategy—don’t silo them as “toys.”

5.       Use an Expert

• Avoid potential issues or bias by using an independent, expert asset manager like TheCarCrowd. 

• Make sure any guidance has no reliance on the auction results or sale of stock, and can help find, check and curate assets so they meet the requirements for the overall investment strategy. 

Whatever your position, collectible cars can make a really strong alternative investment and a great way to diversify a portfolio using real world, gloablly liquid, tax efficent assets. Get in touch to start your collection today. - david@thecarcrowd.co.uk