Created to commemorate Ferrari’s 50th anniversary, the F50 was engineered as the ultimate expression of Ferrari’s dedication to performance, closely resembling a Formula One car for the road. Its design philosophy was uncompromising, focusing on a pure driving experience without power steering, power-assisted braking, or ABS. Instead, the F50 utilized advanced composite materials, Formula One-inspired construction techniques, and cutting-edge aerodynamics.
As Ferrari’s flagship of the 1990s, the F50 was tasked with succeeding the iconic F40 and redefining the supercar landscape. Unlike the F40’s twin-turbocharged V8, the F50 featured a naturally aspirated V12 engine derived from Formula One, mounted directly to the monocoque’s rear bulkhead, echoing Ferrari’s racing technology.
The F50 retained some comforts like standard air conditioning and offered limited customization with five exterior color options and two seat sizes. A notable upgrade was the transition from traditional dials to a modern, multicolored digital display in front of the driver, who was always seated on the left. With only 349 units produced, the F50 was more exclusive than the F40, especially in the U.S., where just 55 were delivered.
This F50, the 47th produced, is a rare gem, being one of only 55 units delivered to the U.S. Completed on December 21, 1995, it was initially sold by Ferrari of Houston to Dahr Jamail, who had it repainted from its original Rosso Corsa to Azzurro California. By 1998, it was acquired by Mark Rand, who showcased it at the Texas Motor Speedway before returning it to its original Rosso Corsa.
In 2004, the car was sold to actor Nicolas Cage, and later to Alex Papas of Arizona, who won a Platinum award at the Ferrari Club of America Concours d’Elegance in 2007. The following year, it was exhibited in Bahrain among other prestigious Ferraris. After being advertised in 2008 and 2009, it was sold to Lewis N. Brown of Pennsylvania, who displayed it at the Cavallino Classic in 2010, earning another Platinum award.
The F50 changed hands again in 2014, going to Dr. Daxes M. Banit, and in 2021, to its current owner, a dedicated F50 enthusiast. With 8,556 miles on the odometer, the car will be offered again for sale on RM Sotheby’s Monterey auction this weekend with an estimated value of $4,500,000 – $5,000,000 USD.
Source: RM Sotheby’s
