Posted on: Jun 21, 2012 | 16,362 reads

Over 1.8Million Euros Raised in Ferrari Auction for Earthquake Victims

American collector bid 1.4 million Euros for Ferrari 599XX Evo.

Two devastating earthquakes struck northern Italy last month, close to Ferrari's heart in Maranello, and in order to raise funds for families affected Ferrari held an online auction. Over the last two weeks the auction raised over 1.8 million Euros; this substantial sum will now be donated to assist families of the victims, many of whom died at the workplace. Bids came in from across the globe, and it was the sale of the 599XX Evo that generated the bulk of the money raised.

Over 1.8Million Euros Raised in Ferrari Auction for Earthquake Victims

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A bid of over 1.4 million Euros that came in from an American collector was enough to secure the most extreme 599 ever built. The one-off car will sport a special commemorative plaque signed by Chairman Luca di Monetzemolo and the two Scuderia drivers. Better still, Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa will personally deliver the car to its new owner at the next Italian Grand Prix at Monza. An F60 nose-cone, purchased for 23,000 Euros, is also heading stateside, while the engine from the F2008, which won the Constructors' World Title in 2008 is going to a client in Great Britain. A bid of 80,000 Euros, almost twice the reserve price, was needed to claim this unique item.

Multiple bids were made on the remaining lots, including Alonso and Massa's helmets and Fisichella's racing suit. "A pole position result: I knew I could count on the big-heartedness of the Ferraristi but they've still managed to surprise me once again," declared Ferrari Chairman, Luca di Montezemolo. "I would like to thank all the clients, collectors and enthusiasts that did their bit. Their bids have sent out a message of warmth and solidarity to the people in our region affected by this tragedy." The sum raised also included spontaneous donations by enthusiasts from across the globe, including a Russian client who gave 100,000 Euros.