As a true connoisseur of speed, fashion icon Ralph Lauren is arguably as obessive about cars as he is when it comes to the world of clothing. His influence extends beyond the fashion runways into the realm of classic automobiles: his personal car collection is valued at over $600 million and includes some of the most coveted vehicles in automotive history. From a one-of-four Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic to Mercedes-Benz SSKs and Ferrari 250 GTOs, Lauren’s view on cars is less function, and more "moving art", appreciating their design, craftsmanship, and the emotions they evoke. Few cars stir the soul quite like a 1990s Ferrari, and the F50 stands among the most evocative prancing horses of all time. Now we're gearing up for a landmark sale as RM Sotheby’s is exclusively offering an F50 first registered by Ralph Lauren at their Monterey auction on August 16th.

While models like the F40, Enzo, and La Ferrari have enjoyed the adoration of the car world since their release, many suggested the F50 was too clumsy and less engaging to drive than the F40 it replaced, and as a result the 1990s halo car led a fairly quiet life out of the spotlight for a decade or two. In fact, after some research within RM Sotheby’s auction archives, we discovered a Rosso Corsa example sold during the auction house’s 2013 Villa Erba sale for a staggering 560,000 Euros. Considering a mere 349 examples of the F50 were ever made, compared to the 1,311 examples of its predecessor, the F40, it’s hard to believe the F50 was ever overlooked as an investment. Now, though, that’s all changed, and the values of just about any F50 are into the multi-millions, and those are the examples with nothing to do with Ralph Lauren!

Out of the total production run of 349 cars, just 55 F50s were built to US specification, and of those only two were finished in Giallo Modena, with this Nero interior equipped example being one of that rare pair. First registered by Ralph Lauren, he would rack up 3,300 miles in this F50, which is impressive considering the sheer number of cars within Lauren’s collection. After Lauren’s ownership, this Ferrari was snapped up by a car-obsessed married couple, forming a centrepiece of their collection for over 22 years. Early in their ownership, it was taken to a couple of events, including being driven for demonstration laps at Watkins Glen, serving as the poster car for the Burn Prevention Foundation Concours in 2005, and being displayed at the Cavallino Classic in 2009. However, since 2009 this car has remained hidden from the public eye, with RM Sotheby's upcoming sale representing its first time in the limelight for many years.  

Proudly boasting its Ferrari Classiche Certification, and recently benefitting from a fresh service at Ferrari of Central Florida at the end of 2024, including replacement of the fuel bladder, tires, and brake components, this Giallo Modena marvel is ready dazzle once more. While every F50 is special, this example's rare specification and famous first owner place it among the most collectable prancing horses of all time. With an estimate of 6.5 to 7.5 million dollars, we’ll be keeping a close eye on this one as it heads to RM Sotheby’s Monterey sale on August 16th!

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