Prancing Boxing Horse
When it comes to classic Ferraris, the prices are normally high on the classic car market. In the case of the F50, its rarity and status have always kept its value high, but because the car is part of the Supercar class, it was bought by some very special individuals.
Celebrity cars have that little more value to collectors, especially for fans of said celebrity. If you’re a boxing fan and a Ferrari collector, a recent listing on RM Sotheby’s might just be your next purchase.
Robin Adams/RM Sotheby's
Robin Adams/RM Sotheby's
Iron Mike’s F50
Up on the auction site now is a pristine 1995 Ferrari F50 that once belonged to one of the most notorious and prolific boxers in history, Iron Mike Tyson. According to the listing, chassis number 104220 was built in 1995 with U.S. market specifications and finished in the iconic Rosso Corsa paint over a Nero interior with rosso seat inserts, a very Ferrari combination.
This car was then shipped to Beverly Hills, California, via Ferrari North America, where it was quickly purchased by the legendary boxer. Mike Tyson is actually vocal about his love for supercars, and the F50 was a perfect fit for his collection. Surprisingly, only after a year of ownership did he sell it to Mr. Amirvand, who then held it until the year 2000. The third owner kept it for 4 years before selling it to a tech magnate, who once again sold it to another collector from Atlanta. It was then sold 4 more times; sadly, the current owner has since passed away, and the car is now for sale as part of his estate.
In 2022, the car underwent major servicing by Ferrari of Fort Lauderdale; despite changing hands many times, it seems to have been cared for by these enthusiasts, having only driven over 6,000 miles since 1996, when it was first delivered. In preparation for the sale, it underwent another service job by Ferrari of Newport Beach. It comes with a lot of original documentation, but the coolest inclusion is a pair of signed boxing gloves by Iron Mike. The listed estimated sale price of $ 7 million to $9 million reflects this car’s legendary status and unique ownership history.
Robin Adams/RM Sotheby's
Robin Adams/RM Sotheby's
Robin Adams/RM Sotheby's
Following A Tough Act
The F50’s story is an interesting one; following in the footsteps of the legendary F40 isn’t easy, yet the F50 was able to carve out its own dedicated following. Named in celebration of Ferrari’s 50th anniversary, the Italian automaker pulled out all the stops for the F50; at the time, it was built in close relation to the F1 car, featuring a carbon fiber tub and 4.7-liter naturally aspirated V12 that was used in the team’s 1992 F1 car.
Robin Adams/RM Sotheby's
Robin Adams/RM Sotheby's
About the author
Pablo Salapantan
News Editor