An Iconic Car from an Iconic Man Is Expected to Hit $7.5 Million at RM Sotheby’s Monterey
When a red 1996 Ferrari F50 sold for over $5.5 million in February, the automotive world took notice. That record-setting sale marked the highest price ever fetched by the ’90s-era supercar—until now. Come August, the bar could be raised yet again by a strikingly rare and radiant example once owned by none other than Ralph Lauren himself.
Slated for RM Sotheby’s prestigious Monterey 2025 auction, this 1995 Ferrari F50 isn’t just another collector’s car—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime combination of celebrity pedigree, ultra-limited rarity, and showroom-worthy condition. And if all goes according to expectations, this Giallo Modena rocket could command between $6.5 million and $7.5 million, making it the most expensive F50 ever sold.
The Fashion Mogul’s Machine
Ralph Lauren is a name synonymous with timeless American style, but behind his Polo shirts and tailored suits is a garage that could rival any museum. From pre-war Bugattis to modern hypercars, Lauren’s automotive tastes are as refined as his fashion. His collection, estimated to be worth around $600 million, includes legends like the McLaren F1, the Ferrari 250 GTO, and even the mythical Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic.
Among his carefully curated fleet was this stunning yellow F50—one of only 349 ever made. But rarity isn’t just about production numbers. What makes this car so exceptional isn’t just that it was Lauren’s; it’s what Ferrari painted it with.
Giallo Modena: The Golden Ticket
While most F50s wore Ferrari’s signature Rosso Corsa red, this one left the Maranello factory dipped in Giallo Modena, a bold yellow that commands attention even among supercars. Of the 349 F50s produced between 1995 and 1997, only 31 came in this color. That’s fewer than 9% of total production, instantly making it a unicorn among unicorns.
But it gets rarer.
Only 55 F50s were made to U.S. specifications, and of those, just two were finished in this particular yellow hue. This car is one of those two. Paired with a sleek Nero (black) interior, the result is an aesthetic that’s both aggressive and elegant—exactly what you’d expect from a fashion mogul like Lauren.
Untouched, Unmatched
While many supercars rack up stories—and mileage—over the decades, this F50 has stayed remarkably pristine. It has covered fewer than 5,400 miles and remains in exceptional condition. In fact, the car’s “Ferrari Classiche” certification was renewed just last year, confirming its originality and authenticity across all major components. In the collector car world, that stamp is pure gold.
Ownership history adds further intrigue. Lauren held onto the car until 2003, when it was sold with just 3,300 miles on the clock. It changed hands a few more times, eventually landing with a private couple in Virginia. The husband and wife, both Ferrari enthusiasts, adored the car but rarely showed it off—preferring instead to keep it as a cherished centerpiece in their private collection. Aside from a few select appearances, including a demo lap at Watkins Glen and a couple of concours events, the car has largely lived a quiet life.
Back in the Spotlight
That all changes this August when the F50 steps into the limelight at RM Sotheby’s Monterey sale on August 15. It will be the first time the car is seen in public since 2009—a reemergence 16 years in the making.
For collectors, this isn’t just another opportunity to add a Ferrari to their stable. It’s a chance to own a supercar blessed by both the gods of style and speed. The car combines raw, naturally aspirated V12 performance with open-top thrills and the kind of street presence only an F50 can command.
Will Ralph Lauren’s F50 set a new benchmark? All signs point to yes. Between its ultra-rare color, impeccable condition, limited production, and A-list provenance, it checks every box that makes collectors’ hearts race—and their paddles rise.
Whether it sells for $6.5 million or blasts past $7.5 million, one thing’s for sure: this is not just a car—it’s a cultural artifact, draped in speed, luxury, and unmistakable flair. Just like Ralph Lauren himself.
