Ferrari Drives $2.3 Million in Aid for Earthquake Victims

This Ferrari 599xx auctioned for $1.8 million, benefitting victims of devastating earthquakes in northern Italy.

When devastating earthquakes rocked northern Italy last month, Ferrari quickly revved up its philanthropic engines. The iconic carmaker launched an online auction that in just 14 days raised $2.3 million to help victims. Among the items auctioned – a 599XX track car that went for a cool $1.8 million.

The first quake hit May 20 with a 6.0 magnitude tremor that killed seven people, left 6,000 homeless and destroyed dozens of historic buildings. A second, 5.8 magnitude quake struck on May 29, killing another 17 people, injuring hundreds and raising the number of homeless to 14,000 people in Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region.

The top seller, of course, was that gorgeous 599XX, which sold to an American bidder for 1.4 million euros, equivalent to nearly $1.8 million. It’ll be signed by Ferrari chairman Luca di Montezemolo and F1 drivers Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa, then delivered to its new owner in grand style at the Italian Grand Prix in September.

Also on the block were an F60 nose-cone, purchased by a Malaysian client for 23,000 euro ($28,722); and the engine from the F2008, which won the Constructors’ World title in 2008, bought by a bidder in Great Britain for 80,000 euro ($99,904), almost twice its reserve price.

“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,” said 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.”

E3 Spark Plugs sends props to Ferrari and all the bidders for their generosity, and best wishes to all those affected by the earthquakes.