Ferrari auction nets $2.2 million for earthquake victims
A Ferrari online auction launched in response to the two earthquakes that struck Northern Italy in late May has raised more than 1.8 million euro ($2.2 million) for the victims caught up in the natural disasters.
The collected funds received a massive boost from the sale of a limited edition Ferrari 599XX Evolution, which was bought by an American client for more than 1.4 million euro ($1.7 million). Ferrari says the already-exclusive car will sport a special commemorative plaque signed by Prancing Horse Chairman Luca di Montezemolo and Ferrari's F1 drivers, Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa.
The two-week-long internet auction, however, demonstrated the extraordinary generosity of Ferrari clients and enthusiasts from around the world. The total sum raised by the listed items was boosted by spontaneous donations sent to Maranello, including one Russian client who gave 100,000 euro ($125,000).
This was joined by an F60 nose-cone from Ferrari’s 2009 F1 car purchased by a Malaysian client for 23,000 euro ($29,000), the complete F2008 engine - the one responsible for winning the Formula One Constructors’ World title in 2008 - for 80,000 euro ($100,000) and a collection of racing memorabilia including helmets and a race suit.
Montezemolo said, "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 first 6.0-magnitude earthquake was followed nine days later by a 5.8-magnitude quake whose epicentre was near Ferrari's hometown of Modena and also effected Lamborghini, Maserati and Ducati.
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