The Ferrari F50 has long carried a reputation of being unloved among supercars, overshadowed by the legendary F40. However, as it celebrates its thirtieth anniversary, this “unloved” car is now establishing itself as a solid value in the auction market, proving that time can sometimes rewrite automotive history.
A Difficult Legacy to Bear
Designed to succeed the F40, the Ferrari F50 faced a lukewarm reception upon its release in 1995. A quick look back at the reviews from that time reveals that its style, deemed too tortured and less bold than that of its predecessor, failed to win everyone over. Purists also criticized this supercar for its performance, which was considered too close to that of the F40, with a naturally aspirated 4.7-liter V12 producing only 520 hp. A figure that, at the time, seemed trivial compared to the 627 hp of the McLaren F1, a true racing beast that had just entered the market.
Soaring Prices at Auction for the Ferrari F50
Thirty years later, the tide has turned for this supercar. Last summer, a unique yellow example, previously owned by Ralph Lauren, was sold for over 9 million dollars (more than 7.5 million euros) by RM Sotheby’s. This record sale reflects an impressive turnaround. Two other models in the classic red color will soon be auctioned, each estimated at over 5 million euros. While these amounts are still far from the 21 million euros reached by a McLaren F1, they are significantly higher than those generally observed for the F40, whose value rarely exceeds 3 million euros.
This example of the Ferrari F50 was sold for over 7.5 million euros in the summer of 2025. © Ferrari
A Ferrari F50 Much Rarer than the F40
This turnaround is not coincidental. Despite its iconic status, the F40 is not that rare, with over 1,300 units produced. Its iconic red color also limits the available configurations. In contrast, the F50 stands out for its rarity, with only 349 units manufactured. Its variety in exterior colors has also played in its favor. Consequently, the value of the F50 has always been higher than that of the F40, and this gap continues to widen.
The rare color of this Ferrari F50 and its ownership by Ralph Lauren contributed to the rising auction prices. © Ferrari
The Last True Analog Supercar from Ferrari?
The change in perception regarding the F50 is also linked to its character. It is often regarded as the last “true analog supercar” from Ferrari, combining a naturally aspirated V12 with a manual gearbox. The F50 thus distinguishes itself from later models, such as the Enzo and LaFerrari, which opted for robotic transmissions and hybrid powertrains. Its V12, capable of revving up to 8,500 rpm, is now considered one of the most melodious ever produced by Ferrari. This engine, derived from the Formula 1 cars of the time, is also characterized by its “chassis” architecture, with the rear suspension mounted directly on the engine block.
The Ferrari F50 was the last in the lineage to combine a rear mid-mounted V12 and a manual gearbox. © Ferrari
Can the Value of the Ferrari F50 Remain So High?
The body of the F50 is now appreciated for its dual personality: thanks to a hardtop, it can be used as either a coupe or a roadster. This flexibility is a considerable asset in the world of supercars, where the F40 did not offer a convertible option. With the rise of “youngtimers,” it seems that the value of the F50 is destined to remain high, marking a true comeback for this car that has long lived in the shadow of an icon. In short, the F50 has managed to forge its own identity and attract a new audience, transforming its story into a tale of resilience and triumph.
The V12 engine of the Ferrari F50 closely derives from that of the F1 cars of the same era. © Ferrari
