Landmark sale signals continued growth of online auctions for the world’s most coveted collector cars
LONDON, 2 JUNE 2025 – Online auction platform Collecting Cars has reached a historic milestone with the sale of its 1,000th Ferrari, a bespoke FF personally commissioned by Ferrari Chairman John Elkann. The landmark transaction underscores the platform’s status as a trusted global hub for the trade of rare and iconic vehicles.
This sale brings the total value of Ferraris sold on Collecting Cars to over £129 million, demonstrating the enduring demand for Maranello’s finest creations and the increasing confidence among sellers and buyers in the online model.
The FF in question, notable for its discerning specification that includes rare cloth seats – a personal preference of Elkann – epitomises the bespoke appeal of modern Ferrari ownership. Its sale not only marks a numerical milestone but also pays homage to the platform’s growing prestige within the international collector car market.
A Global Phenomenon
Since its inception, Collecting Cars has emerged as the go-to destination for Ferrari collectors, listing everything from legendary analogue icons to cutting-edge hybrid hypercars. Of the 1,000 Ferraris sold:
- 700 were purchased in the UK, where the platform is headquartered,
- Over 200 in Europe, and
- More than 70 across Asia-Pacific and the Middle East.
With an average of 17.3% more bids on Ferrari listings compared to other marques, it’s clear that enthusiasm for the Prancing Horse remains fierce. This bidding activity also highlights the platform’s reach and resonance among a highly engaged and competitive collector base.
Record-Breaking Results
Among the standout sales in recent years:
- A 1997 Ferrari F50 once owned by Rod Stewart, which fetched £2,940,500,
- A 2002 Ferrari Enzo sold for £2,510,500,
- A 1991 Ferrari F40 that achieved £1,701,000.
Modern masterpieces have also found success, including:
- A 2024 SF90 XX Spider, the first of its kind ever auctioned, selling for €1,700,000,
- A 2022 812 Competizione, which reached €1,310,000.
Other modern highlights include several 458 Speciale Apertas regularly surpassing £500,000, and top-tier sales of the F12 TDF, 599 GTO, and 488 Pista. Meanwhile, demand for vintage Ferraris remains strong, with two 365 GTB/4 Daytonas selling for £444,000 and £435,000 respectively, and a 1972 Dino 246 GT fetching A$755,000.
Celebrity Provenance and Collector Appeal
Star-studded ownership has also enhanced interest in several listings. Alongside Rod Stewart’s F50, a 2016 Ferrari F12 TDF once owned by Jamiroquai frontman Jay Kay achieved £792,500, showing how provenance can elevate both desirability and final sale price.
A New Era for Collecting
Commenting on the milestone, Edward Lovett, Founder of Collecting Cars, said:
“Ferrari is one of the benchmark brands in the collector car world – it resonates across generations, markets and continents. That so many sellers are increasingly choosing to sell their Ferraris online with us is a testament to the trust we’ve built, the transparency of our process, and the strength of our global audience. But this is more than just about numbers – it shows how far online auctions have come, and where the future is heading.”
The sale of John Elkann’s bespoke FF is a fitting celebration of this achievement and a sign of things to come. As online auctions continue to transform the way collectors buy and sell, Collecting Cars is leading that charge – combining world-class automotive passion with cutting-edge digital platforms.
Expanding Horizons
In line with its growth, The Collecting Group has also launched a unified login across Collecting Cars and sister platform Watch Collecting, enabling seamless access to rare timepieces from horological icons such as Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Audemars Piguet.
Visit www.collectingcars.com to explore current listings and join the thousands of enthusiasts helping shape the next chapter of collector car culture – one auction at a time.
