Ralph Lauren’s Ultra-Rare Yellow Ferrari F50 Headed to Auction, Could Fetch $7.5 Million

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A rare piece of Ferrari history with celebrity provenance is headed to auction this August during Monterey Car Week, and it’s generating serious buzz. RM Sotheby’s will offer a 1995 Ferrari F50 once owned by fashion icon Ralph Lauren, finished in the extremely scarce Giallo Modena yellow. The auction house estimates it will sell for between $6.5 million and $7.5 million.

Of the 349 Ferrari F50s ever built, only 31 left the factory in yellow—and just two of those were U.S.-specification cars. This is one of them. Originally purchased new by Lauren, the car remained in his collection until 2003 before being sold to its current owner, who has kept it out of the spotlight for more than two decades. It has not been publicly displayed since 2009 and shows fewer than 5,400 miles from new.

Powered by a 4.7-liter Formula One-derived V12 engine and featuring a removable hard top, the F50 was designed to mark Ferrari’s 50th anniversary. Though often overshadowed by its predecessor, the F40, the F50 has gained newfound appreciation in the collector market. Recent sales of pristine red F50s have exceeded $5.5 million.

But the Lauren connection elevates this example to another tier. “It is very rare that Mr. Lauren has parted with a car once acquired,” Sotheby’s notes, emphasizing the vehicle’s celebrity pedigree. Further adding to its appeal, the car comes with Ferrari Classiche certification, confirming all major components remain original.

This F50 was lightly shown in its early years, including appearances at the Cavallino Classic and Watkins Glen, but has since remained largely hidden. It’s being presented by a longtime Ferrari-enthusiast couple who have raced in the brand’s Challenge series.

The one-of-two status, low mileage, and link to one of America’s best-known car collectors could push this F50 to the top of its market range—if not beyond.

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