Why This LaFerrari Is More Than Just a Ferrari Hypercar

The LaFerrari and Its Place in Ferrari’s Lineage

Ferrari’s LaFerrari belongs to the same family of halo cars as the 288 GTO, F40, F50, and Enzo – each representing a technological and cultural landmark for the brand. Launched at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, it was Ferrari’s first hybrid hypercar, pairing a 6.3-liter naturally aspirated V12 with an F1-derived HY-KERS system. The combination produced 950 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque, allowing a 0-62 mph sprint in just 2.6 seconds, with a top speed of 217 mph. For collectors, that made it instantly desirable.

Values for the 499 coupes built generally sit around $3 to $3.5 million, particularly for low-mileage examples. Yet last month, one crossed the Bring a Trailerauction block at $4,475,000 – roughly a million more than the average and about thrice its original price. What justified that premium was not simply mileage or service history, but the story the car told.

Blu Elettrico and the Auction Car’s Specification

The standout factor is color. While Ferrari’s traditional hue is Rossa Corsa, the company’s Tailor Made program allows buyers to push individuality further. In this case, Blu Elettrico was the color of choice – a shimmering electric blue that accentuates the LaFerrari’s carbon-shaped bodywork. Ferrari only built three coupes in this shade worldwide, and this example is the sole US-spec car to be painted in this color.

Originally delivered through Ferrari of Seattle to collector Greg Whitten, the car remained in his Pacific Northwest collection before changing hands twice more. At the time of sale, it showed 3,262 miles, and came well documented, including the Ferrari Yellow Book, original luggage, spare keys, and window sticker showing a factory MSRP of $1,497,873. It also carried a factory-backed extended warranty on the hybrid battery, valid until late 2026.

Mechanically, it retained all of its original hardware: carbon-ceramic Brembo brakes, magnetorheological dampers, active aerodynamics, and a carbon-fiber monocoque designed by F1 engineer Rory Byrne. Recent servicing included a fresh oil change, brake fluid flush, and replacement of the low-voltage battery and charging port.

What Makes It Worth the Premium

Collectors often pay premiums for the right combination of rarity, excellent condition, and presentation. The Blu Elettrico finish ensured exclusivity in this not-so-low-mileage example, while its exclusivity and clean history made it more accessible for domestic collectors.

So while the LaFerrari already holds its place as Ferrari’s first hybrid flagship, this car offered something more: the only opportunity for an American buyer to own one in this ultra-rare color. It just proves that specific details can add significant value in the rarefied world of Ferrari hypercars.