Ferrari 599 XX Evo for earthquake auction

Ferrari is to hold an online auction to raise money for the families of victims caught up in the recent Italian earthquakes.

The auction will be hosted on a special section of the Ferrari Store online shop, and open to bidders internationally. Ferrari is hoping the proceeds will allow it “to contribute significant sums to those families who have lost loved ones.”

Amongst the “important and rare” items up for sale is an unprecedented opportunity to join the 599 XX Evoluzione programme.

The 599 XX Evo is the latest of Ferrari’s track-only specials that select customers are invited to own and drive as part of the development process for future Ferrari products.

The winning bidder will receive the 750hp car plus six opportunities to drive it during the 2012-2013 research and development season. Ferrari doesn’t usually grant access to these machines on the mere basis of money, so this really is a unique chance for someone keen to help shape the next generation of supercars.

However, with a “commercial value of €1.3 million” – that’s just over £1 million at current exchange rates – this particular lot isn’t likely to be snapped up as a bargain. Expect some seriously fierce bidding and an enormous final figure.

Other items of interest include racing suits and helmets donated by Ferrari’s current Formula 1 drivers Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa, a Formula 1 V8 engine, and many more articles of F1 memorabilia from past seasons.

There will also be regular items from the Ferrari Store on offer, including Prancing Horse Watches.

According to the statement from Ferrari announcing the sale:

“As soon as news about the earthquake came out, Ferrari clients and collectors from around the world spontaneously contacted the Maranello headquarters to offer their contribution.”

Maranello lies within the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy hit by the earthquakes that began 20th May. However, Ferrari has already shown generous support for earthquake victims the world over, including Abruzzo, Italy in 2009 and Ishinomaki, Japan in 2011.

“Once again the generosity of Ferrari’s enthusiasts will enable the company to provide support to those hit most by the tragedy.”

The special area of the Ferrari Store is set to go live ahead of the auction next week. See www.ferraristore.com for more details.

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