A virtually untouched 1997 Ferrari F50 has rewritten the record books, selling for an astonishing $18.705 million at a Broad Arrow auction in Las Vegas. With just 171 kilometers (106 miles) on the odometer, the Italian supercar achieved the highest auction price ever recorded for an F50, highlighting the extraordinary demand for rare, low-mileage Ferrari models among the world’s wealthiest collectors.
The landmark sale took place on October 31, surpassing the previous auction record for the Ferrari F50 by approximately $4.1 million. Although pre-auction estimates suggested the car could potentially reach $20 million, the final hammer price, including the buyer’s premium, settled at $18,705,000. Nevertheless, the result represents a remarkable achievement for one of Ferrari’s most celebrated modern supercars.
Ferrari F50 Breaks Auction Records With Just 171 Kilometers
Introduced in 1995 to celebrate Ferrari’s 50th anniversary, the F50 occupies a special place in the history of the Maranello manufacturer. Conceived as a road-going interpretation of Formula 1 technology, it combined a naturally aspirated 4.7-liter V12 engine with an uncompromising chassis philosophy inspired by the company’s motorsport experience.
Its exclusivity, naturally aspirated powertrain and direct connection to Ferrari’s racing heritage have made the F50 one of the most desirable modern classic supercars. However, the example offered in Las Vegas was particularly exceptional.
Having covered only 171 kilometers since new, the 1997 Ferrari F50 represents an unusually preserved example of a model that was already produced in limited numbers. Its extraordinarily low mileage, combined with its historical significance and condition, undoubtedly contributed to the record-breaking result.
The $18.705 million sale also demonstrates how the collector-car market increasingly rewards exceptional provenance and originality, particularly when it comes to historically significant Ferrari models.
Ferrari Dominates the $92.8 Million Las Vegas Auction
The Ferrari F50 was the undisputed star of the evening, but it was far from the only exceptional car to attract significant attention.
The October 31 Broad Arrow auction generated an impressive $92.8 million in total sales, setting a new record for the highest-value collector-car auction ever held in Las Vegas. Of the 84 vehicles offered, 64 found new owners, resulting in a sell-through rate of approximately 76 percent.
Ten vehicles established new world auction records for their respective models, with Ferrari claiming the three highest-selling positions.
Following closely behind the F50 was a 2025 Ferrari Daytona SP3, which sold for $18.54 million. The example had accumulated approximately 130 kilometers and was offered by its original owner. Its final price established a new auction record for the Daytona SP3 outside a charity sale.
The third position went to a 2014 Ferrari LaFerrari, which achieved $8.805 million.
Combined, these three Ferraris generated approximately $46 million, accounting for almost half of the auction’s total proceeds.
Another significant Ferrari result came from a 2003 Enzo, which sold for $6.55 million. Although it did not establish a new record, the result further demonstrated the enduring appeal of Ferrari’s limited-production flagship supercars.
Bugatti, McLaren and Koenigsegg Also Attract Million-Dollar Bids
While Ferrari dominated the top of the results, several other manufacturers were represented among the auction’s most expensive vehicles.
A Bugatti Chiron Super Sport achieved $4.57 million, while a Ferrari 599 SA Aperta changed hands for $4.35 million.
The McLaren P1 GTR by Lanzante was another notable highlight, selling for $3.415 million and establishing a new auction record for the model. The track-focused hybrid hypercar remains one of the most distinctive interpretations of McLaren’s hybrid performance technology.
Meanwhile, a Koenigsegg Regera achieved $2.645 million, reinforcing the growing collector interest in exclusive Swedish hypercars.
Classic Mercedes-Benz models also secured places among the ten most expensive cars of the event. A 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing sold for $1.93 million, while a 1934 Mercedes-Benz 500 K Spezial Roadster achieved $1.765 million.
The Ferrari F50’s $18.7 Million Sale Signals the Strength of the Collector-Car Market
The results from Las Vegas offer another indication of the extraordinary financial value attached to historically important supercars, particularly those produced in limited numbers and preserved in exceptional condition.
The Ferrari F50’s record-breaking $18.705 million sale is especially significant because it demonstrates that the market’s appetite extends beyond the latest hypercars. Collectors continue to place enormous value on analogue-era supercars that combine motorsport engineering, naturally aspirated engines, exclusivity and an unmistakable connection to Ferrari’s heritage.
With the Daytona SP3 also achieving $18.54 million, and the LaFerrari reaching $8.805 million, the three leading results underline Ferrari’s remarkable position in the high-end collector-car market.
Ultimately, the Las Vegas auction was about much more than a single record-breaking F50. With $92.8 million in total sales, ten model-specific auction records and three Ferraris generating approximately half of the proceeds, Broad Arrow delivered one of the most significant collector-car events ever held in the city.
Ferrari has found an unexpected way to celebrate the traditional manual gearbox in the modern supercar era. The Ferrari 12Cilindri Manuale combines the Italian marque’s naturally aspirated 6.5-litre V12 engine with a classic H-pattern gear lever, a clutch pedal and the unmistakable metallic sensation of changing gears by hand. There is, however, a technological twist: beneath the traditional controls, the car retains the standard eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Limited to just 1,499 examples and reportedly priced at £508,000, the Ferrari 12Cilindri Manuale is more than an exclusive variation of the already remarkable 12Cilindri. It represents a rare statement from a manufacturer renowned for chasing performance: sometimes, the most desirable driving experience is not the fastest one.
With 819 bhp, a naturally aspirated V12 and a manual-style driving experience engineered for the modern era, the 12Cilindri Manuale offers something increasingly difficult to find in contemporary supercars — the pleasure of being involved in every gear change.
Ferrari 12Cilindri Manuale: A Modern V12 With a Classic Soul
The Ferrari 12Cilindri was conceived as a celebration of the brand’s legendary front-engined V12 grand touring tradition. The Manuale takes that philosophy a step further by introducing a three-pedal configuration and a traditional H-pattern gear lever, recalling some of Ferrari’s most memorable analogue-era sports cars.
For experienced Ferrari development drivers, the return of the manual shift pattern reportedly brought back memories of earlier models such as the Ferrari 599 GTB. The metallic interaction between the gear lever and its mechanism evokes a period when changing gear was an essential part of the driving experience rather than a task delegated to software.
Yet the Manuale is not a conventional manual-transmission Ferrari. The existing eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, developed with Magna, remains in place. Instead of mechanically connecting the gear lever to a traditional manual gearbox, Ferrari has developed a sophisticated electronic system that recreates the movements and sensations of a classic manual shift.
That distinction is central to understanding the car. The 12Cilindri Manuale does not abandon modern transmission technology. It uses that technology to bring back an experience that many enthusiasts feared was disappearing from high-performance cars.
The Ferrari 12Cilindri Manuale Is About Driving Feel, Not Lap Times
Modern dual-clutch transmissions can change gear with extraordinary speed and precision. They are particularly effective in high-performance applications, where uninterrupted acceleration and carefully managed torque delivery can make a measurable difference.
Ferrari, however, appears to recognise that outright speed is not the only measure of a great sports car.
The 12Cilindri Manuale deliberately reintroduces the physical involvement of selecting gears, coordinating a clutch pedal and managing the engine’s response. Its purpose is not to outperform the standard 12Cilindri in acceleration or lap times, but to give the driver a more engaging relationship with the car.
The project is also significant because Ferrari has managed to develop this experience around its naturally aspirated V12 while retaining the sophisticated electronic systems that underpin the standard model’s handling characteristics.
The result is an intriguing combination of traditional driving rituals and contemporary engineering — a supercar that looks backwards for inspiration while relying on modern technology to move forwards.
How Ferrari Created a Manual Gearbox Without Replacing the DCT
The most fascinating element of the Ferrari 12Cilindri Manuale lies beneath its traditional-looking gear lever.
In a conventional manual car, the gear lever operates a mechanical linkage that selects the required gear inside the transmission. The driver controls clutch engagement through a pedal, connecting and disconnecting the engine from the drivetrain.
The Ferrari 12Cilindri Manuale follows a different approach. Its gear lever and clutch pedal communicate electronically with the existing dual-clutch transmission, allowing the driver to perform familiar manual-shifting movements without requiring a completely new gearbox.
Position sensors in the clutch pedal monitor its movement, while sensors in the gear lever detect the driver’s intended shift. The system then coordinates the appropriate transmission and clutch operations.
Ferrari’s decision to retain the dual-clutch transmission is also important for the car’s wider dynamic capabilities. The standard 12Cilindri integrates its transmission with the electronic limited-slip differential, torque-vectoring functions, ABS and Ferrari’s vehicle-dynamics control systems.
Replacing that entire arrangement with a conventional single-clutch manual gearbox would require much more extensive engineering and could compromise the carefully integrated driving characteristics that define the 12Cilindri.
The electronic manual system therefore offers an alternative: preserve the existing mechanical and electronic architecture while allowing the driver to interact with the car in a more traditional way.
A Special Gear Lever Engineered to Feel Authentic
Ferrari has paid considerable attention to the tactile qualities of the Manuale’s gear lever.
The mechanism is machined from a billet of high-strength steel, with tight manufacturing tolerances intended to deliver precision and durability. Its internal arrangement uses a spring-loaded piston and eccentric rollers to control the weight of the shift and the way the lever settles into position.
The interaction between the moving components also contributes to the mechanical sensation experienced by the driver.
The gear knob measures 48 millimetres in diameter, following a dimension associated with older Ferrari gear knobs. Its traditional H-pattern provides the visual and physical reference expected from a classic manual transmission.
A solenoid can lock the mechanism to prevent a potentially damaging downshift that would force the engine beyond its safe operating speed. Sensors also begin transmitting predictive signals as the lever moves, helping the transmission prepare for the driver’s intended gear selection.
This level of detail illustrates the difference between simply fitting a decorative manual-style shifter and creating a system intended to reproduce the rhythm and precision of an actual manual gearbox.
Driving the Ferrari 12Cilindri Manuale: Does It Feel Like a Real Manual?
The first impressions of the Ferrari 12Cilindri Manuale reportedly reveal both the strengths and limitations of the concept.
At low speeds, the electronic nature of the system can be difficult to ignore. Selecting first gear is unusually smooth, and clutch engagement lacks some of the subtle mechanical feedback associated with a conventional manual V12 Ferrari.
Drivers accustomed to older models such as the Ferrari 550 Maranello may notice the absence of the small variations in clutch resistance and drivetrain response that make a traditional three-pedal car feel mechanically alive.
The system remains precise and predictable, and stalling is possible, but the initial experience can feel almost too polished.
Once the car is moving, however, the character changes.
The gear lever’s action, the clutch pedal’s response and the metallic sound accompanying each shift begin to work together. The driver develops a natural rhythm, and the electronic system becomes less noticeable.
The naturally aspirated V12 remains the star of the experience, responding sharply to throttle inputs while the chassis delivers the precise turn-in and adjustable handling behaviour expected from Ferrari.
The Manuale’s appeal ultimately depends on how successfully it combines these elements. It may not reproduce every mechanical nuance of a traditional manual transmission, but it aims to capture the sensations that make manual driving so rewarding.
How to Activate Manual Mode
Ferrari has designed the transition into the manual driving experience to be straightforward.
To activate the Manuale’s H-pattern shifting mode, the driver presses the clutch pedal while travelling below approximately 45 mph. The H-pattern symbol on the gear knob then illuminates orange, indicating that the manual-style controls are active.
Drivers can return to automatic operation by pressing the D button on the centre console.
This arrangement allows the car to switch between traditional-style gear selection and the convenience of automatic shifting without requiring a different transmission.
It also means the driver can enjoy the manual experience when the road is inviting and return to automatic operation when traffic or other conditions make it more convenient.
The Ferrari V12 Remains the Main Attraction
At the heart of the Ferrari 12Cilindri Manuale is the naturally aspirated 6.5-litre V12, producing a reported 819 bhp.
The engine’s character is central to the car’s identity. Unlike a turbocharged powertrain that relies on forced induction, the naturally aspirated V12 builds its performance through engine speed, throttle response and a distinctive sound that has become synonymous with Ferrari’s front-engined twelve-cylinder models.
The manual-style controls add another dimension to that experience. Instead of allowing the transmission to make every decision, the driver participates directly in selecting the next ratio and coordinating the clutch.
The combination is particularly appealing because naturally aspirated V12 engines have become increasingly rare as manufacturers face tightening emissions requirements and the broader transition towards electrification.
Ferrari’s approach suggests that the future of the combustion-engine supercar does not necessarily have to be defined solely by increasing power outputs or reducing shift times. Emotional engagement can be just as important.
Ferrari 12Cilindri Manuale: What Are the Limitations?
Despite its traditional controls, the Manuale cannot replicate every aspect of a conventional manual sports car.
The electronic clutch and gear-selection system removes some of the mechanical communication between the driver and drivetrain. The unusually smooth gear engagement may feel less involving at low speeds, particularly to enthusiasts who enjoy the challenge of coordinating a traditional clutch and gearbox.
There are also practical limitations. Incorrect downshifts can still be restricted electronically, and the system does not allow clutchless power shifting in the manner of certain specialised motorsport transmissions.
As with any manual car, poor clutch technique can also cause unnecessary wear, particularly in slow-moving traffic.
Nevertheless, these limitations need to be considered in the context of the project’s purpose. Ferrari is not attempting to recreate an obsolete transmission simply for the sake of nostalgia. It is using contemporary engineering to restore a particular style of driver involvement.
For enthusiasts who value the act of changing gears, that distinction may be less important than the experience behind the wheel.
A Limited-Production Ferrari With a Bigger Message
The reported production limit of 1,499 examples and £508,000 price position the Ferrari 12Cilindri Manuale firmly in the exclusive end of the supercar market.
Its appeal will inevitably extend beyond its performance figures. Collectors are likely to be interested in its rarity, its naturally aspirated V12 and its unusual position within Ferrari’s modern history.
However, the car’s broader significance could be even more interesting.
For decades, the development of high-performance transmissions has focused on improving acceleration, reducing shift times and maximising efficiency. Dual-clutch gearboxes and increasingly sophisticated automatic systems have made conventional manuals difficult to justify in the fastest production cars.
The Manuale challenges that logic by treating the gearshift as part of the entertainment rather than merely a means of transferring power.
It also raises an intriguing question about future Ferrari models. If this electronically controlled manual-style system can be integrated into the existing transmission architecture, could similar technology eventually find its way into other powertrains, including hybrid models?
That possibility remains a matter of future development rather than a confirmed production plan. Nevertheless, the concept demonstrates that the traditional manual driving experience can still inspire new engineering solutions.
Ferrari has unveiled the new 296 GT Modificata, an extreme track-only supercar developed specifically for non-competitive events within the Ferrari Club Competizioni GT programme. Based on technology derived from the 296 GT3 Evo, the latest Ferrari “Modificata” combines a 730-cv V6 engine, racing-derived aerodynamics, upgraded brakes and a two-seat cockpit designed to let owners share the track experience with a passenger or instructor.
Presented at Ferrari Racing Days in Budapest, Hungary, the Ferrari 296 GT Modificata represents the latest evolution of Maranello’s customer-focused track cars. Built without the restrictions imposed by conventional motorsport regulations, it is designed to extract significantly more performance from Ferrari’s 2.9-liter, six-cylinder platform.
Ferrari says the 296 GT Modificata has the potential to lap the Fiorano circuit approximately three seconds faster than the 296 GT3 Evo, despite sharing the fundamental architecture of that competition car.
Ferrari 296 GT Modificata: 730 PS From a 2.9-Liter V6
At the heart of the Ferrari 296 GT Modificata is a rear-mid-mounted 2,992-cc 120-degree V6 internal-combustion engine.
The engine retains the basic architecture of the powerplant used by the 296 GT3 Evo, but Ferrari has extensively modified the hardware to increase performance. Changes include the cranktrain, camshafts, induction system, intercoolers and turbochargers.
The turbochargers retain the exterior housing geometry of the 296 GT3 Evo, while their internal components were developed specifically for the 296 GT Modificata. Ferrari also drew on engineering experience from the 499P Modificata, another customer track car created without the constraints of competition regulations.
A revised fuel system, including an additional low-pressure pump, supports the engine’s increased fuel-flow requirements.
The result is 730 cv, equivalent to 537 kW, at 7,500 rpm.
That figure is particularly significant because it is 130 cv more than the 296 GT3 Evo produces. The race car is restricted by Balance of Performance regulations, while the 296 GT Modificata is free from those limitations.
Ferrari quotes a specific output of 244 cv per liter, or 179 kW/l, making the V6 one of the most highly developed engines in the company’s customer racing portfolio.
A Six-Speed Sequential Gearbox Developed for the Track
The engine is paired with a six-speed sequential transmission featuring a carbon clutch.
Ferrari has revised the transmission ratios specifically for the 296 GT Modificata. The objective is to exploit the engine’s expanded operating range and deliver stronger performance during non-competitive track driving.
Unlike a road car, where gearing has to accommodate a wide variety of everyday driving conditions, the 296 GT Modificata is engineered around circuit performance. That allows Ferrari to optimize the drivetrain for acceleration, response and driver engagement on a race track.
The exhaust system is also completely new, with redesigned tailpipes forming part of the car’s distinctive technical and visual character.
Ferrari 296 GT Modificata Aerodynamics
The biggest visual changes compared with the 296 GT3 Evo are found at the front and rear of the car.
Ferrari has developed bespoke aerodynamic solutions around two critical areas: the front wing and bonnet, and the rear wing.
At the front, the 296 GT Modificata receives what Ferrari calls a “Slotted Splitter.” Its purpose is to improve airflow management underneath the car while increasing the overall downforce generated by the bodywork.
The front bonnet has also been redesigned.
Because the 730-cv engine generates greater thermal loads, Ferrari needed to improve cooling capacity. The new bonnet features a larger main opening and a dedicated vane designed to redirect hot air exiting the central front radiator.
This helps prevent unwanted interaction with the lateral intercoolers.
Ferrari has also redesigned the vent located near the base of the windshield to improve thermal management beneath the front bodywork.
New Rear Wing Inspired by the Ferrari 499P
The rear of the Ferrari 296 GT Modificata features a completely new aerodynamic architecture.
The rear wing incorporates a new central support, a 5-mm Gurney flap and endplates inspired by the Ferrari 499P.
The endplates perform a structural function but also help control the vortices generated around the wing. That becomes increasingly important as aerodynamic load increases.
The combination of the redesigned front splitter, revised bodywork and new rear wing gives the 296 GT Modificata a significantly more aggressive aerodynamic package than the standard road-going 296 family.
Most importantly, Ferrari has engineered the system to maintain aerodynamic balance while increasing downforce.
Upgraded Ferrari 296 GT Modificata Brakes
Extra engine performance and aerodynamic capability require equally significant improvements to braking performance.
The Ferrari 296 GT Modificata therefore uses an evolution of the braking system developed for the 296 GT3 Evo and 296 GT3 Biposto.
At the front are new steel brake discs with improved ventilation and greater cooling capacity.
An additional air intake positioned in the lower section of the front bumper increases the volume of air directed toward the braking system. Ferrari has also optimized the brake cooling ducts to improve airflow efficiency.
The result is better thermal management during extended track sessions.
That matters particularly on circuits where repeated heavy braking can quickly increase temperatures. Ferrari says the revised system is intended to provide more consistent braking performance and improved reliability, allowing drivers to exploit the car’s performance for longer periods.
ABS Designed for Drivers of Different Skill Levels
Despite its extreme performance, the Ferrari 296 GT Modificata is not intended exclusively for professional racing drivers.
The car features an ABS system derived from the technology used on its GT3 counterpart, but calibrated specifically for this application.
The objective is to make the car’s performance more accessible across different levels of driving experience while maintaining the performance required for extended circuit use.
That philosophy is important because the 296 GT Modificata is part of Ferrari’s customer-focused track programme rather than a conventional competition car.
Two Seats Make the 296 GT Modificata Different
One of the most interesting aspects of the Ferrari 296 GT Modificata is its two-seat configuration.
Ferrari modified the roll-bar structure to accommodate a passenger seat alongside the driver.
That allows owners to share the experience with another person rather than treating the car exclusively as a single-seat track machine.
The second seat also makes the 296 GT Modificata particularly suitable for driver coaching. An instructor can ride alongside the owner during track sessions and provide immediate feedback.
Ferrari has fitted the passenger side with a dedicated footrest, while an integrated intercom system allows continuous communication between driver and passenger.
For a customer-focused track car, that is a significant advantage. The 296 GT Modificata is not simply designed to deliver lap times; it is also intended to help its owner become a better driver.
Track Technology Included as Standard
Ferrari has equipped the 296 GT Modificata with a substantial amount of equipment that is normally available as optional hardware on the 296 GT3 Evo.
The standard specification includes the Data Acquisition System in Step 1 and Step 2 configurations.
That system adds sensors including pitot tubes for measuring airspeed, damper potentiometers and brake-temperature sensors.
The car also receives VideoBox Premium, allowing drivers to record their track sessions and review their performance with a coach.
Other standard equipment includes Rear Camera Premium and the IRTPMS Step 2 system for monitoring tire pressure and temperature.
The specification also includes a carbon clutch, professional seat harnesses and the “extra fan” function designed to improve cockpit cooling.
Additional equipment can be ordered from Ferrari, including a rear radar system capable of warning the driver about faster vehicles approaching from behind.
Owners can also select the color scheme of the car’s livery from Ferrari’s Design Studio palette.
Built for Ferrari Club Competizioni GT
The Ferrari 296 GT Modificata is designed from the outset for participation in the Club Competizioni GT programme.
This means owners are not buying a conventional road car that has been modified for occasional track use. Instead, the car is engineered specifically around the experience of driving on a circuit.
It is also produced in extremely limited numbers, reinforcing its position as a highly exclusive Ferrari customer-racing product.
The absence of competition regulations gives Ferrari’s engineers considerably greater freedom. There is no requirement to conform to the Balance of Performance restrictions that apply to the 296 GT3 Evo.
That freedom is one of the fundamental reasons why the 296 GT Modificata can produce 730 cv.
Why the Ferrari 296 GT Modificata Is Faster Than the 296 GT3 Evo
The most striking claim surrounding the new Ferrari is its potential performance advantage over the 296 GT3 Evo.
Ferrari estimates that the 296 GT Modificata can lap the Fiorano circuit approximately three seconds faster than the 296 GT3 Evo.
That may sound surprising given that the 296 GT3 Evo is a purpose-built racing machine, but the difference is explained by the regulations.
The GT3 car must comply with FIA GT3 regulations and Balance of Performance requirements. The 296 GT Modificata does not.
Ferrari can therefore increase engine output, optimize aerodynamic performance and tailor the drivetrain specifically for unrestricted customer track use.
The result is a machine that takes technology developed for Ferrari’s racing programmes and removes many of the restrictions that competition requires.
The Meaning Behind “296 GT Modificata”
The name itself provides a concise explanation of Ferrari’s philosophy.
“296” refers to the engine’s 2.9-liter displacement and six-cylinder configuration.
“GT” identifies the car’s grand touring and racing lineage.
“Modificata” describes Ferrari’s tradition of taking an existing platform and introducing extensive modifications designed to push performance beyond the original specification.
The concept is particularly important for Ferrari’s track-only cars because these machines are not constrained by the same technical regulations as competition vehicles.
Ferrari’s Modificata Tradition
The 296 GT Modificata is not the first Ferrari to carry the name.
The modern lineage began with the 488 GT Modificata, introduced in 2020. That car brought together technology and experience developed through the Ferrari 488 GT3 and 488 GTE competition programmes in a track-only package for customers.
Ferrari followed it with the 499P Modificata in 2023.
The 499P Modificata was derived from the 499P Sport Prototype that competed in the FIA World Endurance Championship and won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2023, 2024 and 2025. The 499P programme also brought the World Endurance Championship overall constructors’ and drivers’ titles back to Maranello in 2025.
The origins of the Modificata name go back considerably further.
The Ferrari 512 M Started It All
Ferrari’s first “Modificata” was the 512 M, introduced in 1970 as an evolution of the 512 S.
The 512 M featured a lighter construction, more powerful V12 engine and revised aerodynamic bodywork. Its engine produced 610 cv, equivalent to 449 kW.
The car made its debut at the Zeltweg circuit before competing in the 1971 Manufacturers’ World Championship.
Ferrari subsequently extended the Modificata designation to road cars.
The F512 M appeared in 1994, followed by the 456M GT in 1998, the 575M Maranello in 2002 and the Portofino M in 2020.
Those cars were road legal, but they followed the same basic philosophy: take an established Ferrari model and introduce meaningful technical and performance upgrades.
The 296 GT Modificata takes that idea back to the extreme end of the spectrum.
