In the already very insular world of Ferrari F50, certain configurations achieve a level of rarity that borders on the mythical. This is precisely the case with this 1996 Ferrari F50, which will soon be offered at auction by RM Sotheby’s with an estimate of between 5 and 6 million pounds sterling, or between 6 and 7 million euros. A considerable sum, but one that may not be enough to satisfy collectors’ appetites. For while the F50 is already one of the Ferrari One of the most sought-after models in modern history, this black example seems to have all the ingredients to spark a fierce bidding war. Yet this one has a different story, as it has changed color several times.
A black Ferrari F50—a privilege that's almost out of reach
When Ferrari launched the F50 in the 1990s, the Maranello-based automaker produced only 349 units. Of these, the overwhelming majority left the factory in the traditional Rosso Corsa color. The other colors are extremely rare: 31 in Giallo Modena, 8 in Rosso Barchetta, and only 4 in Argento Nürburgring. But the true legend surrounds the black F50s. Only four cars are believed to have been originally delivered in the Nero DS color.
In other words, owning a black F50 is virtually impossible. The four original examples have been jealously guarded in private collections for many years and almost never appear on the market. This rarity has prompted several owners of red F50s to have their cars repainted black in order to recapture that look, which has become legendary over time.
This model was first sold in Japan, first in red and then in white
The chassis numbered 106715 featured here today is no ordinary F50. It is the 244th unit produced by Ferrari. Although built in 1996, this car was delivered new to Japan in January 1998 through Cornes Motors in Tokyo, in red. According to Ferrari historian Marcel Massini, its first owner registered it in the Sagami region, southwest of the Japanese capital.
A few years later, the story took an unexpected turn. The F50 was spotted in the Kobe area, completely repainted white—a highly unusual transformation for such an exclusive model. At the time, this Ferrari may even have been the only white F50 in the world. But the modifications didn’t stop there. The famous Japanese tuning firm Liberty Walk fitted it with black Enkei wheels, modified the rear grille, and repainted the diffuser.
Then in red, and finally in black
In 2015, the supercar finally left Japan for the United Kingdom, where it was purchased by a collector. The car was repainted red once again. The following year, the car received Ferrari Classiche certification. The documentation confirmed that the chassis, V12 engine, transmission, and body were all original.
Shortly thereafter, the owner decided to give it its current look: an elegant black paint job. The work was entrusted to Carrozzeria Zanasi, the company that also paints the factory-built Ferrari Tailor Made models. In short, it’s hard to imagine a transformation that more closely resembles an official Ferrari job. The result is spectacular.
With fewer than 26,200 kilometers on the odometer, Ferrari Classiche certification, its original engine, and a unique appearance, this chassis (No. 106715) has everything it takes to appeal to even the most discerning collectors.
So this car was red, then white, then red again, and finally black—and even though it isn’t one of the four black F50s that rolled off the assembly line, it likely represents one of the rare opportunities to get as close as possible to one of those. Keep an eye out for it at the auction on July 16, 2026!
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