There are cars so rare and so steeped in history that no amount of money, even nine figures, is enough to convince their owner to part with them. That's exactly what happened at Monterey Car Week in California, where discreet collector Arthur Zafiropoulo turned down an astronomical offer of $100 million for his Ferrari F50 GT.
The scene that was to become an automotive legend took place in the prestigious setting of The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, one of the week's most refined events. There, under the fascinated gaze of enthusiasts and experts, the Ferrari F50 GT chassis number 001 was crowned "Best of Show". But the real surprise came behind the scenes: a record proposal, which would have shattered all known transactions in the world. Ferrariwas rebuffed with a simple "no, thank you".
The F50 GT, the Ferrari we'll never see again
It has to be said that this F50 GT is not a Ferrari like all the others. Built in 1996 to take on the McLaren F1 GTR in the GT1 class, it was never able to race due to a change in the regulations which led Ferrari to abandon the program in 1997.
Only three cars saw the light of day (compared with the six initially planned). And of these, only one was assembled entirely in Maranello by Ferrari: chassis 001, the Zafiropoulo chassis. The other two (002 and 003) were completed by Michelotto, using existing parts. In other words, F50 GT number 001 is a unique jewel, the pinnacle of this legendary trilogy.
Under its hood, a 4.7-liter V12 engine derived from F1, capable of climbing to 10,500 rpm to deliver almost 750 hp. Its radical design, marked by carbon-fiber bodywork, an imposing spoiler, a massive diffuser, a roof with air intake and black Speedline wheels, makes it one of the most extreme Ferraris ever built.
A refusal that goes down in history
Arthur Zafiropoulo, its sole owner for almost three decades, has always been keen to preserve this piece of history. His attachment defied all financial logic. For this $100 million bid would have set an all-time record, eclipsing the Ferrari 250 GTO sold for $70 million in 2018.
This refusal reminds us of a truth that all enthusiasts know: the rarest Ferraris are priceless. As long as Zafiropoulo remains at the wheel, this F50 GT will continue to embody what many call the "Holy Grail" of modern supercars.
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