Ralph Lauren’s Elusive Yellow Ferrari F50 Surfaces After 20 Years Off the Radar

After 20 years of speculation about its whereabouts, a rare yellow Ferrari F50––one of just two US-spec examples and formerly owned by fashion icon Ralph Lauren––is headed to auction with RM Sotheby’s during Monterey Car Week 2025.

• RM Sotheby’s first announced car heading to Monterey Car Week is the striking yellow Ferrari F50, once owned by Ralph Lauren and unseen for nearly two decades.
• One of just two US-spec Ferrari F50s delivered in Giallo Modena and last seen publicly in 2009 at the Cavallino Classic; the car has remained in private ownership, showing just 5,300 miles.
• Certified by Ferrari Classiche, this F50 remains fully numbers-matching and original throughout.
• As values surge for Ferrari Halo cars, the F50 is emerging as a top-tier collectible—this example checks every box: rarity, provenance, and condition.
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• For a full description, click here

MONTEREY, CA – April 16, 2025 – (Motor Sports NewsWire)  – RM Sotheby’s opens its Monterey 2025 offerings with a high-profile consignment: the ex-Ralph Lauren Ferrari F50, finished in ultra-rare Giallo Modena. Just two US-spec examples were delivered in this color, and only four non-red F50s were ever sold new in the States. Its reappearance ends years of speculation—and now, the chance to own this legendary F50 awaits a new custodian at Monterey Car Week 2025. (Estimate: 6,500,000 – 7,500,000).

Originally ordered by Ralph Lauren, this Ferrari F50 remained in his collection until 2003, when it was sold via Ferrari of Washington to its current owner. It has since remained in single enthusiast ownership, quietly preserved for 22 years, with a brief public showing at the Cavallino Classic in 2009.

“The Ferrari F50 is quickly becoming one of the most collectible road cars of all time,” says Zach Oller, Car Specialist at RM Sotheby’s. “In the world of collector cars, multiple factors influence desirability—rarity, provenance, and the badge itself. And when you’re talking about Ferrari, those details matter even more. This car checks every box. The spec is exceptional: finished in ultra-rare Giallo Modena, one of only two US-delivered F50s in yellow. The provenance is unmatched—it was owned by Ralph Lauren. And in terms of condition, it’s one of the finest examples known to exist. This is the kind of car that rarely surfaces—and when it does, the entire collector world takes notice.”

As values for Ferrari’s original “Big Five” supercars—288 GTO, F40, F50, Enzo, and LaFerrari—continue to rise, the F50 has emerged as a standout. It marks the end of an era: Ferrari’s last naturally aspirated, open-top, manual-transmission supercar developed with direct F1 lineage. For collectors seeking rarity, provenance, and emotional driving connection, this is one of the most compelling modern Ferraris to come to market in years.

Built to celebrate Ferrari’s 50th anniversary, the F50 was designed as a roadgoing Formula One car, featuring a 4.7-liter V12 derived from Ferrari’s 1990 F1 engine. With a carbon fiber monocoque, six-speed manual, and removable hardtop, it remains a purist’s dream. Of the 349 produced, only 55 were US-spec—and just a handful came in anything but red. This Giallo Modena example is believed to be one of only four great non-red US cars, making it among the rarest and most desirable F50s in existence.

Certified by Ferrari Classiche, this F50 remains fully numbers-matching and original throughout. It shows just 5,300 miles, has recently received a fresh service, and will be offered with its original books, leather folio, and flashlight, underscoring its pristine condition and completeness.

About RM Sotheby’s

RM Sotheby’s is the world’s largest collector car auction house by total sales. With over 45 years of proven results in the collector car industry, RM’s vertically integrated range of services, from auctions (live and online) and private sales to estate planning and financial services, coupled with an expert team of Car Specialists and an international footprint, provide an unsurpassed level of service to the global collector car market. RM Sotheby’s is currently responsible for six of the top ten most valuable motor cars ever sold at auction. 

Source: RM Sotheby’s

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