Ferrari’s first-ever production electric car, the Luce, has sold for $40m (£29.5m) at auction despite a controversial reception to the model following its launch.

The 2026 Ferrari Luce “Tailor Made” was sold at an RM Sotheby’s auction in Monterey, California, over the weekend.

Ferrari described the sale as an “unrepeatable opportunity” to acquire the “Chassis 0” of the first production model of the Ferrari Luce programme.

GB News on Monday reported that the Italian supercar manufacturer said proceeds from the auction would be donated to benefit future educational initiatives through the Ferrari Foundation.

The vehicle, which was built to US specifications, will return to Maranello, Italy, and is scheduled to be delivered to its anonymous buyer in the first quarter of 2027.

Its exterior features an exclusive Madreperla Semi-Gloss finish developed specifically for the car, while the interior was created through Ferrari’s Tailor Made programme and includes Le Mans metallic leather in Perla.

Given its status as the first production chassis of the Ferrari Luce, the vehicle has also been fitted with a dedicated plaque.

Ferrari described the “Chassis 0” as “one of the most complete and significant expressions” of the Ferrari Tailor Made programme.

The auction came after the Luce faced criticism from some experts and enthusiasts over its design and specifications following its launch.

The electric model was designed by Sir Jony Ive, who worked alongside Marc Newson and his LoveFrom collective.

The Luce is expected to have an electric range of 329 miles, a 0-100km/h time of 2.5 seconds and a maximum total power output of 1050 cv.

It will be fitted with a 122kWh battery, four electric engines and a bespoke technical platform.

Prices for the Luce are expected to start from €550,000, or around £470,000.

The auction came after the Luce faced criticism from some experts and enthusiasts over its design and specifications following its launch.

The electric model was designed by Sir Jony Ive, who worked alongside Marc Newson and his LoveFrom collective.

The Luce is expected to have an electric range of 329 miles, a 0-100km/h time of 2.5 seconds and a maximum total power output of 1050 cv.

It will be fitted with a 122kWh battery, four electric engines and a bespoke technical platform.

Prices for the Luce are expected to start from €550,000, or around £470,000.

Former Ferrari chairman Luca di Montezemolo criticised the move into electric vehicles, saying the Luce “risked the destruction of a legend”.