The identity of the buyer of the first electric Ferrari, the Chassis 0 model, for 40 million USD at Monterey Car Week, has been revealed. Herbert "Herbie" Wertheim, 87, surprised many as he is not a professional car collector.
Initially valued at approximately 1,1 million USD, the electric Ferrari Luce unexpectedly reached 40 million USD due to the bid from the billionaire, who commands a fortune of 4,6 billion USD. He is behind two of the most expensive modern Ferrari purchases in history.
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Herbert "Herbie" Wertheim with the Ferrari Luce electric supercar he recently acquired for 40 million USD. Photo: Autoappassionati
Nearly 70 million USD for two Ferraris
In 2025, also at this event, Wertheim spent 26 million USD to acquire the Ferrari Daytona SP3 Tailor Made "599+1". This unique model set a record at the time as the most expensive modern car ever sold at auction, before he broke his own record with the 40 million USD bid for the Luce.
Despite spending tens of millions of USD on supercars, Wertheim is not widely known among car enthusiasts, and his collection is rarely disclosed. The billionaire appeared with a Ferrari Purosangue at the Cavalcade 2026 event. His Florida estate, purchased in late 2025 for 61,75 million USD, is believed to feature an air-conditioned garage capable of housing over 13 cars.
Career in eyewear and stocks
Born in Philadelphia in 1939 to a working-class family, Wertheim served in the US Navy before transitioning to visual science. In the late 1960s, his research into the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays on the eyes led to the development of UV-absorbing dyes for eyeglass lenses.
He founded Brain Power Incorporated, a company specializing in optical products. Additionally, Wertheim invested in the stock market for decades, notably making early investments in major technology corporations. This strategy helped him build a multi-billion dollar fortune, much of which has been dedicated to philanthropic activities. His name is now associated with numerous universities and medical facilities across the US, following donations totaling tens and hundreds of millions of USD.
The purpose behind the 40 million USD transaction
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Herbert Wertheim (left) receives his Ferrari Daytona SP3 Tailor Made in 2025. Standing with him is Ferrari's senior vice president, Enrico Galliera. Photo: Ferrari
The 40 million USD for the electric Ferrari carries a deeper meaning. Similar to the 2025 Daytona SP3 auction, all proceeds from the sale of the Luce will go to the Ferrari Foundation to fund educational initiatives.
In other words, Wertheim did not simply spend 40 million USD to buy an electric car with a real value only a fraction of that amount. For someone accustomed to record-breaking donations, this auction represents another act of philanthropy, securing him a unique Ferrari model.
In two consecutive years, the billionaire spent 66 million USD with Ferrari to acquire two one-of-a-kind cars through charity auctions. Although not originally a car collector, Herbert Wertheim has become one of the Italian automaker's most distinctive clients.
My Anh (according to ItalPassion)
