One-Off Ferrari 599 GTB China Sold for 1.2M Euros

The one-of-a-kind Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano HGTE China model went under the hammer yesterday at a charity gala held at the Red Gate Gallery in Beijing, managing to fetch no less than 1.2 million euros, including taxes.

According to the Italian manufacturer, the proceeds from this auction will benefit students and young teachers of Tsinghua University’s Department of Automotive Engineering, who will therefore be able to study at Italy’s Politecnico di Milano University and internship at Ferrari’s HQ.

Ferrari owners and collectors, as well as Ferrari Asia Pacific CEO Marco Mattiacci, contemporary artist Lu Hao, professors of China’s Tsinghua University Cen Zhangzhi and delegate of Politecnico di Milano University Bruno Pizzigoni, attended the gala event.

The special model has been unveiled by the seven-time Formula One champion Michael Schumacher. Speaking of the Champ, the auction also included a helmet and a model car signed by him, as well as a racing overall worn by F1 driver, Giancarlo Fisichella.

The one-off model has been hand painted by artist Lu Hao to resemble Song Dynasty Ge Yao Kai-piece porcelain of the Song Dinasty. It also has a Jade start button as well as a tachometer featuring “Xiao Zhuan” lettering, which is an ancient Chinese script (also featured in the 599 GTB Fiorano HGTE China Limited Edition).

“I feel extremely honored to be the first Chinese artist working with Ferrari,” said Lu Hao. “The creative inspiration for this unique model came from those elements of Chinese culture that have profound significance. This work embodies my understanding of the essences of Chinese culture and the Ferrari brand.”