√Three LaFerrari test mules to cross auction block at Monterey Car Week

Monterey Car Week always attracts some jaw-dropping machinery, but this trio of Ferrari LaFerrari prototypes presents a rare opportunity at auction.

No less than three Ferrari LaFerrari test mules are headed to auction at Monterey Car Week in August.

The three working LaFerrari test mules are offered in addition to a Ferrari F12tdf prototype, after all were initially sold to Ferrari’s most loyal customers straight from the factory.

The Ferrari Prototype collection includes three successive LaFerrari prototypes which were used by Ferrari to help develop the hybrid LaFerrari hypercar, which debuted in 2014.

The first-phase ‘M4’ prototype was developed in 2011, and features an aluminium body based on the Ferrari 458’s ‘F142’ platform. Under the heavily disguised bodywork lies a full LaFerrari drivetrain including a 588kW V12 engine paired with a 120kW electric motor.

The entire package is painted in matte black, adorned with Pirelli graphics, and comes with removable composite panels used to confuse watchful spy photographers during development.

A second-phase prototype builds on the first by incorporating a carbon-fibre tub and various technical carbon-fibre body components.

It served as the development prototype between March 2012 and August 2013 by testing the integration of all mechanical systems.

In honing the LaFerrari’s underpinnings towards a production reality, this ‘MP1 prototype’ also uses a production-ready LaFerrari digital display within a fabricated dash layout.

The third and final LaFerrari test mule for sale is designated PS1, and is characterised by its near-identical looks to a production LaFerrari – though the half-black, half-red paint scheme does scream “unfinished”.

In any case, the PS1 test mule is visually identical to the final car and importantly features a suite of active aerodynamic systems which were used in the production model.

All three cars are Ferrari Classiche certified, meaning the Ferrari factory itself recognises them as true and original examples. Sadly, none of the prototypes can be registered for public road use, according to Mecum Auctions’ listing.

Monterey Car Week is known for high-end car events such as the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, Monterey Motorsports Reunion, and the Quail Motorsports Gathering. However, the entire week is marked by various classic car auctions that have seen some of the most expensive cars in the world sold.

In 2021 a 390-kilometre McLaren F1 sold for $AU30.3 million, while a Ferrari 250 GTO sold in 2018 for $AU71.6 million.

There are no guide prices for the Ferrari test mules, but you can bet the rarity factor and stories behind the prototypes will ensure a suitably high-end final price. The Ferraris will be sold at Mecum Auctions Monterey from 18 August 2022.

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