Former Formula One Superstar Michael Schumacher (Photo : Reuters)
Formula One Legend Michael Schumacher's signature has always been worth a lot. However, a Ferrari FXX that's going into an auction with his signature, is selling for much lower than its original list price.
According to Motor Authority, a Ferrari FXX, which was built in 2006, is going into auction this month with a starting price of only U.S. $2.3 million. That amount may sound hefty, but it is $700 less than the original $3 million price tag that it held back when it was first sold.
This particular Ferrari FXX has been driven for only 1,500 miles and has only one previous owner, who bought it directly from Ferrari back in 2007. With Schumacher's signature on it, the price should have gone up instead of down.
However, this isn't just any other Ferrari supercar. It is part of the Ferrari FXX program, a special scheme started by world-famous Italian car manufacturer back in 2006. The program essentially allows buyers to become test drivers. The program is designed to appeal towards the most passionate car enthusiasts, who would work hand-in-hand with Ferrari in developing motorsport technology.
According to the program description on Ferrari's website, the cars are meant to be driven only on race tracks. The owners are invited to special events organized by Ferrari in various European professional tracks. While there, the owners will receive assistance from a team of mechanics, engineers and professional drivers, who will help them get the most out of the experience and record their feedback.
This particular Ferrari FXX, which will be going into auction, does not include any of the program's benefits, hence the lower price tag. It is numbered 29 out of the 30 FXX units that were produced.
Motor Authority also reported that the 30th car was made specifically for Michael Schumacher and is the only one out of the 30 that is in black. Nicknamed the "Black Beauty," the car has also been put up for sale just over a month ago. Another one of Schumacher's cars, an Enzo, was put up for sale along with it.
Unfortunately, Schumacher currently unable to drive the high-powered vehicles that he previously controlled masterfully on the roads. In fact, he may never be in any condition to be behind the wheel of any motor vehicle ever again. The former Formula One driver has been recovering at home after coming out of a coma a year ago. He fell into a coma following a ski accident back in December 2013.
Very little is known about his current condition except for occasional updates stating that he is steadily improving but is far from reaching a full recovery.
The auction for the Ferrari FXX 29/30 will take place in Berlin, Germany, on Sept.26.
