[DigitalToday reporter Jinju Hong (홍진주)] Ferrari will put the first production vehicle of its first all-electric car, the Luce, up for auction during Monterey Car Week in the United States in August. The expected sale price is about $1.1 million, and it is expected to be a symbolic sale highlighting its rarity.

InsideEVs, an electric-vehicle news outlet, reported on July 19 local time that the car going under the hammer is the so-called Chassis 0 model, assigned the first production VIN for the Luce. As a symbolic vehicle marking the start of Ferrari's first mass-produced electric car, it is expected to be recognised as having high collectible value.

The car is not a standard mass-production specification but a one-off model jointly created by Ferrari's Tailor Made customisation programme and its design studio. It was developed around a "Light" concept and features an exclusive semi-gloss Madreperla paint along with differentiated interior and exterior design.

It is fitted with dedicated wheels and custom brake calipers. It also has a bespoke interior design featuring emblems on an optical white background, Le Mans metallic leather and Grigio Corbara accents. A separate commemorative plaque was added to distinguish it from other Luce models.

RM Sotheby's will run the auction. The auction house introduced the car as a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," and the proceeds will be donated through the Ferrari Foundation.

The high expected price is seen as reflecting a base price of $640,000 as well as the symbolism of being the first production vehicle. The Luce is also said to be difficult to secure even in its standard form, and with the added rarity of being the first production example, collectors' interest is likely to concentrate on it.

Since its unveiling, the Luce has drawn mixed reviews from Ferrari fans and the market. Despite the symbolism of being the brand's first all-electric car, controversy has continued over its design and electrification strategy, but some have also assessed it as a model presenting a new direction different from existing Ferraris.

Ferrari hopes that over the long term the Luce will establish itself as a key model accounting for about 20 percent of its total sales. The auction is expected to serve as a test case to gauge the response from the market and collectors to an ultra-high-priced bespoke model while highlighting the symbolism of its first electric car.