The Enzo project charged Ferrari’s engineers to create a driving experience and interface inextricably connected to the Formula One cars. They accomplished the task by fitting the Enzo with a 660-hp, 6,262-cc, V12 engine with Bosch Motronic integrated digital electronic fuel injection, a six-speed paddle-shift transmission, carbon ceramic brakes, and a shriek that can be heard a county away.
Using the Enzo as its base, the FXX took the concept to another level. Powered by an uprated 6.3-liter variant of the Enzo V12, the FXX was rated at 790 horsepower, and its upgraded aerodynamics package increased the top speed to 227 mph. To control the power, the FXX utilized an even faster-shifting Formula One transmission aimed solely at closed course use.
The FXX featured integrated data monitoring telemetry and a “Big Brother” system to collect data every time a FXX rolls onto a track. The data is used to monitor the FXX’s systems—and also to improve Ferrari street and race cars. Thirty clients were selected to purchase and drive FXXs in Ferrari-organized events, with every rolling minute recorded by Big Brother.
The acquired data found that the FXX itself could be improved, and owners were encouraged to have Ferrari upgrade their cars to Evoluzione specs. The upgrade moved the horsepower up to 860 hp, moved the shift time down to 60 milliseconds, and the curb weight down to just over 2,500 pounds. Zero to 60 came down to a nearly unbeatable 2.8 seconds, making the FXX Ferrari’s most advanced GT car ever. Virtually no part of the FXX was left untouched by the Evoluzione kit. A new traction-control system was fitted, along with new, longer-life Brembo brakes with ceramic discs, and a new rear diffuser with rear flaps.
This FXX offered here had just one owner and participated in only three Ferrari events. At one event, the car suffered a minor off. It was returned to Ferrari’s Corse Clienti division, where it was repaired to perfection and upgraded to Evoluzione specifications. Included with the FXX are the Technical Documentation manual, two sets of wheels and the official FXX Programme container, which holds the fueling rig, data acquisition instrumentation, tools, electronic cables and other equipment necessary to run this very sophisticated racing car.
There are very limited opportunities to purchase an FXX. The original 38 FXX owners were all hand-picked by Ferrari as dedicated Ferrari clients and enthusiasts. Changes in ownership are rare. This car offers the best of FXX ownership: Evoluzione upgrades, limited use, and maintenance by the high-end, race-winning outfit of Risi Competizione.
SCM Analysis
Detailing
| Vehicle: | 2007 Ferrari FXX Evoluzione |
| Years Produced: | 2005-2008 |
| Number Produced: | 38 |
| Original List Price: | $2,000,000 |
| SCM Valuation: | $1.8m-$2.2m |
| Tune Up Cost: | Starts at $3,000 and can go up dramatically from there. |
| Chassis Number Location: | Front compartment over the steering column near the windshield |
| Engine Number Location: | In the V between heads |
| Club Info: | Ferrari Club of America, P.O. Box 720597, Atlanta, GA 30358; Ferrari Owners Club, 8642 Cleta St., Downey, CA 90241 |
| Website: | http://www.ferrariclubofamerica.org |
| Alternatives: | Maserati MC 12 Versione Corse, Ferrari Enzo, Lotus Exos Type 125 |
This car, Lot 365, sold for $1,925,000 at RM’s Sports and Classics of Monterey on August 14, 2010.
The FXX was—and still is—the most expensive new model ever sold by Ferrari. The lust factor is in the stratosphere, and the list of owners is a Who’s Who of the Ferrari world. It’s one of the most high-profile modern Ferraris, but valuing one is not as easy as one may think.
Ferrari marketed the FXX as the FXX Programme rather than just a car. The pitch was, “The FXX programme pairs the Prancing Horse’s most loyal, passionate clients with an extreme car designed to act as a blistering-fast test bed for Ferrari’s development ideas on the world’s top international circuits.” I suspect the “test bed” worked best testing for deep pockets, but the rest of the program was a brilliant idea. Very rich guys travel the world with other very rich guys to drive the ultimate club racers—while being pampered with concierge service from the Formula One side of the factory. They can sign me up for that one.
Playing is more fun with others
The process of buying an FXX involved applying to Ferrari and waiting for approval. Former college debate team experience didn’t help here, as Ferrari looked for the clients that were so into Ferraris that their dealer could write their resumes for them.
The ability to write a $2m check was an obvious priority, but a close second was a willingness to participate in the FXX Programme. Playing with a toy is always more fun when done with others, so the success of the program depended on the excitement generated by the owners actually attending and using their cars at the events. Ferrari shrewdly accomplished their goal by including in the price of the car storage in a special room at the Ferrari factory, vehicle transportation and Ferrari’s Corse Clienti support for a limited number of events—and weekends of top-shelf activities at premier international destinations.
Fuel for the owner’s G5 and most other expenses came out of the owner’s pocket, but this was one of those times that if cost matters, well, you’re at the wrong rodeo.
Always someone willing to pay
An important part of the appeal of an FXX is the FXX Programme and that’s the dilemma. It is understandable that an owner might pay big dollars to be met at the factory gate on short notice by someone who knows them by name, but does an FXX have the same value when it’s in a garage in Ohio, and the owner’s reaping no benefits from the FXX Programme?
The FXX Programme was originally announced as a two-year program. It’s been extended and is still active. However, Ferrari is in the business of selling cars, and with all the FXXs now sold, the 599XX is the current flavor of the month. In fact, 599XXs outnumbered FXXs at recent events. Soon, more FXXs will live in the owners’ garages than in factory storage. The FXX is on the edge of being too complicated to run without professional support, so running on club track days is iffy. Vintage racing is probably out as well, so what’s in the future for an FXX?
There will always be someone willing to pay for the extreme expression of Ferrari performance. Even if an FXX is never driven in anger, it is still an icon of what man can accomplish with imagination and a checkbook. Thousands of valuable cars sit in collections and never turn a wheel. Many FXXs will end up in one of these garages, probably next to an Enzo and a couple other Ferrari supercars. The stallion won’t be ridden, but it will be loved just the same.
The RM car was lightly used; however it had experienced a minor shunt. The car had the Evoluzione update and was painted in a red-and-white theme that mimicked Ferrari’s Formula 1 car livery. The hammer price was short of the pre-sale estimate of $1,800,000 to $2,400,000, but the final price of $1,925,000 put it soundly within estimate. Very few FXXs have been resold, and the market is where a buyer and seller settle, but without the perks of the FXX programme, I put this one well sold.