Rock legend and renowned car enthusiast Sammy Hagar’s plans to auction his prized 2015 Ferrari LaFerrari at the upcoming Barrett-Jackson winter event in Scottsdale, Arizona, have encountered an unexpected delay. The auction, initially scheduled for next week, has been postponed due to a crucial battery replacement needed for the vehicle.
This rare Italian supercar, a gem in Hagar’s impressive collection, combines a powerful V12 gas engine with pioneering electric motors, making it the first of its kind from Ferrari’s Maranello factory. The hybrid engine of the LaFerrari, boasting an impressive 950 horsepower, allows it to accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in a mere 2.5 seconds. However, a comprehensive inspection revealed that the car’s specialized battery was nearing the end of its eight-year lifespan. Unfortunately, a replacement battery could not be sourced in time for the original auction date.
The LaFerrari, which had a retail price of around $1.4 million, is now set to be a highlight of the Barrett-Jackson auction in mid-October, coinciding with Hagar’s 77th birthday. Hagar, along with Barrett-Jackson CEO Craig Jackson, who announced the sale back in November, are hopeful that this special edition with its unique color scheme will fetch a record-breaking price, potentially nearing $5 million. The car’s celebrity status is enhanced by its ownership history and the recent purchase of a similar model by British singer Rod Stewart.
In a statement, Hagar expressed his desire to ensure the next owner receives a flawless supercar experience, emphasizing the LaFerrari’s exceptional design and exhilarating performance. Although the auction is delayed, attendees at this weekend’s event will still have the opportunity to admire this masterpiece, as it will be showcased at Sammy’s Beach Bar in the South Hall of WestWorld, the event’s venue in Scottsdale.
Sammy Hagar, also known as “The Red Rocker,” has a long-standing passion for high-performance vehicles. His car collection, amassed since his early days as a solo artist, includes a variety of models from American muscle cars like Ford to German-engineered BMWs. However, Ferraris hold a special place in his heart, a passion ignited after witnessing J. Geils of the J. Geils Band in one. Among these, the 2015 LaFerrari stands out as the crown jewel.
Interestingly, Hagar’s love for fast cars played a pivotal role in his career, particularly in joining the legendary band Van Halen. A chance encounter at an auto mechanic shared with Eddie Van Halen led to Hagar being recruited as the band’s singer, marking a significant milestone in his music career.
The postponement of the auction of Hagar’s LaFerrari, while a setback, only adds to the anticipation and potential value of this extraordinary vehicle, combining celebrity provenance with unparalleled automotive excellence.