Overview
The speaker pursued a rare Ferrari F40 listed on Craigslist, investigated its authenticity, met with the seller, and made an earnest (if uncompetitive) offer, documenting the unique buying process and highlighting the car’s special value and backstory.
Dream Car Search and Discovery
- The Ferrari F40 has been a lifelong dream and ultimate goal for the speaker.
- An F40 listing was found on Craigslist, prompting skepticism about its legitimacy.
- The listed price of $5 million was notably higher than market value, suggesting a marketing tactic.
Initial Contact and Seller Details
- Speaker called the seller, confirmed the car was real, and arranged a meeting.
- The car was being sold via a court-ordered process with a strict deadline.
- Marketing on Craigslist was chosen for broad exposure under a constrained timeline.
Inspection and Car Details
- The physical meeting was arranged at a neutral location before being led to the car.
- The F40 was described as exceptionally clean and well-maintained, with only 7,430 miles.
- The car had five prior owners, perfect maintenance records, was unmodified, and came with original documents and tool kit.
- The current owner had driven it minimally and maintained it through a reputable Ferrari dealer.
Sales Process and Auction Information
- Sale is court-mandated, with the final auction at 1 p.m. on August 12 in Santa Barbara or via Zoom.
- Minimum starting bid is $2,555,000 with overbidder contracts at $2.6 million.
- The seller expects Craigslist to yield the eventual buyer and has created a dedicated website for documentation and overbid applications.
Offer and Negotiation
- Speaker considered trading their Ferrari 458, Lamborghini Aventador, and home for the F40 but couldn't liquidate assets quickly enough to qualify.
- The real minimum bid exceeded the value of the assets offered.
Reflection and Personal Notes
- The seller’s family was described as kind and resilient, facing forced sale due to circumstance.
- The speaker appreciated the experience, respected the family's privacy, and hoped to help find a buyer through exposure.
- The encounter fostered new friendships and reinforced the unpredictable nature of Craigslist finds.
Key Dates / Deadlines
- Auction for the Ferrari F40 is scheduled for August 12 at 1 p.m. in Santa Barbara or online via Zoom.
Action Items
- TBD – Speaker: Share video and information to help promote the sale before the deadline.
- TBD – Interested Buyers: Submit overbid application via the seller’s website to qualify for auction.
Questions / Follow-Ups
- Will the final sale price surpass the current high bid?
- Will the speaker attempt to participate in future similar auctions or sales?