The maker of the most famous sports cars in the world, Ferrari promotes the exclusivity of their vehicles by using several criteria to limit the purchase of their automobiles. These standards mean that it’s not the buyer who chooses to purchase a new Ferrari; Ferrari must choose the buyer. As a result, many enthusiasts who could easily afford a Ferrari may be snubbed by the manufacturer and left feeling bitter.
A mid-17th century English proverb states, “Money Talks,” meaning that money can be of great power and influence compared to promises or words alone and that if you want someone to let you into a club, give them some money. While this principle may be valid for many businesses, it is often not the case for the exclusive group of Ferrari VIP owners.
Other than the financial means, Ferrari looks for customers who are passionate about their cars. Even for the purchase of a higher-production model, Ferrari often demands to see a history of ownership before allowing customers to buy a new one. An established relationship with a local dealer is a must. For the first-time buyer, the odds are against walking off the showroom floor with a new car.
For limited edition models, the buyer requirements are even stricter. Ferrari discourages purchases for investment purposes only. The company had a clause in the sales contract of the limited production LaFerrari Aperta giving Ferrari the right to buy back the car if the owner decides to resell it within 18 months of its purchase.
Here are seven celebrities who were banned from owning Ferraris and are thirteen VIP Ferrari owners few people know about.
20 Banned: Deadmau5 and His Purrari
Ferrari has high standards for their exotic automobiles and while the company allows some creative variations, extreme changes are frowned upon. Ferrari execs weren't happy when Deadmau5 (real name Joel Zimmerman) had his 458 Italia Purrari wrapped in a vinyl tribute to Nyan cat, with custom badges and associated floor mats exceeded the creative limits.
Ferrari sent the self-admitted button-pusher a cease and desist letter to have the custom emblems removed. The wrap was later removed, along with the customized “Purrari” badges and the car was returned to its original vanilla flavor. However, Deadmau5’s chances of making Ferrari’s exclusive VIP list any time soon are slim to none.
19 VIP: Tunku Ismail Idris, Crown Prince of Johor
Tunku Ismail Idris, Crown Prince of Johor, is the heir apparent and first in the line of succession to the throne of Johor. He and his father, the Sultan of Johor, Malaysia, have a car collection that reads like the inventory list of a large exotic car dealership. It features antiques dating back to 1890s and the latest models and luxurious exotic vehicles.
Collectively, the entire Royal Family owns more than 500 cars that were accumulated over three generations. A sports car enthusiast, all the prince’s cars carry the same license plate “TMJ.” Tunku Ismail is believed to be the first person from Malaysia to take delivery of a distinctly-colored and rare hypercar LaFerrari. No doubt, his is the only one in purple.
18 Banned: Rapper Tyga Plagued with Car Problems
According to documents obtained by tabloid news website TMZ, a rental car company claimed Tyga leased a 2012 Rolls-Royce Ghost and a 2012 Ferrari 458 Spider back in 2016 but stopped making payments before the lease ended. Both vehicles were repossessed but the rental car company reports Tyga still owes nearly $45,000 on the Ferrari and more than $84,000 on the Rolls.
The company has attempted to collect the debt several times but Tyga refused payment, so now they’re suing him for the full amount plus attorney fees along with interest. While these reports may be exaggerated, Ferrari executives certainly won’t consider Tyga the ideal candidate for their exclusive group.
17 VIP: Jay Kay, Jamiroquai Lead Singer
To qualify for Ferrari’s exclusive VIP list and gain the right to purchase a limited-production supercar like the LaFerrari, an owner must be almost obsessive about Ferrari automobiles and own several models. Jay Kay, lead singer of the jazz-funk band Jamiroquai, is the owner of more than 50 rare cars, including a Ferrari 365 GT4 Berlinetta Boxer, a Ferrari Enzo, and a LaFerrari.
Kay says he lives and breathes cars. He can even remember the plate numbers of cars he once owned but has long since sold. While many car collectors employ specialists to manage their collection and search for investment opportunities, Kay does it all himself, reading car magazines religiously.
16 Banned: Chris Harris, Top Gear
In 2011, Chris Harris wrote a less than complimentary blog post for Jalopnik entitled “How Ferrari Spins.” In the article, he claimed that Ferrari optimized test cars to ensure excellent results in magazine performance tests. Although it may be a common practice by most car manufacturers, Ferrari executives were not pleased with Harris’ assertions.
The company banned Harris and took him off their list, giornalisti che possono prendere in prestito un'auto (journalists entitled to loaner cars). Regardless of building a reputation amongst Ferrari enthusiasts with his online videos, Harris from driving the brand's cars for several years. It is unlikely the company will ask Harris to purchase any new limited-edition vehicles.
15 VIP: Robert Herjavec, Shark Tank Ferrari Fan
Croatian-born businessman Robert Herjavec, who made a fortune in Internet security and more recently has become famous starring on ABC's Shark Tank, is considered one of the best Ferrari customers in the world. His Ferrari collection includes a 2013 FF, a 1986 Testarossa, a 2012 GTO, a 2011 458 Italia, a 2013 599 Aperta, an F12 Berlinetta, and others.
Herjavec said about Ferrari’s selective buyer process: “[It] rewards people that are true to the brand and a part of it and understand the car for what it is. You don't see people buying a LaFerrari and saying 'yeah, it's okay.'" Herjavec says a true Ferrari enthusiast appreciates the vehicle as a work of art, "Every owner understands the passion and drive behind the car."
14 Banned: David Lee Never Gives Up
David Lee seemed to be the ideal candidate for Ferrari’s exclusive VIP list of individuals invited to purchase their limited-edition supercars. The multimillionaire watch and jewelry entrepreneur already owns a garage full of Ferraris—many bought directly from the factory—as part of his $50-million car collection.
He had established a close relationship with a powerful Southern California Ferrari dealer. He attended the Ferrari driving school and visited the Ferrari factory in Italy. His collection included restored vintage Ferraris which he had displayed at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance and other exclusive concourse events. However, Ferrari turned him down.
But David Lee continues to campaign. He said, “I didn't want to play the game. But there's no other way to get into the queue.”
13 VIP: Ian Poulter, Professional Golfer
Professional golfer Ian Poulter has ranked as high as the fifth best in the world but he may be more famous for the outrageous outfits he wears on the golf course. He is also known for his Ferrari collection, which includes all five of the greatest Ferrari cars ever made: the 288 GTO, F40, F50, Enzo, and LaFerrari. He purchased his limited edition 458 Speciale Aperta and LaFerrari on a visit to Maranello in 2015.
Poulter is so passionate about Ferrari that he lamented selling one of his collection to fellow professional golfer Rory McIlroy. “When you see your old love in the car park... and miss it... This F12 was awesome…” Perhaps he lost a friendly bet on the golf course: the winner gets to buy one of the other’s Ferraris.
12 Banned: Bill Ceno, Web Designer
Bill Ceno has owned four limited-edition Ferraris which he purchased second hand. Although he paid nearly double the original list price when the new LaFerrari Aperta was announced, Ferrari excluded him from the list of clients invited to buy the convertible version of the hypercar.
Ceno contends that acquiring a car like the LaFerrari isn’t easy and usually requires a long relationship with a Ferrari dealer as an absolute minimum. A visit to Ferrari’s factory in Maranello helps and celebrities seem to get special privileges. Ceno says he will still buy Ferraris, but he prefers buying the cars used rather than having to deal with the “politics” of acquiring a new limited-edition.
11 VIP: Gordon Ramsay Cooks and Drives Ferraris
Gordon Ramsay may be a renowned chef and TV personality famous for his cooking and his selection of colorful adjectives when berating his sous-chefs but he is also well-known for his excellent taste in automobiles. He loves Ferraris! His collection features an F12tdf painted in Bianco Fuji and a Grigio Silverstone LaFerrari, among others.
Ramsay has made several appearances on the motoring television series Top Gear and during one show, he announced that he was chosen to buy one of the 499 limited-edition LaFerrari Apertas. Ferrari executives may not be interested in the exquisite gourmet dishes Ramsay creates (they have their own delicious pasta recipes) but they obviously value him as a customer.
10 Banned: Preston Henn, Former Racing Driver
Former racing driver, entrepreneur and multi-millionaire Preston Henn collected Ferraris for decades and would seem to be the ideal candidate for the purchase of the limited edition LaFerrari Aperta. However, after mailing a $1 million down payment check directly to Ferrari chairman Sergio Marchionne as a commitment, Ferrari executives informed Henn that he was “not qualified” to acquire the Aperta.
Henn, who owned more than 18 different Ferraris, including a Formula One car driven by Michael Schumacher and one of only three 275 GTB/C 6885 Speciale models ever built, was offended by the rebuttal. Henn claimed Ferrari had damaged his reputation, so he attempted to sue the manufacturer for more than $75,000 (his legal team later withdrew the lawsuit).
9 VIP: Chris Evan's Ferrari 250GT California
Although Chris Evan’s stint as host on Top Gear was short-lived, in his prior appearances he had already revealed his love of cars and passion for Ferraris. During one episode, Evans told presenter Jeremy Clarkson about his staggering collection of vehicles, most of which were Ferraris, including nameplates like 275 GTB, GT Lusso, 458 Speciale, 250 GTO, 250, TR61, 365 GTS, and 599.
Perhaps one of his most prized possessions is the 1961 Ferrari 250 GT California that Evans let James May drive during one segment. The car, valued at more than $7 million, was owned by James Coburn and Steve McQueen. Evans later gave five fans a ride in his LaFerrari as he piloted it around the Top Gear test track for a fee of nearly $1,700 (donated to a local charity, of course).
8 Banned: Ferrari Employees
Despite their price tag, Ferraris are some of the most sought-after supercars in the exotic and high-performance car market today. With demand far exceeding the supply, executives at Ferrari count every car in their limited production as a potential purchase for a passionate, loyal, and wealthy enthusiast.
If employees could use their employee discount to purchase a new car, then clients would have to wait for months or years to get their model—for which they pay list price—and it would reflect poorly on the company. The only exceptions are Formula One drivers but they must pay the full price for their cars. Working for Ferrari has its rewards and benefits but a discount on a new car is not one of them.
7 VIP: Josh Cartu, Social Media Celebrity
Most Formula One racing fans wouldn’t rate Josh Cartu up with legendary Ferrari driver Michael Schumacher or modern-day Mercedes-AMG Petronas legend Lewis Hamilton. However, he does very well in non-mainstream events, rallies, drifting circuits, and endurance races, like the hypercar-filled Gumball 3000.
A social media celebrity and a driver with the celebrated racing team, AF Corse, Cartu impresses fans with his collection of Ferraris. The F12tdf is a favorite. Ferrari executives seemed to be impressed with his accomplishments and his appetite for Ferraris, as well. The entrepreneur revealed one of the latest additions to his collection, a LaFerrari Aperta in white, estimated to cost nearly $2 million.
6 VIP: Lewis Hamilton Owns Two LaFerrari Apertas
Lewis Hamilton is only the third man in history to win five F1 World Championships, matching the record of the legendary Juan Manuel Fangio. He is two behind record holder Michael Schumacher. Hamilton has 15 cars in his collection, which includes several Ferraris: a Ferrari 599 SA Aperta, a LaFerrari, and a LaFerrari Aperta.
He collects classic and exotic cars, not only for his driving pleasure but also as an investment. To protect the value, he keeps the mileage low by calling a tow truck he has on retainer to haul the cars back to his home after taking them out for a spin. Hamilton hopes his next acquisition will be a Mercedes-Benz 300 SL (the Gullwing) and a Ferrari 250GT California Spyder (a real one, not the replica made for the movie Ferris Bueller's Day Off).
5 VIP: Sammy Hagar, The Red Rocker
One foot on the brake and one on the gas, hey!
Well, there's too much traffic, I can't pass, no!
So, I tried my best illegal move
Well, baby, black and white come and touched my groove again!
Sammy Hagar sang these lyrics from the song, “I Can't Drive 55.” It is no surprise that the car he drove in the music video was his very own 1982 Ferrari 512BB.
Hagar is on Ferrari’s VIP owners list, one of the privileged 499 invited to purchase a LaFerrari Aperta. Picking the color was a challenge. He said, “I'm the "red rocker" and everything, and I got enough red things, you know? It’s cream and black, and I call it my cappuccino.”
4 VIP: Kylie Jenner's Garage is Full
Reality star and business mogul Kylie Jenner has a garage full of exotic cars that is the envy of every car enthusiast. Her passion for luxurious and high-performance vehicles includes a customized Ferrari 458 and a black 488 Spider. Her name alone is more than enough to place her on the exclusive Ferrari VIP list and entitle her to purchase limited editions like LaFerrari.
Furthermore, in February of this year, she took possession of a new $1.4 million LaFerrari after delivering her baby girl. The new Ferrari was a gift from the father of her baby, Travis Scott. One wonders if Scott is also on Ferrari’s VIP list or did Ferrari approve the purchase knowing the car was going to Jenner?
3 VIP: Drake, Rapper
Drake—also known as OVO, 6God, Champagne Papi, and Drizzy—has more luxury cars than nicknames and hit songs combined. Reliable sources say his garage contains a white custom Rolls-Royce Phantom, a custom Lamborghini Aventador Roadster, a Bentley Continental GTC, Mercedes-Benz SLR, McLaren Convertible, McLaren 675LT, an S-Class Brabus, and a $2 million Bugatti Veyron.
The latest addition to his stable is a LaFerrari, finished in a rare Giallo Modena paint (yellow). The supercar features the optional black glass roof as well as Alcantara with black leather seats, yellow piping, and yellow deviated stitching. Drake’s new LaFerrari also exhibits yellow brake calipers and carbon-fiber body trim. Estimates put the price paid at more than $3.5 million.
2 VIP: Ralph Lauren Loves More Than High Fashion
Forbes estimates that Ralph Lauren’s collection of more than 70 cars is the highest-valued in the world. The $300 million worth of antique and exotic vehicles makes up a significant portion of the fashion designer's personal assets, not including his shares in the Ralph Lauren Corporation. The rarest and most valuable vehicle in Lauren’s collection is a 1938 Bugatti 57SC Atlantic that has a unique aerolite body and runs on a 3.3-liter, supercharged engine.
Only four 57SC Atlantics were ever built, and only two still exist. Lauren’s is valued at more than $40 million. His Ferrari collection includes a 1960 Ferrari 250GT Short Wheelbase Berlinetta, a 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB N.A.R.T. Spyder, and a 1958 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa Spyder, among others. In 2015, Lauren added a Ferrari LaFerrari, the brand's first hybrid sports car.
1 VIP: Cornelia Hagmann's Ferrari Sculpture
A painter and sculptor from Austria, Cornelia Hagmann makes her home in Switzerland, where she creates delightfully rich paintings, mostly of landscapes with lavish greenery and flowers. She wrote, “working creatively with art is and always has been part of my personal evolution. My talent, and hence my enthusiasm for experimenting with colors and new techniques, are my engine.”
Cornelia is passionate about another type of engine: the one that powers a Ferrari. Her fascination began with her late husband, Walter Hagmann, a businessman and leading Ferrari collector, who ordered this magnificent Rosso Corsa LaFerrari as a gift for his wife before passing away. She describes the car, "It's a real work of art: I could spend hours just staring at it...."
Sources: Car and Driver, Daily Mail, Carbuzz, and 4WheelsNews.