By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2026-08-19 18:38:58 | Updated at 2026-08-19 18:49:13
23 minutes ago
A Mar-a-Lago billionaire who bought Ferrari's first ever electric car for over $40 million has revealed he has no real plans to drive the vehicle.
Dr Herbert Wertheim, an optometrist and philanthropist, won the bid for a Ferrari Luce on Saturday at an auction during Monterey Car Week in California.
The 87-year-old paid millions over the estimated sale price, making it the most expensive new car ever sold at a Sotheby's auction.
The proceeds went to the Ferrari Foundation, which supports non-profit organizations and individuals living with paralysis.
The car marks Ferrari's first venture into the electric market and caused a divisive reaction when its design was unveiled.
But instead of jumping behind the wheel, Wertheim revealed he plans to loan the car to worthy organizations to help them raise even more money.
He told the Wall Street Journal: 'It will not be my personal car to go to Publix. This is happiness. I’m going to give it all away.'
Wertheim made his $7 billion fortune by founding Brain Power, a Miami-based company that develops technology as the world’s largest manufacturer of optical tints.
Dr. Herbert Wertheim, an optometrist and philanthropist, recently purchased a $40 million electric Ferrari at a charity auction
He paid millions over the estimated sale price but said he plans to loan the car out to other charities
Wertheim, pictured with his partner Alicia Dahill, is well-known for his eccentric sense of style including his red fedora hat he is rarely pictured without
He is a renowned philanthropist who has vowed to give away most of his money to charity.
Wertheim's unconventional approach extends into many aspects of his life, most notably his eccentric fashion sense.
He is rarely seen without his signature red fedora and even obtained special permission to keep it on indoors while visiting Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort.
'I’m kind of forward. I’ve been wearing that red hat for 20 years,' Wertheim said.
The billionaire is a frequent fixture at the president's private resort and in February attended a charity auction there, where he successfully bid for a private lunch with Trump in the Oval Office
The $2 million winning bid also included a round-trip travel aboard a private jet and helped raise a record-breaking $7.5 million for Palm Beach children, police officers and firefighters according to the Palm Beach Post.
Wertheim's desire to stand out from the crowd means he was not put off by a rush of negative reviews of the Ferrari Luce's design which emerged ahead of its launch.
Critics poked fun at the vehicle's glass roof and complained it lacks some of the automaker's classic charm, however, early reviews have praised its performance.
The billionaire has purchased cars in Sotheby's auctions before such as this Ferrari Daytona SP3 (pictured)
The interior on Wertheim's new car features the brand's first five-seat model with a one-of-kind semi-gloss that shifts colors depending on the light
A renowned philanthropist, Wertheim and his ex-wife Nicole founded the Dr. Herbert and Nicole Wertheim Family Foundation that often donates gifts to universities
Last year, Wertheim donated $65 million to Florida State University
Wertheim's Ferrari Luce car features the brand's first five-seat model and features a one-of-a-kind semi-gloss that shifts colors depending on the light.
It has been shipped back to Italy for modifications as he is expected to receive it sometime next year.
Despite its staggering price tag, the luxury car is far from the most expensive thing Wertheim owns.
He recently purchased a sprawling mansion worth over $60 million in Manalapan, Florida. The estate spans across 1.75 acres of land and features an extensive ocean coast view.
He has also donated vast sums of money through Dr Herbert and Nicole Wertheim Family Foundation he founded with his ex-wife.
Last year, he gifted $65 million to Florida State University and had the school of business building named after him.
According to FSU, he hoped to 'empower students and future leaders and create lasting opportunities that benefit our communities and the world.'
The Daily Mail has reached out for comment from Dr Herbert Wertheim for more details.
