Car enthusiasts were left in disbelief yesterday when an ultra-rare Ferrari F50 was sighted driving around the streets of Austin Texas in the middle of the day.

The black F50 is extremely rare, although insiders from the Austin car scene claim that this is not 1 of 4 models that were produced in black, and this is actually a different color F50 that has been wrapped in black vinyl. However, the F50 is still an extremely expensive car, with the most recent sale exceeding $5 million. While the price of this particular car may be disputed, there is no denying that the owner has a real gem on their hands, costing far more than the median home in the city at $517k.

For those that don’t know, the Ferrari F50 is a highly rare and exclusive supercar, produced by the renowned Italian manufacturer Ferrari. Introduced in 1995, the F50 was designed to celebrate the company’s 50th anniversary, and it is considered one of the pinnacle models of Ferrari’s production history. Here are key points about its rarity and exclusivity:

1. Limited Production Run: Ferrari manufactured only 349 units of the F50. This limited production run was a deliberate strategy to maintain the car’s exclusivity and rarity. The number 349 was chosen because, according to Ferrari, they believed they could sell one fewer than 350 units.
2. Unique Design and Engineering: The F50 featured advanced technology and design elements for its time, including a carbon-fiber monocoque chassis and body, and Formula One-derived technology. It was powered by a naturally aspirated 4.7-liter V12 engine, which was based on the 1990 Ferrari 641 Formula One car.
3. Performance and Specifications: The F50’s V12 engine produced 520 horsepower, allowing the car to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 3.7 seconds and reach a top speed of around 202 mph (325 km/h). Its performance and driving dynamics were highly praised, contributing to its desirability among car enthusiasts and collectors.
4. Collector’s Item: Due to its limited production, advanced features, and the prestige of the Ferrari brand, the F50 quickly became a collector’s item. It’s not uncommon for F50s to be auctioned at high prices, often significantly more than their original selling price.
5. Iconic Status: The F50 is part of an exclusive lineage of Ferrari flagship models, succeeding the F40 and preceding the Enzo. Its rarity, combined with its technological and design achievements, has cemented its status as an iconic supercar in automotive history.
6. Market Availability: The rarity of the F50 means that it seldom appears on the open market. When it does, it attracts attention from collectors and enthusiasts worldwide, often resulting in high-profile sales.