Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Sammy Hagar is, without a doubt, a true car enthusiast. Apparent in his iconic work with the hard-rock band Montrose, in his multiplatinum solo career and as lead vocalist of Van Halen, Hagar is no stranger to fast cars. His passion for adrenaline-pumping speed and high-performance sports cars is well-documented through his music, with classic hits like “I Can’t Drive 55,” which is listed on VH1’s 100 Greatest Hard Rock Songs. In the music video, Hagar is shown in his element, seated behind the wheel of a sleek 1982 Ferrari 512 Berlinetta Boxer. At the time of writing, this automotive treasure still resides in Hagar’s collection.
Hagar has now decided to sell another star car from his collection: a 2015 Ferrari LaFerrari which is ready to rock ‘n’ roll across the Barrett-Jackson auction block with a new battery from Ferrari of San Francisco. The supercar was held back from the January auction so that a new high-voltage battery could be installed. Hagar’s LaFerrari will be offered on Saturday, October 12 – the day before Hagar’s birthday – during the 2024 Scottsdale Fall Auction, presented by Gila River Resorts & Casinos, October 10-13 at WestWorld. Bring your passport, because you never know what adventure Sammy might have in store for the winning bidder!
Known simply as “LaFerrari,” the Ferrari LaFerrari was introduced in 2013 as the Italian automaker’s flagship model. It was an instant sensation, blending breathtaking aesthetics with cutting-edge technology and jaw-dropping performance. With its hybrid powertrain and Formula-1-inspired features, the LaFerrari quickly earned its place among the most sought-after supercars in the world.
Notably, Ferrari produced only 499 LaFerraris, with 200 of these distinguished vehicles designated as Aperta models, which feature a removable roof. (An additional coupe was later built by Ferrari for a charitable sale after a devastating earthquake in Italy.) Each LaFerrari is a highly coveted collectible; however, this Ferrari comes with the prestige of being owned and designed by a rock legend.
According to Hagar, there isn’t a standard base LaFerrari: “If you are fortunate enough to get one of these cars from Ferrari,” he said, “you have to go over there (to the factory in Italy) and design your car.”
With the help of Ferrari’s design team, it took Hagar two days to create his LaFerrari. “The first one I did was a yellow car,” Hagar said, adding that it had lots of stripes with black and red accents throughout. The aesthetic wasn’t quite right, so Hagar began looking at the walls of the Ferrari factory and studying the cars in photographs. According to Hagar, a cream-colored Ferrari from the 1960s caught his eye. It was the only vehicle like it on the wall, and the Ferrari team was able to match the color. “I fell in love with it and said, ‘No other colors,’” he recalled.
The elegant cream color highlights the car’s sleek lines, sculpted body and aggressive stance, which is further enhanced by the carbon-fiber and black accents that contribute to its visual appeal, capturing the essence of Italian automotive artistry. Perhaps it was subliminal, but it also matches the interior of his jet, which he traveled in to visit the Ferrari factory in Italy.
Like Hagar’s fiery “Red Rocker” personality, this LaFerrari packs a serious punch. “Everyone asks why I am selling it,” Hagar said, providing a frank and humble explanation: “It’s so fast and so powerful, it’s beyond my skills and abilities.” He has only driven the car 1,100 miles since receiving it from the factory.
Beneath the sleek and sculpted exterior of the LaFerrari lies a fusion of cutting-edge technology and automotive ingenuity. Its beating heart is a hybrid powertrain that marries a formidable naturally aspirated 6.3-liter V12 engine with a robust electric motor, and the synergy between these power sources is nothing short of extraordinary. This dynamic duo collaborates to unleash a staggering 949 horsepower, making the LaFerrari an incredibly powerful machine that resides at the very summit of high-performance engineering.
When the accelerator is engaged, all that power rockets the LaFerrari from a standstill to 60 miles per hour in a breathtaking under-3-second sprint. But the thrill doesn’t stop there: This extraordinary supercar continues its unrelenting charge to reach a top speed of 217 miles per hour. In the world of performance cars, the LaFerrari’s impressive speed credentials keep it in the front of the pack.
The secret to the LaFerrari’s remarkable acceleration lies in its Formula-1-inspired KERS, or Kinetic Energy Recovery System. This system instantly harnesses and converts kinetic energy generated during braking into a surge of torque, enabling lightning-fast acceleration. It’s this feature that cements LaFerrari’s status as a track monster, capable of delivering unparalleled performance both on the road and the racetrack. With each push of the pedal, drivers experience not just speed but an electrifying connection to automotive technology at its finest. The LaFerrari is a true testament to Ferrari’s relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation, where raw power and precision engineering harmonize to create an extraordinary driving experience.
Beyond the adrenaline-fueled experiences on the road and the track, the LaFerrari also had a significant impact on the automotive industry. It served as a technological showcase for Ferrari, demonstrating their expertise in hybrid powertrains and the company’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of high-performance cars.
Inside the elegant cabin, the exclusivity of the LaFerrari is evident. It has a perfect blend of luxury and functionality, featuring handcrafted leather upholstery, high-tech displays and carbon-fiber accents. Hagar, known for his appreciation of the finer things in life, has undoubtedly enjoyed the comfort and elegance that surrounded him every time he stepped into the cockpit of this supercar.
As the years passed, Hagar’s LaFerrari has become not just a car, but a cherished piece of his automotive collection – a testament to his love for speed. Its iconic status and exclusivity ensure it will be a jewel in the crown of the next owner’s car collection, representing a pinnacle of automotive excellence.
“Every now and then, Ferrari gets everything right ‒ and with this car they really did get everything right,” Hagar said of his LaFerrari.
Included with the sale of this LaFerrari is a special replica model of the vehicle Hagar received as a gift from Ferrari, in addition to a book of the build process and a display plaque signed by Hagar from when the vehicle was displayed at the Quail.
Sammy Hagar’s 2015 Ferrari LaFerrari is much more than a supercar; it is a representation of his larger-than-life persona, his appreciation for fine craftsmanship and his unyielding desire for speed and adventure. With its timeless design, breathtaking performance and the thrill it brought to its famous owner, this LaFerrari will forever remain a symbol of the magical fusion between the worlds of rock music and high-performance automobiles.
For up-to-date docket information, to purchase tickets and to register to bid, visit Barrett-Jackson.com or call 480.421.6694. Also, join Barrett-Jackson’s conversation on Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube #BarrettJackson.
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