THE American President’s F1 is for sale, but not of the Air Force kind.
A Ferrari F430 F1 coupe Donald Trump bought new in 2007 will hit auctions blocks this month bearing his signature, and Fifth Ave New York address, in its title deed.
With Donald Trump’s garage once housing a Lamborghini Diablo, McLaren SLR, and Rolls-Royce it’s no surprise capitalism’s poster boy has a penchant for fast cars.
But as Auctions America, the holders of the lot, put it, “it’s highly likely Donald Trump is the only United States President to ever own a Supercar.”
Speaking of which, Ferrari’s F430 still commands huge appeal. Its 365kW atmo V8, rear electronic clutch-diff, aggressive aerodynamics, and paddle-shift transmission make it a proper driver’s car.
Added to this specification are Scuderia guard crests, yellow gauges, and a carbon fibre dash insert. While the Ferrari’s exterior red paint is complemented by beige leather skin inside, a colour combination similar to its original owner.
During four years of Trump ownership it travelled less than 4000km before changing hands, a time which the seller believes “significantly” increases its provenance.
In contrast to his disruptive politics Trump’s kinder to his car. The F430 still boasts is original books and records, a tool kit, car cover, and charging kit.
While we’ve seen politicians get about in flashier forms of transport Down Under, few would have the means to slot Ferrari’s special coupe in their garage.
The car’s expected pricetag of US$250K to US$350K is far less than the presidential salary Trump rejected in light of his own personal wealth.
Whether it’ll fetch that much will be revealed at the end of this month when it’s auctioned off in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Photo credit: Dirk de Jager
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