A 1997 Ferrari 550 Maranello once owned by Michael Jordan sold for $2.7 million on Wednesday, smashing the auction house’s estimate and setting a new public-auction record for the model. The sale took place via Pharrell Williams’s auction house JOOPITER, attracting 43 bids for the Rosso Barchetta-colored car, a rare example of the 3,083 units built between 1996 and 2001.
Jordan bought the Ferrari in 1997 during his championship run with the Chicago Bulls. Weeks after securing his fifth NBA title, he was spotted leaving the United Center in the car. The Ferrari’s connection to Jordan extends beyond ownership. Nike designer Tinker Hatfield used this very vehicle as inspiration for the design of the Air Jordan 14 sneaker.
The car featured custom modifications tailored to Jordan’s 6-foot-6 frame. According to the auction listing, Ferrari extended the seat rails and specified slimmer padding to allow the seating position to be set as far back as possible. The combination of Rosso Barchetta paint and tan leather interior remains one of the rarest options offered on the 550 Maranello.
Jordan sold the Ferrari in 2002, after which it disappeared from public view for nearly 24 years. It resurfaced recently when John Temerian, co-founder of vintage car preservation company Curated, reportedly purchased the vehicle from a long-term owner in California in May.
The sale price of $2.7 million exceeded initial bids, with the highest bid before the buyer’s premium recorded at $687,500, according to sports business reporter Darren Rovell. The Ferrari’s strong connection to Jordan’s legacy and the Air Jordan brand contributed to its high value at auction.
This record-setting sale comes amid a wider market interest in Michael Jordan memorabilia. Earlier, a Jordan jersey owned by Rob Gough sold for $12.26 million, underscoring the continued demand for items linked to the basketball legend.
The Ferrari 550 Maranello remains a rare and elegant piece of automotive history, amplified by its link to one of basketball’s most iconic figures. The car’s journey from Jordan’s garage to a record-breaking auction highlights the crossover appeal between sports, fashion, and luxury collectibles.
According to Yahoo Sports.
