Hautos: Ferrari Auctions First FF Model in Japan for Disaster Relief Funds

Ferrari auctioned off a Ferrari FF and other branded items in Japan this past weekend to raise funds for victims of the nation’s recent earthquake and tsunami disasters. Over 200 clients and collectors were in attendance to support the cause and raised more than $724,000 in relief funds. While most of the money came from the sale of the FF – the first Ferrari FF to hit Japan – the iconic Italian auto brand also auctioned shirts signed by the Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro Formula 1 team.

The event took place in Tokyo’s Italian embassy and had a guest list littered with notable names, including Ferrari Chairman Luca di Montezemolo, who oversaw the auction, Italian ambassador Vincenzo Petrone, Japanese Minister of Industry Banri Kaieda, and mayor of the city of Ishinomaki, Hiroshi Kameyama.

The city of Ishinomaki was one of the most devastated areas when the disasters occurred, and all proceeds from the event will go towards relief efforts there. Ferrari also planned to build a school there for the city’s children. According to Motor Authority, other automakers have also put on similar events for the charitable organizations in Japan, including Aston Martin, when the brand’s CEO Dr. Ulrich Bez auctioned his Rapide company car for earthquake relief funds.