These famous people learned the hard way that riding a prancer requires much more than just wealth and status.
A Ferrari is the epitome of a supercar, representing strength and style. Anywhere you go, everyone will turn to look at you if you’re driving a Maranello prancing horse. Many of the wealthiest and most well-known people in the world—from elite athletes to Hollywood A-listers—made sure they had at least one Ferrari, but many others are unable to.
So, the question is: What are the requirements for purchasing a Ferrari? Is it just a matter of rolling up to the closest dealership with enough money in the bank? Interestingly, the answer is no since owning a Ferrari requires much more than just wealth and recognition. When it comes to choosing its consumers, the Ferrari vehicle brand is renowned for being quite selective. When you can afford to be selective about who drives your cars since they are created in small quantities and are highly sought-after all around the world.
In addition to financial considerations, a prospective Ferrari buyer is also screened for their public persona, brand loyalty, maintenance prowess, and capability to purchase further Ferrari models in the future.
Due to this, Ferrari has a famed “blacklist” of renowned people who are prohibited from purchasing their vehicles despite their wealth and celebrity. Let’s look at some pop culture and automotive personalities who Ferrari has forbidden from purchasing their vehicles.
In This Article...
Three wins out of three!
After six to eight months of driving, he or she returns it with 300 to 600 miles on the odometer. The “buyer” receives their entire investment back, and the car is now a used one. Used cars are not subject to the same restrictions as new ones by Ferrari. As a result, the dealer can now mark it up by about $100,000 and sell it to a previous customer or to a passerby.
The initial purchaser is pleased because they received free use of a new model for a few months. The new buyer is satisfied, and the dealer is pleased since he makes an extra dollar or so. They avoid the dreaded list and waiting three to five years by getting into a nearly new model.
Regarding the outright bans, Ferrari acknowledges that some barred purchasers are limited to brand-new high-production series vehicles. Let’s be honest, though. The pedestrian model is not what those who purchase Ferraris for modification seek. They desire more special items. Therefore, Ferrari has discovered a mechanism to prohibit those former owners without actually prohibiting them.
Reasons Why Some People Were Forbidden From Purchasing A Ferrari Ever Again
Ferrari reserves the right to prevent new owners from repurchasing these amazing vehicles if they fail to abide by the contractual obligations.
Along with Lamborghini, Aston Martin, McLaren, and Pagani, Ferraris are among the world’s most coveted supercars and hypercars. They can help anyone stand out from the crowd because they give sportiness and comfort, speed, and acceleration.
These prestigious and highly sought-after vehicles convey sophistication, affluence, and occasionally confidence, even if it is frequently wrong. Whether they are new, old, or somewhere in between, Ferraris have something to offer everyone. People who like to show off just like them because “it is a Ferrari,” while motoring enthusiasts appreciate them because they are meticulously tuned in both the chassis and engine. Ferrari has very deliberately cultivated its reputation in order to market its cars to a particular demographic that will assist elevate and increase its position. However, this strategy can occasionally backfire spectacularly. Many famous people who have owned Ferraris are no longer permitted to do so because they offended the Prancing Horse.
So, prominent people will no longer be able to purchase Ferraris for the foreseeable future, whether it be due to excessive modifications, early sales, or public criticism on social media. Here are eight reasons why people have been forbidden from purchasing a Ferrari once more in an effort to assist prevent this from occurring.
Purchasing a Ferrari is more difficult than it seems.
Ferrari maintains that it does not prevent buyers from purchasing automobiles, but Car Keys exposes the automaker’s bias in the marketing of their coveted sports cars. The publication claims that the corporation frequently requests that you provide documentation proving your ownership of other automobiles in the past.
It is not guaranteed that you will be able to purchase a conventional model, much less special editions and rare models, even if you have previously owned a Ferrari. Any consumer under the age of 40 is exceedingly unlikely to be regarded seriously by a dealership, where you need to have built up years of rapport in order to purchase a Ferrari. Even after receiving approval for your application, a full background check is done to make sure you can maintain ownership.
According to Car Keys, retired racecar driver Preston Henn sued Ferrari in 2016 after being denied access to the LaFerrari Aperta, but later abandoned the case. Henn is the owner of 18 Ferrari vehicles, one of which being the highly rare (only three models have ever been produced) 275 GTB/C 6885 Speciale type, which is based on the F1 vehicle driven by racing superstar Michael Schumacher.
50 Cent
When expressing his ideas on social media, 50 Cent has never been quiet. When his Ferrari 488 had a dead battery and had to be taken away for repair, 50 Cent vented his annoyance on Instagram. It is reasonable to say that the rapper won’t be able to acquire another Ferrari for a very long time after calling the vehicle a “F—ing Lemon,” which annoyed the automaker’s PR team.
Preston Henn, Chris Harris, and David Lee are three other well-known figures who are prohibited from purchasing a Ferrari. Ferrari has a well-established reputation for being selective in who it sells its vehicles to and for upholding its brand image by doing business with the appropriate clients. Celebrities continue to put their names on waitlists to purchase Ferraris despite the difficulties involved in doing so. Ferrari is one of the most exclusive manufactures in the world.
Other Celebrities Ferrari Has Banned
Justin Bieber is hardly the first famous person Ferrari has barred. Rapper 50 Cent and automative journalist Chris Harris lashed out against the marque. Despite the fact that they might have had good reasons, they were both put on the company’s blacklist and are no longer able to legally own the brand’s vehicle.
Tyga the rapper and actor Nicholas Cage are reportedly also prohibited from the organization. Although it hasn’t been confirmed, other well-known influencers like Kim Kardashian and Floyd Mayweather are rumored to be on the company’s blacklist.
Even though Justin Bieber was prohibited by Ferrari, several prestigious automakers will welcome him to purchase their automobiles. Young pop star Justin Bieber has enormous influence over his audience, and many automakers would be delighted if the celebrity drove their vehicles. Bieber has a sizable collection of vehicles that he already owns, just like many of the other celebrities that the corporation has barred.
a creative writer with a curious outlook on the world. She has various interests and is a vocal advocate for equality and mental health. One blog at a time, she hopes to transform the world.
Do you believe you can’t purchase a Ferrari?
All of the gatherings and events to which you have been invited should be attended. With an invitation, you run the risk of being added to the dreaded list once more.
You claim to be able to abide by everything, yet you still wish to order a limited-edition model. You can’t unless you already have four Ferraris and no Lambos. The stipulation that you be legally prohibited from selling your car for at least a year is perhaps the most important of all. Additionally, Ferrari will get first dibs on the purchase should you decide to sell it and buy a different model. The contract specifies this.
In the end, you should thank Ferrari with your loyalty rather than your purchase price. And if you meet all of its requirements and want the limited edition that will be released in 2023, it might or might not give you a spot on the waiting list. And you won’t ever be told why you succeeded or failed. Ferrari, of course.
Can the average joe purchase a Ferrari?
To acquire a loan for a Ferrari, you would need to have at least 10 to 20 lacs saved up on the side. This might differ depending on the bank and the individual’s credit history.
Is it forbidden to alter a Ferrari?
Pop star Justin Bieber reportedly won’t be able to buy another new Ferrari after allegedly breaking the Italian company’s modification rules. The Prancing Horse disapproved of the Canadian singer’s decision to repaint his 2011 Ferrari F458 Italia electric blue and modify it with a Liberty Walk widebody kit, according to Milan-based tabloid Il Giornale.
The investigation found that the 28-year-old did not adhere to the moral standards for maintaining and operating vehicles. Ferrari automobiles are not subject to unauthorized alterations, and owners are not entitled to sell their vehicles without first notifying the business. Bieber sold the customized car at auction in 2017.
According to a story in the newspaper, Fabio Barone, director of the largest Ferrari drivers’ organization in the world, said: “A Ferrari is a work of art, therefore it’s appropriate the company communicates the message that it must be conserved.”
If the allegations are confirmed, Bieber will no longer be qualified to buy a brand-new Ferrari, although the Prancing Horse has not yet issued an official statement on the subject. If accurate, it wouldn’t have a significant impact on the singer’s style given that he owns high-end vehicles including a Lamborghini, Bugatti, Rolls-Royce, and Porsche.
Celebrities including reality TV star Kim Kardashian, singer 50 Cent, and Hollywood legend Nicolas Cage, who was forced to sell his Ferrari Enzo in 2003 due to bankruptcy, have all been blacklisted by Ferrari in the past.
Can you be sued by Ferrari?
Yep. Ferrari filed a lawsuit against the Purosangue Foundation and prevailed in the legal battle. When the supercar manufacturer sought to utilize the Purosangue moniker (“thoroughbred” or “full-blooded” in Italian) for its future SUV, it first approached the charity that supports health and fitness. After the negotiations fell through, the Purosangue Foundation filed a lawsuit to prevent Ferrari from registering the name as a trademark in Europe. Ferrari responded by starting legal action, asserting that the foundation hadn’t used “Purosangue” for commercial purposes enough since registering it in 2013. “Why do we have to get go of who we are? Ferrari ought to have simply done its homework.” The Purosangue Foundation’s Max Monteforte spoke to the Financial Times in the UK. “There is a ton of proof of what we’ve been doing lately.” No thanks.
What makes Ferrari put you on their blacklist?
Chris Harris appears to be the kind of person Ferrari would like having on its VIP list. He is a legendary automotive journalist and the present host of the popular BBC series Top Gear.
To obtain higher critical praise, Harris allegedly accused Ferrari of building its test vehicles much more refinedly than its sales models. Of course, Ferrari blacklisted him since the officials of the company were upset by his remarks.
Harris won’t probably get a call anytime soon about the chance to buy a limited edition Ferrari as a result.
So, in the end, there are some actions you may do if you’re a multi-millionaire with a Ferrari collection and you want to make the VIP list. One rule is to never be critical of Ferrari. The most crucial rule, however, is to refrain from making modifications to your pricey vehicle, which you purchased and already possess.
Who among the famous people can’t own a Ferrari?
Ferrari is most definitely not one of the firms that is eager for Kim Kardashian to be seen wearing their goods.
Aside from Kim, Justin Bieber was another well-known person rumored to have been banned by Ferrari in 2015 after having a white 451’s color changed by West Coast Customs and then auctioned off. However, no explicit justification for including Kim on the list was provided.
However, according to PopBuzz, Kim was previously photographed in 2012 with a Ferrari. And while it’s unknown if Kim or her ex-Kanye West bought the automobile, we do know that she received another of the high-end cars as a gift from a Malaysian businessman for her brief marriage to Kris Humphries in 2011. In any case, don’t anticipate seeing Kimmy at the wheel of a brand-new, ultra-luxury Ferrari anytime soon.