Ferrari 599XX fetches $1.75 million for earthquake relief

The iconic Italian supercar maker has auctioned off a very special 599XX Evo race car and several Formula 1 car parts and paraphernalia to raise money for victims of the Emilia-Romagna earthquake that struck on May 30.

The earthquake measuring 5.8 on the Richter scale struck the Italian supercar district near Modena. It was followed by several aftershocks which claimed the lives of more than a dozen people and left 350 injured and 15,000 homeless.

It also forced the temporary closure of factories owned by Lamborghini, Maserati, Ferrari, and exotic motorcycle company Ducati.

Signed by Ferrari chairman Luca di Montezemolo and Ferrari F1 drivers Felipe Massa and Fernando Alonso, the 599XX track car was bought by an American bidder at the charity auction for a cool €1.4 million ($1.75 million).

The car will be personally delivered to its new owner at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza by the two F1 drivers.

Other auction items donated by Ferrari included several F1 car parts, including the V8 engine from the F2008 F1 racer that won the Constructors' World title in 2008. A British bidder picked up the high-revving donk for €80,000 ($100,000) -- more than double its reserve price -- while a Ferrari F60 nose cone was snapped up by a Malaysian buyer for €23,000 ($29,000).

After Fernando Alsonso claimed victory in his home GP at Valencia over the weekend, to take the Championship lead, Ferrari Chairman Luca di Montezemolo had much to smile about both on and off the track.

"I knew I could count on the big-heartedness of the Ferraristi but they've still managed to surprise me once again. I would like to thank all the clients, collectors and enthusiasts that did their bit. Their bids have sent out a message of warmth and solidarity to the people in our region affected by this tragedy."

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