In a moment of prescience, Enzo Ferrari purportedly noted, “Death will destroy my body, but my creatures will keep on living ever after, in the years to come.” The founder of the marque that bears his surname passed in 1988, but his legacy continues to strengthen with every new model and motorsport victory the Prancing Horse produces.
Yet only one of Maranello’s highly impressive machines pays homage directly to the man himself, the Ferrari Enzo. Introduced in 2002 at the Paris Motor Show, the Enzo comprises a total of 498 examples, one of which will headline the RM Sotheby’s Arizona auction on January 23.
The 2003 Ferrari Enzo being offered through RM Sotheby’s on January 23.
Robin Adams, courtesy of RM Sotheby’s
In the official press release from the model’s premiere, dated September 26, 2002, Luca di Montezemolo, then president of what was known at the time as the Ferrari Maserati Group, is quoted as stating: “Our founder, Enzo Ferrari always wanted to see a racing influence extend to the design of the road cars. Therefore, I am particularly happy to present a car bearing the name Enzo Ferrari in the presence of Piero Ferrari and his young grandchild.” But the Enzo was more than a tribute in moniker alone, as it brilliantly reflected what its namesake devoted his life to—pushing the limits of automotive power, performance, and design.

One of only 111 examples of the model that Ferrari intended to send stateside, this car has been under the stewardships of three owners since leaving the factory.
Robin Adams, courtesy of RM Sotheby’s
At the same debut, Montezemolo expressed gratitude to Michael Schumacher, citing that he “played a key role in the development of the car,” then addressed the racer’s absence by explaining that he had to be “in Indianapolis for the forthcoming USA Grand Prix.” Schumacher was well on his way to becoming the most successful Formula 1 driver to that point. He would both claim the Drivers’ Championship title that season, and be the primary reason Ferrari secured the Constructors’ Championship as well. Schumacher’s involvement with the Enzo reflected the focus on introducing the automaker’s winning level of Formula 1 experience in a Ferrari production model.

The 5,998 cc V-12 engine makes 660 hp and nearly 485 ft lbs of torque.
Robin Adams, courtesy of RM Sotheby’s
The result is an approximately 2,767-pound (dry weight) car with a composite monocoque—comprising carbon-fiber and Nomex honeycomb fibers—as its foundation, dressed with a Pininfarina-designed body of carbon-fiber and Kevlar. Housed within is a 65-degree, 5,998 cc V-12 developing 660 hp and nearly 485 ft lbs of torque. That output is controlled by an “F1 gearbox,” as Montezemolo described it, which is an electro-hydraulic six-speed. The power-train configuration enables the Enzo to fly from zero to 62 mph in 3.65 seconds and reach a top speed of more than 217 mph. Scrubbing that all down are, as RM Sotheby’s mentions, “15-inch Brembo carbon-ceramic disc brakes” acting on “19-inch alloy wheels.”

With a dry weight of approximately 2,767 pounds, the Enzo covers zero to 62 mph in 3.65 seconds and tops out at more than 217 mph.
Robin Adams, courtesy of RM Sotheby’s
According to the auction house’s lot description, the Enzo crossing the block next month is chassis No. 128797, which was one of only 111 examples that the factory intended to send stateside. Its first two owners were both based in Florida, but its third, who is the consignor, brought it to Texas after acquiring the vehicle in 2009.
The current steward put only 317 miles on it during this period, and has predominantly kept it sequestered. It has, however, recently been cared for by Ferrari Newport Beach in Southern California. The RM Sotheby’s lot description goes on to comment that, with a total of just 746 miles on the odometer, this 2003 Ferrari Enzo “is surely one of the least-driven examples one might encounter . . .”

The current owner has driven it only 317 miles since 2009.
Robin Adams, courtesy of RM Sotheby’s
As a value reference, RM Sotheby’s sold an Enzo during the 2023 Monterey Car Week for $4.075 million. Interestingly, the auction house offered an Enzo in Paris in 2024, and another in Miami last year as well, though it seems both failed to meet their respective reserves. Chassis No. 128797 is estimated to fetch between $5 million and $6 million. But then, it does come with three pieces of matching Enzo luggage.
Click here for more photos of this 2003 Ferrari Enzo.

The 2003 Ferrari Enzo supercar heading to the RM Sotheby’s auction in Arizona on January 23.
Robin Adams, courtesy of RM Sotheby’s
