A rare Ferrari 812 Competizione Aperta, valued at over $2.5 million, was severely damaged in a collision in Malibu, California. The open-top V12 supercar, of which only 599 examples were built, suffered extensive front-end damage after rear-ending a Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet.
Ferrari 812 Competizione Aperta: A Collector’s Dream Turned Tragedy
The Ferrari 812 Competizione Aperta, originally priced at $700,000, has seen its value skyrocket to over $2.5 million in recent years due to its rarity and performance. With just 599 units produced, the open-top supercar was designed as the final swan song for Ferrari’s 812 platform, featuring a 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V12 engine producing 819 horsepower at 9,250 rpm and 510 lb-ft of torque at 7,000 rpm.
However, the supercar’s tragic end came on the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, where it was seen wedged beneath the rear of a silver-and-yellow Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet. The collision caused extensive damage to the Ferrari’s front and side, including a destroyed carbon-fiber front bumper, a popped hood, a shattered windshield, and significant damage to the passenger-side front quarter panel.
Who Was at Fault in the Crash?
The cause of the crash remains unconfirmed, but based on the damage, it appears the Ferrari driver rear-ended the Mercedes convertible. The force of the impact was severe enough to lift the Mercedes’ rear onto the Ferrari’s front, suggesting a high-speed collision. While the Mercedes sustained damage primarily to its rear bumper, the Ferrari’s repairs would likely be prohibitively expensive, possibly leading to a total loss declaration by the insurer.
If declared a write-off, the Ferrari could end up at an auction house like Copart, marking a quiet and unfortunate end for one of Ferrari’s most exclusive models. The 812 Competizione Aperta was intended to be the grand finale of the 812 platform, and its untimely demise has left enthusiasts and collectors in shock.
Visual Evidence of the Crash
Photos and videos of the damaged Ferrari have surfaced on social media, showing the extent of the collision. The images reveal the Ferrari’s front end crushed under the Mercedes, with debris scattered around the scene. The contrast between the two vehicles—one a high-value collector’s item and the other a more common luxury convertible—highlights the severity of the accident.
Instagram accounts such as @vdhautomotive and @carjrnl have shared images of the wrecked Ferrari, further fueling discussions among automotive enthusiasts about the rarity and value of the model.
What’s Next for the Damaged Ferrari?
If the insurer deems the repairs uneconomical, the Ferrari 812 Competizione Aperta could be auctioned as a salvage vehicle. While this would be a somber outcome for a car that was meant to be the pinnacle of Ferrari’s open-top performance, it underscores the risks of owning and driving ultra-high-value collector cars. For now, the automotive community mourns the loss of one of the most exclusive Ferraris ever made.