California-based Ferrari collector David Lee takes delivery of the very first 849 Testarossa in the US
Published on Oct 30, 2026 at 10:09 PM (UTC-4)
by Alessandro Renesis
Last updated on Oct 30, 2026 at 10:09 PM (UTC-4)
Edited by
Mason Jones
One of the world’s most high-profile collectors, David Lee, just took delivery of the first US-spec Ferrari 849 Testarossa in California as a special birthday gift to himself.
Finished in classic red, Lee’s 849 features the track-focused Assetto Fiorano package, which adds lightweight carbon-fiber components, enhanced aerodynamics, and performance-tuned suspension.
While this is a $530,000+ supercar, David Lee certainly didn’t bat an eye at the price tag.
After all, his estimated $200 million collection already houses some of the rarest and most valuable Ferraris in existence, including the legendary 250 GTO and the complete ‘Big Five’ halo supercar lineup.
This first Ferrari 849 Testarossa in the US is a thing of beauty
California-based collector David Lee just took delivery of a brand-new 1,050hp, twin-turbo V8 Ferrari 849 Testarossa.
Lee’s specific model is equipped with the track-focused Assetto Fiorano package, which incorporates specialized lightweight components and enhanced aerodynamic features.
This delivery marks the very first arrival of the model stateside.
First of many, no doubt.
The US is still by far and away the most important and lucrative market for Prancing Horse brand.
This Ferrari bears an important name
Automakers often play the ‘heritage’ card by reusing old names, including in situations where they don’t really fit.
On this occasion, Ferrari decided to use the Testarossa name for good reason.
Visually, the 849 Testarossa draws inspiration from the 1970 512 S and the 1980s Testarossa.
The name is also a tribute to race cars from the 1950s and 1960s, including the 250 Testarossa.
The Italian manufacturer did something else it used to do quite often because the name ‘849’ isn’t random.
The ‘8’ comes from its eight cylinders, while the ’49’ refers to the unit displacement of approximately 499 cc per cylinder across its 4.0-liter V8 engine.
Clearly, some things never change.
David Lee’s epic car collection
Arguably one of the most well-known car collectors globally, Lee owns a very long list of Prancing Horse icons spanning decades.
Among others, he owns the complete ‘Big Five’ halo supercar lineup: the 288 GTO, F40, F50, Enzo, and LaFerrari.
In addition to that, he owns several more ‘common’ – strong word for cars of this caliber, we know, but you get the gist – models, including the 275 GTB, 250 GT SWB California Spyder, 365 GTB/4 Daytona, and the SF90.
More to the point, Lee is one of 36 confirmed owners of the legendary 250 GTO.
This is one of the most valuable vehicles in the world, with market values ranging between $40 million and $70+ million.
His cost $38 million.
These are some of the Ferraris he owns
In Rosso Corsa:
288 GTO, F40, F50, Enzo, 275 GTB, 296 Speciale, 250 GT SWB California Spyder, 849 Testarossa Assetto Fiorano.
In Giallo Modena:
288 GTO, F40, F50, Enzo, 250 Lusso Competizione (Giallo Modena), F12tdf, 296 GTB, 365 GTB/4, Purosangue
Other colors:
250 GTO, Daytona SP3, SF90 XX Aperta, 812 Competizione Aperta, 12Cilindri Spider, Dino 246 GTS ‘Monza Evo 3.6 Restomod’
Alessandro is an automotive journalist with 10 years of experience covering supercars, automotive history, emerging vehicle technology, and luxury transportation. He wrote the first article published on SupercarBlondie.com when the website launched in 2022 and has since built a reputation for insightful reporting across the automotive and transportation industries. His expertise is grounded in hands-on experience. Alessandro has driven every Tesla model ever produced, from the original Roadster to the Cybertruck, and regularly covers the latest developments in electric vehicles and automotive innovation. His passion for transportation extends beyond cars, he has even flown a Boeing 787 Dreamliner simulator in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. His reporting spans everything from classic American muscle cars and rare automotive discoveries to luxury yachts, private aircraft, high-end watches, and cutting-edge vehicle technology. Known for his deep knowledge of automotive history and ability to uncover the stories behind iconic vehicles, Alessandro brings readers a blend of historical context, technical expertise, and first-hand experience.
