Michael Jordan’s 1997 Ferrari Sold for $2.7 Million

The basketball legend's former vehicle fetched double its high pre-sale estimate at auction.

Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Basketball

Michael Jordan’s 1997 Ferrari Sold for $2.7 Million

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Michael Jordan’s 1997 Ferrari 550 Maranello has sold for $2.7 million at an auction hosted by Pharrell Williams' house, Joopiter. The sports car, which features a custom seat and a signature Illinois license plate, sold on September 30, 2026.

Why it matters

The sale highlights the soaring value of items associated with the NBA legend, following previous massive auction results for his jerseys and personal properties. The vehicle is also culturally significant for serving as the direct design inspiration for the Air Jordan 14 sneaker.

The vehicle has 6,400 miles on the odometer and was formerly part of an Illinois collection. It sold for significantly more than the auction house's projected $700,000 to $1.3 million valuation range.

The players

Michael Jordan

He is a former professional basketball player who won six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls.

Pharrell Williams

He is a musician and designer who founded the auction house Joopiter.

John Temerian

He is a notable car collector who acquired the Ferrari in May 2026.

The details

The Ferrari, which Michael Jordan drove after Game 6 of the 1997 NBA Finals, features a custom driver's seat and a license plate reading MJ 5. Collector John Temerian acquired the car in May 2026 after a 10-year search, eventually consigning it to the Joopiter event.

Timeline

  1. Michael Jordan purchased the car in 1997.

  2. Michael Jordan sold the car in December 2002.

  3. John Temerian purchased the car in May 2026.

  4. The car sold at auction on September 30, 2026.

Season Trajectory

The Ferrari sale continues a trend of high-value Michael Jordan memorabilia transactions established by the $12.26 million sale of his 1998 NBA Finals jersey. This event solidifies the market's aggressive valuation of items tied to his most iconic career moments.

The final sale price of $2.7 million serves as a benchmark for high-end sports memorabilia collectors tracking asset appreciation. Investors should note this result exceeds the $9.5 million Highland Park mansion and $12.9 million trading card valuations when adjusted for the item's unique provenance.

The takeaway

Collectors should recognize that celebrity-owned vehicles with historical athletic significance can command prices well above standard automotive market valuations. Owners of similar memorabilia should keep detailed documentation to maximize potential value at future high-end auctions.

Further reading

For more insight into the business side of professional sports, visit the Basketball section.

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