Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Ian Poulter buys exclusive $1.7 million Ferrari LaFerrari



"If you're one of the world's top golfers, evidently you're coining it in. We spoke to British golfing ace Ian Poulter during our exclusive live streaming of the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, and he gave us a run down of his car collection. While he states he needs to "play a little better at golf" to afford some of the vintage gems on the lawn, he did offer a glimpse into his personal garage, and unleashed a bombshell - off air - when he told us he was one of the lucky few who has been approved - and now purchased - the fastest production Ferrari ever made--so fast, it only needs one name: LaFerrari. Unofficially costing a tick under $1.7 million, LaFerrari is as expensive as it is fast; at 950 hp, it's expected to travel from 0-186 mph in a staggering 15.5 seconds. But not just any rich wannabe with the need for speed can throw down some change and buy one; Ferrari screen you, check your eligibility, and compare you against other well-to-do potential buyers. Having a garage loaded with Ferraris is a prerequisite, but as we found out in our chat with LA Angels pitcher CJ Wilson - who incidentally bought LaFerrari's nemesis, the McLaren P1 - buying a Ferrari (any Ferrari) is a task tougher than sinking a ten-foot putt for the win at Augusta; Ferrari are reducing production as they seek to ensure the brand remains exclusive. As you can see in the video, Poulter admits to being a Ferrari fan, even owning a rare F40 Enzo and the first ever 288 GTO--hence my question about whether he would attempt to buy the Enzo's successor, LaFerrari. He went deathly silent on air, with a "no comment" kind of expression. Once we wrapped up the interview, I pressed the golfer again, saying: "So Ian, did you buy LaFerrari then?" His reply: "Yes, I did," sporting a grin the size of Texas. For Poulter, who finished third in this year's The Open Championship, and has already amassed close to $1.5 million in prize money for 2013, he stands to join an elite group of just 499 hand-selected buyers."