A California collector has achieved what Ferrari calls a “unique configuration” by assembling a complete set of the Italian automaker’s five modern “halo cars” in both red and yellow – a feat that has earned him special recognition from the company and a place in Ferrari history. David S.K. Lee, a luxury watch magnate based in Los Angeles, spent seven years meticulously acquiring two complete runs of the 288 GTO, F40, F50, Enzo, and LaFerrari.
Lee’s passion for Ferrari began in 2003 with the purchase of an Enzo, realizing it was the fourth in the line of the company’s modern supercars. This sparked a quest to collect them all, initially in a single color. He subsequently decided to double the collection, securing each model in both the iconic “Rosso” red and the historic “Giallo” yellow, a color associated with Modena, Ferrari’s home city.
The collection, valued at over $100 million, is playfully dubbed “Ketchup and Mustard” by Lee, referencing the two color schemes. He explained that the dual-color approach was a deliberate strategy to attract the attention of Ferrari and demonstrate a thoughtful, curated approach to collecting, rather than random acquisition. “When visitors enter his garage, they don’t just see supercars…. They see the evolution of technology, the performance DNA of Maranello, the rise of a lineage that represents, at each generation, the absolute peak of the brand,” according to a translation of an article published in the French automotive publication italpassion.fr.
Ferrari recently featured Lee in an official video, acknowledging his dedication. The recognition culminated in Lee being selected to purchase one of the limited-edition Ferrari F80 supercars, which is currently in production. He has already configured his F80 in red, continuing the “ketchup” theme.
Lee’s collection extends beyond these ten iconic models, encompassing classic Ferraris and highly customized vehicles created through the company’s Tailor Made program. However, it is the “Ketchup and Mustard” collection that has garnered worldwide attention. He recently added a LaFerrari prototype to his collection, purchasing the non-street legal vehicle for $2.425 million through RM Sotheby’s, demonstrating a willingness to acquire even unique and impractical examples of Ferrari engineering. The prototype accumulated over 34,000 miles during testing, having been used to calibrate systems before the LaFerrari’s official release.
Lee emphasizes that he actively drives his Ferraris, valuing the visceral experience and memories created behind the wheel. He has intentionally focused his collecting efforts exclusively on Ferrari, stating, “I prefer to be important to one brand than not important to several.” This focused approach has fostered a strong relationship with the manufacturer.
The question now arises whether Lee will attempt to complete the F80 collection with a yellow example, mirroring the “Mustard” side of his existing set. He has confirmed his initial purchase will be red, but a yellow F80 would solidify the historical parallel and cement the collection’s uniqueness.