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Tokyo’s tax authority auctions a Ferrari, whiskey and more
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Tokyo’s tax authority auctions a Ferrari, whiskey and more

The latest auction we have our eye on isn’t at Sotheby’s or Christie’s or even eBay – we’re hoping for some tempting lots at the Tokyo Tax Agency.

The tax office of the Japanese capital is selling a Ferrari, a rare bottle of Suntory whisky and an entire golf course, among other items, Bloomberg reported on Friday. The items were mostly confiscated from people who have not paid their taxes, giving the public a chance to get their hands on luxury goods that are not often for sale.

The Ferrari, for example, is a two-seater 488 Pista Spider, a V8-powered vehicle that Bloomberg says produces more than 700 horsepower. The Tokyo agency has valued the car at 56.8 million yen, or $390,000. However, current versions of the vehicle are listed on Ferrari’s website for up to $825,000. The tax authority would not disclose the identity of the current owner to Bloomberg, and Ferrari Japan would not comment on the price. However, if the Ferrari sells for more than the remaining amount, the owner will receive the difference.

Elsewhere, a bidder might snap up a bottle of Suntory’s cult favorite Hibiki 30. Some bottles of the liquid are being offered online for $6,000 or more. And a golf course is being offered with a starting bid of 141 million yen, or $973,000.

In the past, the Tokyo tax agency has also auctioned off some impressive jewels: In 2012, a 7.5-carat diamond sold for 76 million yen, equivalent to $524,000 today, Bloomberg reported. The most expensive item not related to real estate is a 12.1-carat diamond that fetched 93 million yen, equivalent to $641,700 today.

Auctioning seized items by government agencies is not uncommon: in late 2022, the French government sold over $1 million worth of seized goods, including Louis Vuitton luggage, Birkin bags and Rolex watches. Likewise, in the UK, an Iced Out Patek Philippe Nautilus was seized by police; it will now be auctioned with no reserve bid. Although that sale will not take place until later this month, similar models have sold on the secondary market for up to $885,000.

The Tokyo tax authority’s recent auction could be quite lucrative for the Japanese government and the tax evaders who may make some extra money by selling their confiscated goods. However, it’s possible that the owner of the Ferrari would rather keep his fancy car.

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