The on-line auction organised by Ferrari to raise funds for the families of the victims of the recent earthquakes in the Emilia Romagna region of Italy is now underway.

Clients, collectors and Ferrari enthusiasts alike are able to make their contribution on the Ferrari website which opened with a message from the company's Chairman, Luca di Montezemolo.

"I am sure," he said, "we can count on the generosity of those close to Ferrari around the world who have always kindly supported this kind of initiative in the past. A terrible earthquake struck our region and the people we know, and together we want to help the families of the victims in this time of need. We are holding an auction of some truly unique and exclusive items for all Ferrari's friends and enthusiasts to whom I would already like to express my heart-felt thanks."

The principal offer of the auction, which can be accessed via ferrari.com or ferraristore.com, is a 599XX Evo, the extreme, non-homologated sports berlinetta with a reserve of 1.35 million euros. The car will be built specifically for this occasion and will have a number of unique features, including a special plaque dedicated by Montezemolo, and Scuderia Ferrari drivers, Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa, who will hand the car over to the lucky new owner at the Monza Grand Prix weekend in September.

There are a number of rare pieces from the world of Formula 1, starting with a 2008 V8 engine, with which the Scuderia won its 16th constructors' title, with a reserve of 50,000 euros. Collectors and enthusiasts can also bid on racing suits, gloves and helmets autographed by Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa, an original nose cone from the F60, the F1 car that saw Ferrari celebrate it's 60th consecutive year in the World Championship, and a Formula 1 race suit from Giancarlo Fisichella.

To contribute to the fund-raising efforts it will also be possible to purchase Scuderia watches, the proceeds of which will go towards the auction funds. The auction will end on the 20th of June.