Loosely bridled…this raucous and almost domesticated ‘Prancing Pony’ was named in honor of Ferraris 40th anniversary, resulting in the ‘40 in F40’.
Instantly celebrated…it became the symbol for performance and raw power in the 80s…and ultimately…it opened the doors to usher in subsequent Ferrari hypercars such as F50…Enzo…and the LaFerrari.
Definitely not a luxury car…this untamed beast is stripped down for speed and is devoid of sumptuous luxuries found in most cars of its price. You may spy some 308 styling in overall appearance, however, structurally…the components for the F40 are essentially composite panels over a steel tube frame. This mid engine, rear-wheel drive sports car was engineered by Nicola Materazzi with style design by Pininfarina. It was the last Ferrari personally approved by ‘il Commendatore’ himself, and at that time it was the fastest, most powerful, and most expensive car ever created, built, and delivered by Ferrari.
The engine is a 2.9-liter twin turbo V-8 (descended from the 288 GTO) that produces 478 hp. During the 1991 test run…the F40 ran 0-60 in 4.2seconds, and demolished the quarter-mile in 12.1seconds @ 122mph. At 1.01 g on the skidpad the F40 crushed a practically unheard of grip…it topped out at an unleashed 197+mph.
After 2days of testing the F40, driver Rich Ceppos wrote “we can report that nothing we’ve ever driven can match the sheer terror and raw excitement of earth-scorching around in someone else’s three-quarter million dollar toy”!!
It’s described as a “lightweight car with lots of power and great handling…and also described as brutal, ballistic, and a bit scary”.
It’s estimated that 1311 F40s were built, however, to this day the demand continues for this legendary car. Averaging about $399,150.00 new…today the F40 is trading hands anywhere from $1.3million to 1.6million. The ultra rare LM versions are trading from $2.5-3million plus. The F40 continues to be the top choice for both owners and collectors…for many “it’s the greatest road-going Ferrari of all time”!
Edgy, raw and visceral…this car could never be built in today’s world with all of the red-tape, safety and health regulations, etc…
And that is what increases the appeal and desire of this supercar even more so…
Faster, prettier, and rarer Ferraris have been built…but none quite as special and unique as the F40.
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