Legendary, raw, and analog; just a few words that only begin to describe the Ferrari F40. To this day the F40 remains the perfect marriage of technology, soul, and creativity and has been the benchmark for all that is the supercar as we know it today. As with most iconic Ferrari’s, the F40 was derived from the need to fulfill an FIA racing class for the upcoming 1986 season which ended up being canceled. This meant that the test bed for the F40, the 288 GTO Evoluzione would go on to fuel the idea for the ultimate road car; as well as Enzo’s last and final creation during his lifetime. Unveiled in 1987, the F40 received somewhat of a cynical review by the automotive press. Similar to today’s limited production hyper-cars, Ferrari was accused of producing the car purely for marketing reasons and monetary gains, attempting to capture a piece of the booming Ferrari market of the 1980’s. The press may have been onto something as it was estimated only 10% of F40’s sold were actually being used, a truly harrowing fact. Years later, the cynics weren’t necessarily wrong. The F40 was and remains a blue-chip collector car, transcending the boundary between investment and vehicle. While some have been coveted and show very few miles, others have been driven, raced and enjoyed the way Enzo originally intended them to be.

It is important to understand the performance architecture of the F40 and why it remains so significant 30 years later. Today, carbon fiber is the go-to composite material for manufacturers, becoming second nature in its application to road cars. In 1987 the amount of carbon kevlar composite the F40 used as its core structural element was the stuff of science fiction. The engineers at Maranello were certainly not shy about showing off the space age nature of the car either. In an attempt to save weight, a minimal amount of paint was used on the exterior of the car, allowing the weave of the underlying material to be visible. The 288 GTO Evoluzione contributed the fantastic V8 twin-turbo and later F40 iterations even received adjustable suspension. These are just a few of the wildly advanced elements the F40 possessed at a time when some cars were still being produced with carburetors. As many people know, there were two versions made, one for the US and one for the rest of the world. The US cars suffered from heavy bumpers inhibiting both the look and weight of the car. The European specification examples managed to retain the original lines and design as it was intended. Their exclusive features included true racing seats, more power than the US variant, better final drive ratio and ultimately the European car was 200 pounds lighter. The European specification example, at least on paper, is the one to have for those looking to get the most out of an F40.

The example on offer was produced in late 1990 and delivered new to its first owner in February of 1991 via importer Auto Neuser of Nurnberg, Germany. This example is a European Specification example with a catalytic converter and non-adjustable suspension which is sometimes referenced to as an “interim car”. This example has had what we believe to be one or two owners throughout the 1990’s before being sold to a Japanese collector in 2001 reporting an estimated 11,000 KM. It would remain in the same collection until 2016 when it was formally imported into the US, at which time, it showed about 15,600 KM. During its time in Japan the car was very well kept, serviced regularly, and enjoyed sparingly. It was serviced by the Official Ferrari Dealer, Rosso Scuderia, of Tokyo. The most recent major service (a timing belt change) was completed by Rosso Scuderia in July of 2014 at 14,900 KM. Shortly there after at 15,562 KM, in December of 2015, an additional comprehensive service was also completed. Both of these services are documented.

Upon being imported into the US, the car was immediately sent to Ferrari of Atlanta for Classiche Certification, new brakes on all 4-corners, engine mounts and a variety of other items which were tended to. A few months later upon its arrival with LBI Limited, the experts at Scuderia Performante were entrusted with further service which included new fuel cells, new correct tires, recovering the seats and a variety of minor odds and ends to bring the car up-to-date. Receipts for all work completed are available upon request. Today, the car remains turn-key, perhaps not perfect compared to a no-miles example, but mechanically it is a confident performer and cosmetically we consider this example to be exceptionally well presented per the mileage. Following the servicing, the car was shown at both the Concours of America at St. Johns, as well as Concorso Italiano during Monterey Car Week.

Inspecting the exterior cosmetic condition of the car, the visible weave of the Carbon Kevlar bodywork is most apparent on the Hood/Nose as well as the roof. It is less apparent on the doors and the rear. The car likely received paintwork at some point in its life to improve presentation. By our inspection and various other inspections by qualified individuals it has been concluded that the car has never been hit or damaged to any degree of a concerning nature. Ferrari’s factory paintwork at the time of production was sub-standard due to the high demand for the F40 and the need to produce them quickly to meet orders. Due to this fact, it is well-known that the vast majorities of F40’s received additional paintwork before being delivered to their first owners, when new. It should be understood that the car presents very well and retains completely original bodywork throughout showing the body number stamping “162” on both door hinges, all of which is verified by the Classiche “Red Book.” In comparison to many examples, this car presents better than some of its lower mileage counterparts. All of the rubber trim appears to be original and in good order overall, consistent with Ferrari build quality of the era. The various trim elements and rubber sealant found throughout are all present and presenting nicely. The headlights, windshield and other glass and plastic pieces are correct and free of flaws. The original Speedline wheels are without any real flaws and the center lugs show use but nothing out of the ordinary.

Noted flaws consist of the following: the rear Lexan engine cover does show some light imperfections as one would expect with age but nothing that warrants tending to. The nose does show some chips and imperfections on the lower section nearing the front splitter. The driver’s rocker has a few small chips and on the driver’s side of the deck lid where the dowel meets the seem of the body, there is a small blemished area that has been touched up. Above the driver’s door latch just under the rubber trim a very small paint crack is also noticeable beneath a small section of torn rubber. Moving to the passenger side, there are a few very small/minor chips in the rear wheel arch towards the bottom. Otherwise, the wheel arches are quite nice with the fronts showing 3M Clear Bra protection installed. The rear license plate bracket is a hard-to-find, correct US-Spec plate adapter, though with some minor scratches.

Opening the door reveals the spartan yet satisfying interior. Everything you need, and nothing you don’t is the phrase that comes to mind. The seats are the first aspect to grab your attention not only due to the contrasting color, but also because of the quality. They have recently been refinished thanks to Re-Originals who provided the correct Italian made covers in the original material. The only other item that has been refinished is the dash due to a small hole near the ignition key for a circa 1990’s security system that was previously installed (which has since been entirely removed). In order to call the interior correct, original, and without fault, the appropriate material was sourced and the dash was recovered to exacting specifications. Otherwise, the interior remains in excellent original condition. The door panels, kick panels, floors, center console, rear bulk head, headliner etc. are all without fault and truly present much better than expected for a 16K (KM) example.

The front trunk is the one place on an F40 that tells a story of the cars life. Opening the front clam shell reveals exactly how delicate these cars are. It is immediately apparent how much F1 technology is integrated and how extensively engineered yet simple everything is. The front chassis structure and tub are extremely delicate. This example shows to be completely untouched by our inspection with everything in place, original beyond normal servicing and without any faults noted. Proper stickers, markings, plaques, and related items are all present and original. The correct foam piece sits atop the radiator, coatings, plating, clamps and the like are all correct. Inspecting the engine bay provides the same result, largely original and untouched beyond normal servicing with all of the various components straight and tidy with absolutely no evidence of prior damage or issues.

Starting the car is simple and it idles without hesitation. The engine revs quite freely once warm with good temperature and oil pressure indicated on the dash. The car runs without fault, incredibly powerful with vigor and impressive performance across the board. It turns where pointed, stops quickly, and handles without any issues. There are two mechanically related items that should be noted. The first is that the clutch is likely on the last 1/3rd of its life span per its operating condition, which is still perfectly healthy. We have arrived at this conclusion based on the heaviness and grab of the clutch. The other item, and this is one that is very common amongst F40’s, is the failure of the slow-down ECU’s. These cars are known for this component failing due to the aging technology within them. Fortunately, it is not a necessary part in order to use and operate the car as intended. Once new ones are available and back in production they can be easily switched in place of the faulty units. For now, they remain unplugged due to sending an incorrect report to the “slow down” light on the dash. Again this is a very common issue. This is a non-essential item, but it is something that needs to be disclosed.

Beyond this the car truly defines the analog driving experience. It takes full emotional and mental stability to be in control of such an exceptional machine. It is in many ways, the pinnacle of what mankind is able to create. The sweet spot when technology gave us just the right amount and the rest came from the raw power of a Twin-Turbo V8 and beautifully penned Pininfarina body lines. The F40 truly sums up what it means to be a supercar and has rightfully carved out its place in history as a legacy on four wheels. Given the passage of time and the progression of technology it is downright impossible that another car like this can ever come along again. This is the opportunity to be the next custodian of this marvel and to experience first hand what many consider the pinnacle of Ferrari ownership. Included in the sale of this exceptional piece of engineering is the Ferrari Classiche Certification “Red Book”, original tools, books, pouch with “Fix-a-flat”, and fitted Ferrari Car Cover with bag. Also included is documentation from the Japanese ownership and servicing, along with all US servicing receipts.