USA Edition (one of 200 built), 6,900 miles from new
USA Edition (one of 200 built), 6,900 miles from new

Details
USA Edition (one of 200 built), 6,900 miles from new
1992 FERRARI F40
COACHWORK BY PININFARINA

Chassis No.ZFFMN34A1N0093627
Engine No. 31130
Ferrari red with red and black interior

Engine: 90 degree V8, two belt-driven overhead camshafts per bank operating four valves per cylinder, dry sump lubrication, with electronic port fuel injection and two IHI RHB 53 LW turbochargers and air to air intercoolers, 2,936cc, 478bhp at 7,000rpm; Gearbox: five-speed manual; Suspension: front and rear, independent by unequal wishbones with concentric coil springs and tubular shock absorbers; Brakes: four wheel ventilated discs. Left hand drive.

Following their success with turbocharged engines in the short-lived 1½ liter Formula One, in 1984 Ferrari introduced its first road-going twin turbo V8 in the 288GTO. Unfortunately it was primarily a technical exercise that never produced its intended on-track success due to changes in FIA sporting regulations that killed the Group B class Killer Bees for which it was intended. Nevertheless, the 288GTO was generally viewed as a success, as it generated a great deal of publicity for Ferrari and demonstrated the packaging advantages of the mid-engine twin turbo V8 powertrain.

Shortly thereafter, for the Fortieth Anniversary of Ferrari, Commendatore Ferrari charged his technical staff with the formidable task of developing a suitable automobile to commemorate not only that anniversary but also the prodigious accomplishments of Ferrari during those memorable two-score years. Seeking to recall one of Ferrari's most successful racing cars, the 250LM, Ferrari dug deeply into its high-tech bag of tricks to create the ultimate road-driveable supercar.

The F40 was the result, and what a convincing demonstration it was. The model adopted the 288GTO longitudinal, mid-mounted, twin turbo-charged V8 configuration, growing slightly in size from 2,855cc as well as in power, from 400bhp and 366lb-ft torque to 478bhp and 426lb-ft torque. Using a conventional (for Ferrari) tube space frame, the F40 incorporated advanced composite materials in every possible application including its exterior panels. Pininfarina developed the body design in its in-house wind tunnel, seeking the racer's compromise among aerodynamic drive, frontal area, high speed stability and downforce, to finally produce drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.34, remarkable considering the F40's huge tires and full-width rear wing.

In keeping with the F40's theme of translating racing car technology to the road, its interior is sparsely trimmed, and there are no power assists on either steering or the immense 13in diameter Brembo brakes. The only sound system available is the Ferrari symphony of valves, exhaust and turbos. Power assists are reserved for the elements that affect performance, particularly the suspension which automatically drops 20mm at speed to improve the effectiveness of the car's aerodynamics and reduce undercar drag, and can be raised 20mm to clear driveways. F40's one concession to comfort is a minimal air-conditioning system - just effective enough to keep the driver and passenger from baking on sunny Italian days. Best of all, for American enthusiasts, Ferrari went through the labyrinth rituals of American DOT and EPA certification so the F40 could be sold to and used by Ferrari's many American customers.

A year after its introduction, the F40 was released to the public to immediate acclaim in the motoring media and a huge demand for the artificially limited production of 400 cars. Ads appeared in car magazines and in the Wall Street Journal, offering to sell a confirmed order position for this anticipated collectible for 5-figure, and then 6-figure amounts... which only got you the right to pay for the car. Eventually F40s traded for over $1 million. Despite the frenzy around F40's introduction, its performance, concept and execution has been confirmed in intervening years. Today it is recognized as a superb embodiment of il Commendatore's guiding principles, exactly as he intended. It was the last great car designed, developed and built under his direct supervision in the spirit of the 250GTO and 250LM, a road car drawing directly and heavily on the racing experience, development and technology of Scuderia Ferrari. Even more so than the more recent F50, the Ferrari F40 has been recognized and accepted by enthusiasts and the market as an exceptional Ferrari. In Ferrari's history of building consistently exceptional automobiles, this is no easy accomplishment.

Having only traveled 6,900 miles since new, the F40 on offer here is a superb example. With all of the recommended services performed and recorded, this F40 has also recently received a new set of Michelin Pilot tires, new clutch, and a Tubi LM stainless steel exhaust system. All of the original parts have been retained, and will accompany the car. In pristine condition, this Ferrari F40 is the ultimate thrill ride.