Summary

1989 Ferrari F40 with European specifications, 49-state compliant. Recently serviced by Ferrari Newport Beach. Ferrari's 40th Anniversary Supercar.

Details

478bhp, 2,936cc dual overhead camshaft twin-turbocharged V8 engine with Weber-Marelli fuel injection, 5-speed manual gearbox, independent front and rear double-wishbone suspension, and 4-wheel disc brakes. Wheel base 2,450 mm (96.5 in.). At a press conference in Maranello on July 12, 1987, a frenzied group of journalists gathered to hear Enzo Ferrari explain how, just one year earlier, he had approached his engineering team with the idea of a 40th anniversary model that would showcase the ultimate in Ferrari technology and styling. When the curtain lifted on the resulting F40 a few moments later, it was clear that the design brief of utmost excellence had been aptly fulfilled. Mechanically, the F40 bore much in common with Ferrari's preceding Supercar, the 288 GTO, and in fact it was closely based on a race-intended version of the GTO that never saw competition due to a change in regulations. The F40s type F120 AB chassis shared the wheelbase dimensions of its predecessor, but it features a wider track and an increased use of carbon fiber and other race-developed technologies. The 288s twin-turbocharged V8 was bored to displace almost three liters, which, in combination with additional tuning, contributed to an output of 478hp, making the F40 Ferrari's most powerful road car to date. Under the direction of Leonardo Fioravanti, the body designer responsible for the Daytona and the Berlinetta boxer, Pininfarina took an initial wedge shape and developed it in a wind tunnel, optimizing aerodynamic flow and downforce. Built out of carbon fiber and Kevlar, the lightweight body was peppered with NACA ducts that contributed to cabin and brake cooling, and it was punctuated by a louvered Plexiglas engine cover that revealed the prodigious V8 underneath. Approximately 250 kilograms lighter that its German competitor, the Porsche 959, the F40 offered breathtaking performance, hitting 60 mph in 3.8 seconds, with a top speed of 201 mph. The race-engineered chassis and engine were complemented with competition-oriented features (or a lack thereof), such as no anti-lock brakes or steering assist. Claiming a certain distinction as the last Maranello road car to be engineered under Enzo Ferrari's direct leadership, the F40 remains one of the most celebrated high-performance automobiles ever built, and the model occupies an important link in the Ferrari supercar lineage, amid the 288 GTO, F50, Enzo and now LaLerrari. This European Spec car currently displays just over 8,800 kilometers, and is accompanied by a complete set of tools and workshop manual. The F40 is an outstanding example of one of Ferrari's most revered street machines, and it will be sure to deliver outrageous performance. In December 2014 new fuel cells were installed and the Classiche Certification processed and pending approval certification. 49-state compliant.