To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys' Amelia
Island event, 8 - 9 March 2019.
Estimate:
$900,000 - $1,100,000
- European-specification example
- Upgraded suspension and brakes
- Driven only 26,800 km (16,700 miles)
- Formerly of the Duemila Ruote collection
- Built in celebration of Ferrari's 40th anniversary
The very first production car to break the 200-mph barrier, the F40
was a landmark car in Ferrari's storied history for a variety of
reasons. Firstly, it was created in celebration of the company's
40th birthday and secondly, it would be the very last model that
Enzo Ferrari personally oversaw before his passing. Looking to its
Formula 1 team for inspiration, Ferrari sought to make the F40 as
lightweight as possible, pioneering the use of carbon fiber for its
chassis and bodywork, resulting in a svelte 2,400 lbs. In addition
to its top speed of 201.4 mph, the F40 could sprint from 0-60 mph
in just 3.8 seconds and rocket through the quarter-mile in 11.8
seconds. In the age of incredible advanced technologies, Ferrari
stuck to the tried-and-true philosophy of reducing weight and
adding power.
Originally outfitted with catalytic converters and a non-adjustable
suspension, chassis 91464 was delivered new to Dr. Daniel Schick
through Graber Automobile AG in Wichtrach, Switzerland, on 18
December 1991. Dr Schick resided in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, but
kept his F40 in Switzerland and Germany for his personal use and as
well as the use of his son living in Germany at the time. It was
later sold to a Mr. Goldschagg of Switzerland before passing to an
owner in Munich, Germany, who registered the car on German plates
M-WW 8833.
Like many F40 drivers, this new owner did not consider the factory
braking system adequate for the power and speed of the F40. As
such, he commissioned the installation of larger Brembo brakes,
race-type front suspension, and a slightly revised pedal box. To
accommodate the bigger brakes, the front wheels were further
offset, and as such the outer corners of the front fenders were
slightly modified - making for a more angular appearance. These
alterations are not uncommon with European owners of F40s, as these
upgrades made the car more stable at high speed and brought it to a
halt in a shorter distance. The larger brakes also serve to
eliminate fading under heavy use and extended driving periods.
The F40 returned to its native Italy around 2007 and received its
30,000-km service, with 26,761 km showing, by Michelotto Giuliano &
Co s.n.c in Padova that year. A part of the now world-famous
Duemila Ruote collection sale, the F40 received a pre-sale workup
in excess of $10,000. Since its sale, the F40 has been carefully
maintained in a private collection and is ready for spirited use by
its next owner.
Four glorious decades of Ferrari experience and development went
into the Ferrari F40; it will give the few lucky individuals a ride
they will never forget. The finest birthday present Ferrari could
have given itself, this F40 will fulfill any enthusiast's need for
speed.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction,
please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/am19.