Chassis No. ZFFMN34A6M0089653
Most 40th birthdays are marked with jokes about aging and wistful
nostalgia-but not Ferrari's. When the marque reached that milestone
in 1987, there were no sentimental speeches or over-the-hill
banners. Instead, there was the F40-an unapologetically raw
supercar that made clear Ferrari wasn't looking back. In the years
leading up to its debut, strange-looking Ferraris were spotted on
the streets of Maranello and circulating Fiorano. At the time, it
was widely guessed-but not confirmed-that these were prototypes
destined to succeed the beloved 1984 288 GTO. As it happened, that
suspicion was partly correct. The prototypes in question were
dubbed 288 GTO Evoluzione, originally conceived for Group B racing.
But when the series was abruptly cancelled, Ferrari pivoted. Rather
than abandon the project, the Evoluzione were reimagined as rolling
development mules-bridging the gap between the 288 GTO and what
would become the F40.
That car made its debut on 21 July 1987, in a stifling civic hall
in Maranello. Enzo Ferrari himself was present for the unveiling.
As the story goes, when the covers came off, the notoriously stoic
founder leaned into a live microphone and said simply, "Bello,
molto bello." An intentional bit of theater, sure, but Signore
Ferrari wasn't wrong. The car before him wasn't elegant in a
traditional sense, but it was striking. Eleven composite
panels-clamshells at either end, functional NACA ducts, and a
prominent rear wing-made clear this machine had nothing to hide.
Designed by Pininfarina, it wore its purpose like armor. Yet the
exterior told only part of the story. The F40 was less about visual
drama than it was about experience. The cabin was stripped to the
essentials-red cloth-covered bucket seats, pull-strap doors, a
felt-wrapped dash and tunnel, and exposed carbon composite nearly
everywhere else. Ferrari described it plainly: "no interior trim,
only plain or composite material surfaces." This wasn't about
comfort; it was about connection.
Beneath the rear clamshell sat a twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V8,
derived from the 288 GTO but thoroughly reworked. A revised
compression ratio, increased boost, and updated engine management
yielded a claimed 478 horsepower-delivered to the rear wheels via a
five-speed open-gate manual. Performance was staggering: zero-to-60
mph in under four seconds and a top speed just north of 200. But
raw numbers weren't the point.
The F40 offered no power steering, no ABS, no traction control-just
immediate, unfiltered response. It was loud, hot, and demanding.
But for those who could rise to the challenge, it was transcendent.
It was the last car signed off by Enzo Ferrari, and it felt like a
parting statement: bold, uncompromised, and built for drivers, not
passengers. Ferrari's 40th birthday wasn't about looking back-it
was about setting a new standard. And with the F40 it did exactly
that.
With the initial expectation and announcement of plans to produce
400 F40 supercars over just a few years, Ferrari finally ceased
production in 1992 after 1,311 examples. Just 213 would be
officially delivered to U.S. dealerships in that span. According to
original sales documentation accompanying the sale of the car, this
1991 F40 was originally delivered to Autohaus Inc. of Cohasset,
Massachusetts, via Ferrari North America. A copy of the window
sticker reveals the otherworldly specification known to many
enthusiasts, and the suggested retail price of $423,250-nearly
three times the cost of a Testarossa. On 29 July 1991 the car
received its pre-delivery inspection and was sold a day later to
the owner of Viking Oldsmobile Cadillac GMC, a dealership based in
Newport, Rhode Island. The car was retained by its original owner
for just a few years before passing to an individual based in New
York who would retain the car until 2025, a span of 32 years! Under
the long-term stewardship, the CARFAX Vehicle History Report
reveals a slow and steady accumulation of mileage that, at the time
of cataloging, reads a remarkable 1,701 original miles.
As expected, with limited use and under single ownership for over
three decades, the car is an F40 purist delight. The entire car is
a canvas that reveals how Ferrari originally constructed these cars
when new. Beyond the straightforward classification of "matching
numbers" there are numerous other important details that appear on
chassis 89653 that only seasoned experts tend to recognize or fully
appreciate. The body number "48" appears on the traditionally
viewed locations on the door hinges, but further still within the
rear wing element edge. Given the hidden nature of this number,
viewing requires disassembly of the rear wing. Few people are aware
of this important marking, but a picture is on file for review.
Further still, a little-known fact on F40s is the fuel caps on
either side are labeled with small markings of "S" (Sinistra) and
"D" (Destra) in the epoxy denoting "left" and "right." It is
essential to closely inspect these markings to ensure they have not
been switched, indicating possible signs of damage. As one would
expect with such an original car, the markings are present and
correctly placed on the corresponding side.
Beyond the hard stampings and numbers, numerous nut and bolt paint
markings survive, such as the traditional front suspension stamps
denoting its "USA" delivery. Additionally, the correct factory
finish of black inside the rear clamshell hinges remains intact-a
subtle detail often overlooked, as this area is frequently painted
red on cars that have had the roof repainted. Further still, the
original Ferrari and Speedline etching on all four wheels is
present and clear, something which is impossible to replicate
correctly, and it continues to wear a period-correct set of Pirelli
P Zero tires. As the studious F40 cognoscenti know, while U.S.
delivery examples carried a modicum of additional weight, they
produced nearly 40 more horsepower than their European brethren.
Further U.S. specification details abound. It retains its correct
aluminum fuel tanks with internal pumps that avoid the costly
five-year replacement cycle, DOT bumpers, two-piece seats, and is
without the variable ride height system. Furthermore, the Ferrari
retains its tools and manuals in leather case, which includes its
original serialized service book.
In preparation for sale, this reference-grade F40 visited P1 Motor
Cars of Norwalk, Connecticut in July 2025 for a thorough servicing
to maintain optimal mechanical health to pair with its outstanding
original cosmetic condition-standards now expected at the top of
the market. Widely regarded as one of the greatest supercars ever
built, the Ferrari F40 occupies a near-mythical status among
collectors and enthusiasts alike-its raw performance, race-bred
engineering, and uncompromising design continue to inspire awe and
reverence nearly four decades after its debut. Presented here in
remarkably original condition with exceptionally low mileage and
long-term ownership, this example represents the F40 in its purest
and most coveted form-a museum-worthy icon that commands the
deepest admiration from true connoisseurs of the marque.
Please note Online Bidding is not available for this lot. For
further information and alternative bidding options please reach
out to
[email protected]
