Vehicle Description
To be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sotheby's Santa Monica event, June
24, 2017.
Estimate:
$900,000 - $1,100,000 US
Recent service by GTO Engineering
U.S.-delivery example with air conditioning
Upgraded Tubi stainless exhaust and aftermarket turbos
Less than 16,000 miles showing
With the supercar battle of supremacy continuing to escalate
between Ferrari, Porsche, and Lamborghini, Ferrari took the next
step by looking at its Formula 1 team for motivation. Blending the
technologies of a tube frame with widespread use of carbon fiber
and Kevlar elements that kept the platform to an impressive curb
weight of approximately 2,500 pounds, the Ferrari F40 was
considered a performance prodigy, built in commemoration of
Ferrari's 40th anniversary as a manufacturer.
Pininfarina penned the design, a thrilling combination of
imaginative styling and the most advanced automotive technology
available in the day. More than ever before, the newest Ferrari was
the result of experiences gained in the highest form of motor
sport. The lines and aerodynamic design of the Ferrari F40 came
about through the constant and fascinating confrontation between
the auto stylist's imagination and the laws of physics that must be
respected. The final product was sporty, to say the least. A sleek
and aggressive forward-slanting hood, aerodynamic tail section with
aerofoil, functional NACA ducts for proper cooling, and a
low-slung, road-holding underbody plus a wheel design that is
seemingly perfect for this platform - the Ferrari F40 remains
unforgettable.
The engine is as imposing in appearance as it is performance,
producing 471 horsepower from its 2,936 cubic centimeter DOHC twin
turbocharged V-8 engine with Weber-Marelli fuel injection and
paired with a five-speed manual transmission. At the time of its
release, the F40's power plant allowed the car to achieve an
astonishing top speed of 201 mph; earning it the title of fastest
production car in the world.
Car and Driver enthused, "Purge your memory bank of leather-lined,
walnut-paneled elegance. Forget about computer control, all-wheel
drive, and brakes that never lock. Let your mind drift back to the
era when power had nothing to do with the steering, brakes, seats,
or rearview mirrors. Concentrate on the unadulterated truths of the
high-performance experience: prodigious horsepower, stout gears,
fat tires, potent brakes, and a tight-fitting driver's seat. Wrap
your reverie in artistic coachwork. Paint it red and let it
blur."
A total of only 1,311 F40s were built from 1987 to 1992.
The F40 offered here, chassis number 93065, is identified by its
serial number and Veglia instruments as having been a U.S.-delivery
car and was originally finished as it is today, in Rossa Corsa with
red cloth seats. The F40 does not have bumpers, power windows,
power steering or brakes, carpet, armrests, reclining seats,
leather upholstery, an ashtray, or a cigarette lighter. One
standard though, mainly for satisfying the requirements of the
important American market, was air conditioning. Among the other
equipment on this F40 are sizable vented four-wheel disc brakes,
Ferrari Scuderia fender shields, Tubi exhaust, Ferrari-stamped
alloy wheels, Michelin Pilot Sport tires, and less than 16,000
miles on the odometer, which are believed to be original.
Last shown to be registered in Texas, the F40 has Challenge
bushings in the front suspension, a popular and easy upgrade.
Recently the F40 benefitted from a major service at GTO
Engineering. Service work included replacing the timing belts,
tensioner bearings, cam seals and O-rings, check and set valve
clearances, replace valve cover gaskets, set air flow and balance
on all eight cylinders as well as replace the spark plugs and
accessory belts. Additionally they bled the brakes, replaced
by-pass valves, checked clutch operation and replaced fluid, and
replaced the brake ducting.
Four glorious decades of Ferrari experience and development went
into the Ferrari F40; it will give a few lucky individuals a ride
they will never forget. It is the finest birthday present Ferrari
could have given itself.
Addendum:
Please note that this vehicle has an open recall contained within
its CARFAX and that due to California emissions, this car can only
be offered to a dealer or out-of-state resident. Please contact one
of our Car Specialists if you have any additional questions about
this vehicle.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction,
please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/.
