Variety is the spice of life, and that philosophy is reflected in the classic world. Some enthusiasts set their hearts on a genuine muscle car, while others are drawn as if by magic to Kei cars. I class my taste as eclectic, and I will appreciate any classic for the story it tells, an innovation it may bring to the industry, or the sheer delight it provides every time I slip behind the wheel. That brings us to this 1990 Ferrari F40. The company designed it as the ultimate performance car, pushing the envelope of what was possible in a road car. There have been faster cars that managed to offer more luxury and comfort, but many enthusiasts believe the F40 was the last great Ferrari. We’ll get to that part of the story in a moment, but first, we must consider what this classic offers. Its condition is hard to fault, which is hardly surprising since it has a genuine 2,736 miles showing on its odometer. It needs a new home, with the seller listing it here at RM Sotheby’s in Miami, Florida. It will go under the hammer on December 10th, allowing the winning bidder to take delivery as a pretty lavish Christmas gift. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Araknid78 for spotting this galloping Italian stallion.
This F40 is not the first to cross my desk, and I felt it would be informative to read the feedback on the last one to refresh my memory. It revealed that our readership seems split roughly 50/50 on its merits. That seems fair, and those doubters can take heart from the attitude of Enzo Ferrari on the subject. The great man strived to achieve motoring excellence, but he once candidly admitted that he viewed anyone buying one of his road cars as an idiot. He knew the company made a significant profit on every sale, but he considered that as a means to an ends. His passion was not his road car division but his beloved Formula 1 team. He knew that the greater the profit from each new car sold, the more money he had available to sink into his racing exploits. So, if a Ferrari road car doesn’t excite passion in your soul, remember that you share a similar belief to the man whose name adorned the factory. Many also viewed the F40 as a cynical marketing exercise. When unveiled, Ferrari claimed that it would limit production to 400 vehicles. Such was the pent-up demand that the factory forgot to stop making them until 1,315 rolled out of the factory. That added more to the racing budget, and Mr. Ferrari would have rubbed his hands together over that. Our feature car is 1-of-213 that found its way to the USA, and its presentation is difficult to fault. That is hardly surprising since its odometer shows a genuine 2,736 miles. To describe the condition as “showroom” would not stretch credibility because there are no visible faults in the supplied photos. The paint shines impressively, while the beautiful wheels are perfect. I don’t think the F40 is the most attractive car to roll out of the Maranello factory, but the body designed by Pininfarina is purposeful. The scoops and spoilers are there for a specific purpose: to extract every ounce of performance out of this supercar. If you have never examined one of these classics closely, it is an eye-opening experience. My first time left me virtually speechless because I couldn’t believe that such an expensive car could have what I considered a second-rate paint job. You can see the composite weave beneath the paint when you get close. That was intentional as the company strived to trim every last gram from the car because it viewed weight as the enemy of performance. Therefore, thin paint saved weight and was a normal feature of every F40.
It is hard to explain what sets supercars like the F40 apart from mere mortals. Sometimes, a picture is worth a thousand words. I once saw a video documenting the build of a Ferrari V12 engine, and it was eye-opening. The level of care and attention during every phase is astonishing, helping explain why it takes a technician up to a week to bolt together each powerplant. Our feature car is a mid-engined classic powered by a 2,936cc V8 engine sporting two IHI turbochargers. Ferrari quotes a power output of 471hp that feeds to the road via a five-speed manual transaxle. The journey down the ¼ mile should take 11.4 seconds before the car runs out of breath at 201mph. The company’s attention to detail extends to that top speed figure. Initial testing came up short of the mark, but when Porsche released its technological masterpiece, the 959, with a top speed of 197mph, Ferrari knew it had to act. It would have been easy to hit 198, but breaking 200 was a psychological move designed to draw attention away from Porsche. I’ve previously described the F40 as the ultimate driver’s car, and that is because of the raw motoring experience it provides. There is no traction control, launch control, ABS, or other driver aides. If you are good behind the wheel, it shows. If you lack talent, it becomes graphically clear as you flirt with the prospect of exiting backward into the roadside scenery at warp speed! If you find pushing a muscle or pony car to the limits, that same thrill awaits the person slipping behind the wheel of the F40. The differences are that things happen at a higher speed in the Ferrari and cost a lot more if things go horribly wrong! This Ferrari has a genuine 2,736 miles on its odometer and comes with a documented ownership and service history. We receive no information on how it runs and drives, but it would be worth asking relevant questions with a car of this caliber.
Climbing aboard an F40 doesn’t equate to living in the lap of luxury. For those that crave creature comforts, there aren’t many. With Ferrari’s focus on weight saving, there are no power windows, power locks, carpet, and no cruise control. The company could add air conditioning, but its cooling capacity was about the same as a tiny mouse exhaling through a drinking straw. However, you received a pair of body-hugging seats, a leather-wrapped wheel, a comprehensive collection of gauges, and a beautiful gated shifter. As with the rest of the car, this F40’s interior is flawless. There is no evidence of wear, abuse, or UV damage. It is easy to think that slipping behind the wheel would be like rewinding the clock to 1990.
I like this 1990 Ferrari F40, and if I had the money and space, I would love to park it in my garage. Some readers may view that as a sign that I am a motoring snob or elitist, and if I admit that I’d add a Series 1 Jaguar E-Type Convertible and a 2010 Aston Martin V8 Vantage, that could act as confirmation. However, that is the tip of the iceberg because my dream garage would also house a 1966 Mustang GT Fastback, a ’68 Camaro Z/28, a C2 Corvette Fuelie, an early Fiat 500, and, possibly, a Crosley Hotshot (to name a few). Each of those cars earns a place on merit. Some are engineering marvels. Some are ground-breaking vehicles that rewrite the rule book, while some are there because the driving experience would plaster a mile-wide smile on my face. That is what defines the classic world. We each have different tastes, and one person’s orange could be another’s grapefruit (or something like that). This F40 may not appeal to you, or you may long to own it. Past experience taught me that the reader feedback will be as diverse as the classic world itself. I respect that, and I look forward to reading your views. After all, you are an integral part of the classic scene and have a voice that deserves to be heard.
Bravo, Adam! I, too, would have a very diverse lot of cars to choose from if I had the scratch. The F40 would surely be one, as would a D-Type Jaguar, an original Ford GT and, for tooling around the track I’d build if I was in that bracket, a 250F Maserati and a Kurtis Indy Roadster….
Why specialize in one marque or type? I wouldn’t want a fleet of Nashes, for example — sorry, Howard A! — but one Rambler amongst a crowd of other vehicles would be fun.
I do have one beef about this F40, though: since it has covered less than 100 miles per year on average, I suspect its tires, brakes and other vital systems are going to need some attention after 32 years. Nothing keeps cars usable like use!
I want to see the “barn” this came out of. Just saying.
I agree with you John, An F-40 does not belong on Barn Finds! A multi million dollar car on Barn Finds, I don’t think so! Most of us who take the time to read this column can’t even entertain the purchase of anything in this category, even in our wildest dreams. What would be nice is to find some decent actual barn finds that have been reasonably priced but don’t expect that to happen to soon!
21 comments says that most of us DO appreciate seeing these cars and part of the reason why we have been browsing Barn Finds for YEARS.
If you aren’t interested in something, do what I do and just skip over and stop wasting your valuable time looking at and commenting on them.
Sorry PR, I do appreciate them greatly, The F40 I think is one of the utimate cars ever made. I saw my first one the year they arrived on our shores. The owner of our Local Ramada Inn owned one and parked it often at the front entrance of the
Inn, Fell in love the moment I saw it. Pure Artwork as far as I am concerned. Just don’t see it as a barn find, That is all I am saying. A good friend of mine has An Early Testarossa, and a newer convertible along with a Lamborghini Diablo, (my favourite). All of them wonderful!
This was a well written. thoughtful and educational write up on this iconic car. A car of which, ordinarily, I would have no interest in. The 68 Fastback, C2 and C3 Corvettes work for me. Which is good thing because on my budget I’m thinking that a set of plug wires for the F40 would probably break me.
But for the players at this automotive level any thoughts on what a car like this would go for?
Very interesting article
I have no idea what this will sell for, but would not be surprised to see the hammer fall on a seven-figure price. F40s were hot items right from the start, especially as they were forbidden fruit for U.S. buyers when new. So the price determination goes something like this: it’s a Ferrari, it’s wicked fast (if it runs well), it’s a Ferrari, it has low miles, it’s a Ferrari, it looks to be in superb condition (at least for display in a collection), and it’s a Ferrari.
Did I mention that it’s a Ferrari? That’s always good for a price increase….
A lot of cars on Barn Finds don’t really excite me to the point where I’d be checking them out if I had the space and budget to buy. Most muscle cars, many “classics” and some oddities just aren’t what I want. But do I want to read about them, particularly when they have individual stories? You bet I do!
Doesn’t really matter if they have done time in a barn, a weed-filled back lot, or a warehouse. Keep ’em coming, BF People. I want to see them ALL!
I agree wholeheartedly! Everyone has different tastes. We don’t have to be copycats. Personally, l prefer the long roofs and oddball. But to each their own. Having said that, this a fantastic car, for someone with the means to take care of it.
An 1800 mile example sold at Pebble Beach for almost $4m this year.
The F40 truly represents the saying “they don’t build them like they used to.” It’s analog and raw. It’s everything modern Ferraris are not.
This video of Chris Harris flogging an F40 and F50 is worth watching, he well explains the difference in the two and why the F40 is still considered by many to be the apex of supercars. And the interview at the end with Mark Hales is just splendid.
https://youtu.be/3MDTcXGsjuo
Fantastic video of the F40 and F50. Thanks for the heads-up.
I appraised one of these (a1990 model year) twice for the same owner. In 2013: $472,000 with 3034 miles. In 2014: $895,000, with 3046 miles.
Hagerty shows a high sale of $2,892,500, in 2022. I suspect this car will exceed $3,000,000. by a very wide margin.
Early on one of the reasons these cars jumped in value was because the “cowboy” owners who didn’t know how to drive them, totaled more than a few.
https://www.supercartribe.com/how-many-ferrari-f40-were-made-and-how-many-are-left/#:~:text=Many%20have%20crashed%20over%20the%20years%2C%20but%20there,road%20registered%20Ferrari%20F40s.%20FERRARI%20F40%20PRODUCTION%20DETAILS
I have had the good fortune and privilege to drive several mid 2000’s supercars (Ferrari 599GTB, Modena 360, Ford GT to name a few) and my opinion is they were often beautiful and awful in their own individual ways. I never drove an F40 but did ride along in one at speed on a racetrack and I must say it was exhilarating. Also re your comment about the interior, I am a bigish dude and could not fit into the seat and I do generally fit into seats.
The saddest thing to me is that this amazing piece of car art has rolled less than 1000 miles a decade. I hope whomever comes up with the coin does better but I highly doubt it.
The F40 was the end of the long running successful 3xx
range. Some say its a kit-car but its sheer power deserves
respect and as it is a true Ferrari. The word kit-car would
be a misnomer.
For the pre-Schumacher era i tend more to the F50 as it
is more comfortable as the F40 Built only in 349 examples
and the earlier 1986 GTB/GTS Turbo (F106) built in 185
examples and the 1986 GTO built in only 272 examples.
The GTO was new a bargain for 220’000.-. My house used
to cost more.
The F50 was for 50 years Ferrari, without anti-lock brakes
no power steering and no power brakes. What?! The Ferrari
dealer in my town had this cars from new in the show room
and i drunk regularly with the salesman and few mechanics.
Vroooom ….
The 288 GTO i had the ability to drive at Fiorano and the
Monza racetrack near Milano. Very loud. Very agile.
And very impressive. Only the F50 hammers that
level of pure sportiness higher. Lightweight makes the
speed!
The F40 brought it soon to public interest as a driver
accidentially slipped off from the clutch on a red light,
flew 50 metres over the intersection and crashed
on a vehicle in front of it. Bäng. The F40 was slammed.
But its a Ferrari. Back to the factory. Legends never die.
Owners of a Ferrari can attend to the factory racetrack
Fiorano to take a 2 day driver’s training course with well-
trained instructors (before – or after ABS cars – subdivided)
to learn drifting, swerving and fast cornering. Thus
prevents unexperienced drivers of exiting backward
into the roadside scenery.
2700 miles? It’ll be interesting to see what this high milage F40 goes for.
Anymore sportscars?
Aston Martin DB V8 Vantage 77-89 built
Ferrari GTB Turbo
ISO Rivolta
Lamborghini GT400
BMW E9 CSI
11.4 time in the quarter and 201 top end lol. Dare say underrated hp by the Ferrari folks.
This will go to a speculator. Maybe someone who loves cars, but isn’t going to dent value by driving it much. A pity, as such a complex car would need driving to understand it.
I think Nick Mason of Pink Floyd has had one since new which has done proper miles (50000?). Even the trailer queens cost a lot to maintain annually, so sad to see something built as the ultimate Ferrari as a mere commodity.
A friend of mine has a Ferrari 550 Maranello but because he owns 5 other classic cars none of them get driven very often so the yearly mileage of each is quite low, however, the cost of servicing the Ferrari, whether it has been driven since it’s last service or not, doesn’t matter as it HAS to have it’s stipulated service and cam belt change etc. at great cost otherwise when it comes time to sell the buyer will note that it hasn’t had it’s proper servicing and the asking price will be contested.
Well you need to volunteer your services to drive them….just to keep them up to snuff !
My son had a Ferrari poster on his wall from about age 12 until he graduated from college. He now has Mercedes AMG and Porsch 911GT3 and has lost interest in something that he wouldn’t drive.
I don’t relate to this car, but it sure was interesting to read the story. I bet it will sell for really big bucks and will have one very happy seller and buyer. Let’s see what it auctions for
My neighbour had an F40 and that’s where I learned about the Ferrari mystique. I had a poster of this on my wall when I was a teen also but getting to see it in real life, sit in it, and hear what it sounded like was what really made me a Ferrari lover. He explained how rare it was, showed me the thin paint and all the other weight saving that was done, which made it all that much cooler to me. He also mentioned the insane maintenance costs but also explained it was just part of owning a Ferrari. He had many in his stable of Stallions, including an F50 and GTO (my favourite). I learned a lot in that garage!
Sure beats conversing about a Dart Swinger, Lancer whatever, Pinto or Vega.
Great article Adam!
Ferraris are beautiful designs, and when they run they run like the wind, but they seem to be in the shop more than they are on the road. These days, esp, you can order a Ford or a Chevy that will pretty much keep up with one at a third the cost or less. Even if I could afford 300 grand for a new one, I would spend less then a hundred and buy an American car. Just seems like a more responsible way to spend your money and still have a bunch of fun.
I agree with you, however, your Ford or Chev will always be just that, and never a Ferrari.
If all you want is just the name, then you are less of a car guy and more of a snob. If the two cars have similar performance, and you go for one that is at least triple the price, then your motives have to be questioned.
@Emel. I have driven several of them but I only get to visit him once or twice a year, and then only for a day or two, but while I am there I really enjoy his cars.
I saw one on a lot in California 40 decades ago talk about plane Jane interior!
So what the car was totally exotic, not sure what the difference was with the F50.
would I like to own and drive one, absolutely even non-car people appreciate its bold statement! Good job Ferrari.
$3,250,000 USD | Sold
United States | Miami Beach, Florida