Italian Thoroughbred: 1990 Ferrari F40 With 8k Original Miles

I have always considered the Ferrari F40 as one of the greatest supercars of all time. There are undoubtedly prettier cars (step forward, 458 Italia), and cars like the Bugatti Veyron rewrote the rule book when the subject turned to outright performance. However, the lack of electronic driver-aids offered F40 owners a pure driving experience where the performance was limited by nothing but their ability. This 1990 F40 is 1-of-213 delivered in North America and has a genuine 8,060 miles on its odometer. It is destined for a new home shortly, and even if it is beyond your financial means, it still deserves a close look. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Araknid78 for spotting this Italian stallion.

It is easy to ignore the significance of the F40 in Ferrari’s history because it was the company’s last production car approved by Enzo Ferrari before he passed away in 1988. It was born out of a failed motorsport plan that created a racing orphan, with the original concept developed into a roadgoing vehicle. Ferrari initially planned to build only 500 examples of the F40, but such was buyer demand that the production run ended after 1,311 cars rolled out of its Maranello factory. The company followed a typical development plan, handing styling duties to Pininfarina. The result isn’t the most elegant to wear the revered Prancing Horse, but it is brutally purposeful. Aerodynamic efficiency was front-and-center, which many believed was strange considering Enzo once stated that aerodynamics was the last resort for manufacturers who couldn’t build good engines! You must examine one of these cars “in the flesh” to truly understand what Ferrari tried to achieve. Aerodynamics was part of the equation, but paring the weight to the lowest figure possible was a key objective. Therefore, composite materials abound, creature comforts are virtually non-existent, and the paint is so thin that it is often possible to see the carbon fiber weave on the exterior surfaces. This F40 is 1-of-213 delivered in North America, and faulting its condition is virtually impossible. The paint shines impressively and with only 8,060 miles showing on its odometer, it hasn’t had a chance to accumulate significant flaws or defects. The glass looks crystal clear, and being able to view its glorious motor through the rear cover is an undoubted highlight. Another is the beautiful 17″ wheels, which are free from stains and damage.

Enzo Ferrari focused heavily on the engines that powered his creations and preferred his screaming V12s over those with fewer cylinders. He compromised with the F40, which features a mid-mounted 2.9-liter V8 adorned with twin turbochargers and intercoolers. This mighty motor delivers an impressive 471hp and 426 ft/lbs of torque, which finds its way to the road via a five-speed manual transaxle. The engine is sweet, but the car’s ultimate performance is aided by a curb weight of 2,756 lbs. The F40 could blitz the ¼-mile in 11.4 seconds on its way to 201mph. That second figure is enormously important, signaling a form of automotive one-upmanship from Ferrari. Porsche released its game-changing 959 in 1986, quoting a top speed of 197mph. That made the 959 the fastest production car in motoring history. However, the F40’s figure not only raised the bar but made it the first to score a psychological blow to the opposition by surpassing 200mph. The truth is that there was an enormous amount of ego involved in the achievement, but it ensured that the F40 would forever hold an important spot in history. This F40 is in excellent mechanical health. It recently received new belts and other components, and its history is fully documented. The new owner can slip behind the wheel of a classic that is a turnkey proposition.

There is no denying that European exotics evolved significantly following World War II. Manufacturers still focused on performance, but luxury touches became more popular. Enzo Ferrari sought to take the segment back to its roots with the F40, allowing buyers to purchase a car that was as bare-bones as possible. That explains the lack of carpet, and why the only upholstered surfaces are the seats and dash. There is plenty of exposed carbon fiber and green joint sealant, and even traditional door handles made way or lightweight cords. Some buyers elected to equip their purchase with air conditioning, but one contemporary reviewer described it as being as effective as a small mouse exhaling through a drinking straw! This F40 features A/C that works as it should. There may not be many other options, but it scores points with me, courtesy of the beautiful gated shifter and leather-wrapped three-spoke wheel. Once again, faulting its condition seems impossible. There are no signs of wear or neglect and plenty of evidence that it has been treated respectfully. Of course, it is fair to expect nothing less from any car within this potential price range.

The seller has listed this 1990 Ferrari F40 here at Broad Arrow Auctions. The car is set to cross the blocks in an auction in Monterey, California, scheduled for August 14th and 15th. The pre-sale estimate is eye-watering, with the seller setting the benchmark at $2,600,000 – $2,800,000. That is a lot of money, no matter how you look at it. However, the F40 redefined what was possible from a road car, and set a benchmark that was once considered unattainable. Do I think it will sell? Values have dropped slightly during the past year, but I see no obvious reason why it couldn’t hit the upper figure. I can dream of owning it, but short of a lottery win or a sudden windfall from a long-lost wealthy relative, that won’t happen. I will watch proceedings with interest to see whether it finds its way to a new home. Would you care to join me?