Only 1315 F40s were made – and that was three times the production Enzo had anticipated. Nineteen of these were modified to competizione specifications by Ferrari’s preferred race engineering firm, Michelotto (Padova, IT). Another handful were converted by privateers. This 1989 F40 to be auctioned by Broad Arrow during their Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este event scheduled for May 25 at Villa Erba, Italy is one of the latter, with a conversion commissioned by its second owner and executed by Martin Shaw’s Specialised Cars in Manchester, UK. The car spent only about five years as a road-going F40 before its transformation began – upon completion, the car was sold to Martin Shaw himself. Its race career began in 2000. The sales price is estimated at $2.6 million to $3.17 million, ensuring that only the well-heeled will play. Thanks to Araknid78 for the steady flow of exotic tips – we appreciate it.

A Ferrari is so much more than its motor, but hey, we’re not going to skip this part! The F40 was normally supplied with a mid-mounted, 2.9-liter, twin-turbo V8, good for 471 hp. But on the track while competing for the British GT Championship, that simply isn’t enough. The Martin Shaw build brought output up to 648 hp and 560 ft-lbs of torque. Now, that’s an engine. The suspension, brakes, fuel system and bodywork have also been upgraded to handle the stresses of this high-speed monster. The turbos and intercoolers were rebuilt. The gearbox is a five speed manual operating through a gated shift.

Inside, lipstick red upholstery over carbon fiber seat frames with huge bolsters greets the driver. Plain felt covers the instrument panel. These cars came with no carpet – just the bare composite of the floor will have to do for your feet. Speaking of feet, drilled pedals transmit the driver’s commands to that magnificent drivetrain. But to quote Joe Friday in Dragnet, this interior is the epitome of “Just the facts, ma’am.”

The rear view shows off the adjustable wing and impressive cooling ducts – a few of the body modifications that made this into a race car. Those Lexan-covered headlamps and a revised front splitter add to the package. Aside from the car itself, the winning bidder will receive a significant collection of spares including an engine block, multiple spare cylinder heads, intercoolers, suspension components, and even body molds … the list goes on, ensuring that the car can be run at speed without facing a dearth of repair parts. While lightly campaigned in “real” races after its makeover, and to no notable success, this F40 will pave the way for its new owner to show it off at many events throughout the world whether they be static shows or careful exercise at vintage races. Let’s hope for an opportunity to see it thundering around once more.