In 1987, Ferrari turned the motoring world on its head by launching the Ferrari F40 – a car that has gone to be hailed as the best super car ever made.
The F40 was born out of the 288 GTO project that had come before it, an evolution model of which was designed to compete against Porsche in the FIA Group B category. In 1986, however, Group B was canned, leaving Ferrari with a number of development cars – and a hefty bill to boot. It was decided that Enzo Ferrari would have one last hurrah, turning the 288 GTO project into a road going super car – the Ferrari F40. It would be the last car that he personally had a hand in developing.
The F40 showcased all of the latest weight saving techniques and materials, sporting Kevlar panels and extensive use of carbon fibre and aluminium. Even the windscreen and side windows were made from plastic in order to save weight. The end result was a car that tipped the scales at only 1100kg. Though incredibly light and aerodynamic, it was the engine that really gave the F40 its character – a 2936cc twin-turbocharged V8 that was capable of producing an incredible 471bhp. This was enough to propel the F40 to 60mph in just 4.1 seconds and reach a top speed of 201mph – the first production sports car to achieve the feat.
Production of the F40 would continue until 1992, by which time Ferrari had produced 1315 F40s, including a small number of specced-up Competizione models designed to compete on track. In its five-year production life the F40 would become one of the most desirable cars of all time, becoming a legend not only for its blistering performance statistics, but for its beautiful Pininfarina bodywork.
Today, the Ferrari F40 is still the stuff of young boys’ dreams. Built in a time before the introduction of electronic driving aids, the F40 is hailed as being one of the last true drivers’ cars.
Most people who buy F40s do so as an investment, as values will only rise with the passage of time. Buyers demand very low mileage, impeccable history and immaculate condition – keep this in mind.
VITAL STATISTICS
ENGINE 2936cc/8-cyl/DOH
POWER 471bhp@7000rpm
TORQUE 426lb ft@4000rpm
TOP SPEED 201mph
0-60MPH 3.8secs
ECONOMY 17mpg
GEARBOX 5-speed manual