The Ferrari F40 was built from 1987 to 1992, with both the LM and GTE race car versions continuing in production until 1994 and 1996 respectively.
It was built to celebrate Ferrari's 40th anniversary back in 1987 and was the successor to the 288 GTO, as well as being the last car to be personally approved by Enzo Ferrari. On its release, it was their fastest, most powerful, and most expensive car for sale.
The car made its debut in July 1987 at the Civic Centre in Maranello. It was planned to be shown at the Frankfurt Motorshow but that idea was shelved due to the release of the Alfa Romeo 164 from Fiat at the show.
A planned production run of 400 units was envisaged, with a suggested retail price of US$400,000, this being five times more expensive than the 288 GTO. Ultimately, a total of approximately 1,311 cars were produced with just over 200 units destined for the USA.
Back in 1990, Formula One driver Nigel Mansell sold his F40 for a then-record price of £1 million, a record which stood until well into the 2010s.
All cars that left the factory were in the Rosso Corsa colour and left-hand drive but a few were modified, including at least seven that were delivered to the Sultan of Brunei in right-hand drive.
The body of the car was a new design and featured Kevlar panels, carbon fibre, and aluminium, making it a very lightweight model. A new tyre was also developed to cope with power levels more associated with a racing car.
When unveiled in 1987 the car received mixed reactions, some praising its looks but others not so impressed. Many were bought at the time as an investment and it was estimated that in 1990 only 10% of the F40s delivered were actually driven.
The car was heavily promoted in a documentary featuring past interviews of the late Enzo Ferrari, together with footage of the factory and the F40 driving through the streets of Modena. The car made numerous TV appearances and speculators sold the cars to each other at public auctions as the price rose to 7 times the listed price in 1989, making the car more and more desirable.
The F40 would go on to feature in video games, on magazine covers and posters, increasing its fame and legacy.
The F40 still divides opinion due to its rather basic design and lack of the latest technology when compared to other supercars of the same era but it remains a very much liked car by the media and its owners.
For many, today's restrictions on health and safety mean that another car like the F40 will never be made, and that is what makes it so special and desirable.
If you are looking to buy a Ferrari then visit our marque-exclusive showroom right here on our Ferrari website for a great selection of models: https://www.ferrarimotorcarsales.com/home/cars-for-sale
