Ferrari F40
Ferrari is known for producing exciting sports cars, including the F40. The F40 was in production from 1987 to 1992, during which time 1,311 models were produced. This is a mid-engine sports car with a rear-wheel drive. The F40 was created in celebration of the company’s 40th anniversary. It also bears the honor of being the last Ferrari that Enzo Ferrari personally approved.
The Ferrari F40 was created to be the successor of the 288 GTO. The original planned production was for just 400 units. Clearly, demand meant that Ferrari had to increase this planned production. The body design of the F40 came from Pietro Camardella and Leonardo Fioravanti from Pininfarina. Nicola Materazzi is the engineer who designed the mechanical parts of the vehicle, including the engine and gearbox. The body designed by Pininfarina was completely new and it included aluminum, carbon fiber, and Kevlar. The combination led to a low weight plus strength. To further drop weight from the F40, Ferrari used polycarbonate plastic for the windows and windshield.
The first Ferrari F40 used a 2.9-liter variation of the same V8 engine from the outgoing 288 GTO. This engine was twin-turbocharged as well as intercooled. It led to the F40 generating up to 471 horsepower and 426 pound-feet at 4,000 rpm. The F40 did not get a catalytic converter until it became a legal requirement in the US in 1990. The suspension of the F40 was also similar to that of the 288 GTO, with a wishbone setup. Despite the similarities, there were changes to settings and numerous upgrades.
The original Ferrari F40 models were very minimal in terms of features. They had air-conditioning, but this was just moderate and the only modern convenience. There were no door handles, leather trim, door panels, carpet, sound systems, or glove boxes. What it lacked in amenities, the F40 made up for in terms of performance – and then some. It weighed just 1,369 kilograms so the 471 horsepower led to a great power to weight ratio. The result was the ability to reach 199 miles per hour and go from zero to 62 mph in just 4.7 seconds.
If you get lucky enough to come across one of the Ferrari F40 models today, expect to pay a hefty sum to own it. At the time of original production in 1987, the Ferrari F40 had a suggested retail price equal to $400,000, which is about $880,000 today. In 2015, a 1992 F40 sold for the equivalent of $1.22 million.
