1990 Ferrari F40

This F40 features a rear mid-engine 2.9 liter V-8 engine with twin turbochargers to boast power output to a then staggering 477 HP fed to the rear wheels through a 5 speed manual gearbox. It was in a class by itself and perhaps most notably, the F40 is the last machine that Enzo Ferrari had a hand in. At the time of its introduction, it was the most powerful and expensive Ferrari ever. The factory, now under FIAT control, planned a limited production run of about 400 machines. However, the market response was so strong that this thinly disguised racing car was produced in much greater numbers with a total of 1,315 manufactured.

In 1986 Ferrari owners with a racing interest complained that the regular production machines (As if there is anything regular about a Ferrari machine!) were a bit too plush and loaded down with creature comforts. The F40’s marketing material states, “The F40 is for the most enthusiastic of our owners who want nothing but sheer performance. It isn’t a laboratory for the future…it isn’t Star Wars.” Under the thoughtful eye of Enzo Ferrari and designers Pietro Camardella and Aldo Brovarone at Pininfarina, the F40 went from idea to introduction in a short 13 months.

The coachwork of the F40 features Kevlar, carbon fiber and aluminum for chassis rigidity, strength and low weight at 3,018 lbs. Extensive aerodynamic work was done to make the machine both slip through the air and stay rooted to the road. To further reduce weigh, polycarbonate was used for both the windshield and windows. While there is a bit of air conditioning, there is no sound system, door handles, glove box, leather trim, carpets or door panels. It is a Spartan performance machine as promised.