The Ferrari F40 is one of the most desirable cars from the Maranello-based marque that a collector can aspire to own. The last car personally approved by Enzo Ferrari, the F40’s raw and unforgiving nature is part of its charm. RM Sotheby’s is now offering not one but two Ferrari F40s to appeal to both ends of the collector spectrum: those who value originality, and those who appreciate modifications done to the highest standards. Estimated pricing on both sits between $2.5-2.8 million, so clearly the auction house thinks collectors will find value in either.
The first stunning example is a highly modified 1992 Ferrari F40, re-finished in Azzurro Hyperion a few years ago. Originally painted in Rosso Corsa, chassis 94647 spent the first phase of its life as a fully documented standard car before its current owner decided to spice it up.
With modifications planned by Furlonger Specialist Cars in the UK, this F40 is currently as high-spec as OEM+ restorations go. The list of mods includes a rare F40 LM racing gearbox, revised turbo waste gates, a full Tubi exhaust, KW fully adjustable coilover suspension with a front axle lift, larger Brembo GT brakes, and custom 18-inch centerlock wheels. Nicknamed the “Blue Chip F40”, this car represents the best money can buy for someone who thinks standard F40s are too common.
On the other hand, the 1990 Ferrari F40 on offer in the same lot stands out as a testament to originality. Finished in Rosso Corsa, this single-owner F40 has barely 223 miles on the clock and has been in storage for the last 35 years.
This is as close to factory-fresh as a Ferrari F40 is ever likely to get. It really doesn’t get more reference-grade than this car. Purists will likely love the fact that this non-cat, non-adjust Ferrari F40 with chassis 84036 has remained with its original owner all these years, with no chance of accidental damage.
Together, these two F40s tell a story of preservation versus expression. Either would make a very nice addition to any collector’s garage, but we can’t help but feel a stronger affinity for the Blue Chip F40. After all, these cars were meant to be driven, and something tells us the blue F40 has been built to do exactly that, at a standard higher than when it left the factory.
