Highlights

Time-warp, fully matching-numbers example
Two owners and less than 500 miles from new — still fitted with its original Pirelli tyres
One of only 78 UK-delivered F40s
Accompanied by its complete and original book set, pouch and toolkit, along with copies of fabulous period correspondence with the first owner throughout the ordering process
Ferrari Classiche certification in process
Cat & adjust – the most useable specification of Ferrari F40

The Ferrari F40

Built to celebrate Ferrari’s 40th anniversary, the F40 was launched in 1987 and was the last new car presentation Enzo Ferrari attended before his death in August 1988. Post launch, Ferrari’s marketing department was quoted saying: “We wanted it to be very fast, sporting in the extreme and spartan. Customers had been saying our cars were becoming too plush and comfortable. The F40 is for the most enthusiastic of our owners who want nothing but sheer performance.”

Over five years of production, 1,311 examples were produced, numbered from 76624 to 95317. The chassis had factory reference numbers F 120 AB, and all were numbered in the continuous chassis number road car sequence, starting at chassis number 75000.

The two-seater berlinetta was designed by Pininfarina and featured mainly Kevlar, carbon fibre and aluminium. This, combined with its tubular chassis and turbo-charged running gear — not to mention its high-mounted, full-width wing — resulted in a sophisticated, lightweight, dynamic road car that performed like a race car.

This Ferrari F40

The car we are offering here, chassis ZFFGJ34B000088584, is one of only 78 Ferrari F40s delivered new to the United Kingdom. As confirmed by correspondence between first owner Mr David Matthews and Mr Mark Konig of Maranello Concessionaires Limited, an order for a new F40 was requested by Mr Matthews on 6 June 1988. Mr Konig promptly responded to confirm the order and completed a New Vehicle Order on 24 June. SEFAC Ferrari confirmed the allocation on 29 July, and Mr Matthews’ deposit was received on 30 September.

Mr Matthews soon realised that he wanted to add the optional adjustable suspension kit to his F40 and wrote the request to Maranello Concessionaires Limited, with the additional cost confirmed as £5,700. This request was quickly sent off to SEFAC Ferrari and order number 9574 was issued, with an expected completion date of the end of February 1991. Sticking to their deadline, on 31 January 1991 Maranello Concessionaires Limited wrote to Mr Matthews to confirm that the car was on test at the Ferrari factory.

By the end of March, the F40 was completed, as evidenced by the invoice issued to Maranello Concessionaires Ltd, which stated order number 9555 and a total of £167,064.90. The pre-delivery inspection (PDI) took place at Maranello Sales Limited on 27 March, with just four factory miles on the odometer, and the car was then delivered to Mr Matthews.

Mr Matthews clearly had great admiration and respect for his F40, as he had only put 78 miles on the clock by 25 May 1993, as evidenced by the invoice for a cambelt service by JCT600. Another man of great self-restraint, a Mr Anthony Travers, OBE purchased the car on 19 August 1998 and immediately placed it in long-term storage. On 2 April 2004, the registered keeper on the V5 was updated to Mr. Travers’ company, Classic Collections Ltd, but still remained in his ownership.

In preparation of sale, on 15 April 2019 the Maranello Concessionaires Archive inspected the F40 and confirmed that it was fully matching numbers. Renowned Ferrari specialist, DK Engineering was then commissioned to bring the car up to the standard you see today. In April and May, the engine, mechanicals and headlamps were detailed. In July, a major service was performed, which included installing a new cam belt and tensioner, fuel tanks, fuel pumps and filters, battery, air filters, fan belt, water pump belt, and suspension ECU, renewing the A/C gas and bleeding the brake system — over £25,700’s worth of work.

Built in celebration of Ferrari’s 40th anniversary, the F40 is one of the marque’s most iconic cars ever made. Of the 78 examples delivered to the UK, this example, chassis ZFFGJ34B000088584, is one of the most desirable available today. With only two owners from new and less than 500 miles on its odometer, it’s truly a time-warp Prancing Horse that looks just as it did when it rolled of the production line almost 30 years ago, with its carbon weave as clear as ever.

Price Upon Request