The Ferrari F40 is one of the most legendary and iconic supercars ever built, not just because of its speed and performance, but because of its emotional backstory and its place in Ferrari history. Here’s a detailed look at the story and history behind the Ferrari F40:
In the early 1980s, Ferrari was engaged in intense competition—both on the road and in motorsports. Porsche had just launched the 959, a technological marvel with advanced all-wheel drive, turbocharging, and electronics. Ferrari needed a response, but rather than match it with tech-heavy innovation, they decided to go raw, visceral, and extreme.
At the same time, Ferrari’s founder, Enzo Ferrari, was aging and reflective. The 1980s were to be his final decade, and he wanted a car that would be a true embodiment of Ferrari's spirit—something pure, mechanical, and brutally fast.
The Ferrari F40 was developed from a racing prototype called the 288 GTO Evoluzione, which was initially intended for Group B racing. When Group B was canceled, Ferrari repurposed the engineering into a road-going supercar.
Enzo gave the green light in 1986, and the car was developed in just 13 months, an incredibly short timeline. The car was unveiled in 1987, coinciding with Ferrari’s 40th anniversary—hence the name F40.
Enzo Ferrari passed away in 1988, making the F40 the last car he personally approved. That alone elevated its status to mythical levels.
It had no ABS, no power steering, no traction control, and no luxury. It was pure: a road-legal race car, loud and aggressive.
Enzo Ferrari reportedly said:
“I wanted to build a car that could show what Ferrari is made of.”
Gordon Murray (McLaren F1 designer) called it:
“The best supercar ever made, and may ever be.”
The Ferrari F40 is more than just numbers—it’s a symbol of a time when driving was analog, dangerous, and thrilling. It stands as a tribute to Enzo Ferrari’s legacy, the culmination of a life devoted to speed and performance. In many ways, it marked the end of an era—after the F40, technology began to take over supercar design.
For many, the F40 is Ferrari.
Ferrari Classiche offers a Certificate of Authenticity for road and race cars over 20 years old.
Factory Restoration
Restorations are done at the Ferrari Classiche workshop in Maranello, or via authorized Classiche workshops worldwide.
Use of original tooling, production methods, and genuine parts—some newly manufactured based on original specs.
Covers mechanical, bodywork, interior, and paint restoration.
Restored vehicles can be brought back to concours condition.
Note: Heavily modified cars, or those with non-original engines, may be denied certification unless restored to factory spec.
Ferrari Classiche has restored some of the most historically significant Ferraris, including:
The Maranello Classiche department also includes a private collection of Ferrari’s own historic cars, many of which have been restored by the program.
