The Ferrari F40 is a car that lives in the hearts and minds of enthusiasts worldwide. Born to celebrate Ferrari’s 40th anniversary, it remains one of the most iconic supercars ever produced. Known for its raw performance and stripped-down design, the F40 perfectly encapsulated Enzo Ferrari’s vision of a race car for the road. While many know the F40’s reputation, here are 10 facts you might not have heard about this legendary machine.
1. It Celebrated Ferrari’s 40th Anniversary
The F40 debuted in 1987 as Ferrari’s tribute to its 40 years of excellence. Unlike many commemorative cars, it was not just a cosmetic exercise. Ferrari ensured the F40 was a groundbreaking performance car that set new standards.
2. Getting Inside Was a Challenge
The F40 was not built for comfort. Entering and exiting the car required masterful contortions, as drivers often bumped shoulders or hips on the minimalist components. The carbon-fiber bucket seats didn’t make the task any easier.
3. Original Price vs. Value Explosion
When released, the Ferrari F40 cost $250,000—a steep price at the time. However, as demand skyrocketed in the late 1980s, prices surged close to $1,000,000, fueled by collectors and speculators eager to own Ferrari’s final car overseen by Enzo.
4. No Door Handles Inside
In keeping with the F40’s lightweight ethos, Ferrari ditched traditional door handles. Instead, a simple cable running diagonally inside the hollow door served as the mechanism to open it. Outside, a recessed latch popped the doors open.
5. Born from Ferrari-Porsche Rivalry
The F40 was initially developed to compete against the Porsche 959 in FIA’s Group B racing. When Group B was abruptly canceled in 1987, Ferrari pivoted, releasing the F40 as a road-going supercar—delivering race-car thrills to the streets.
6. Pininfarina’s Iconic Design
Ferrari entrusted Pininfarina to shape the F40. Its flowing lines, large rear wing, and distinct clear plastic engine cover created an unmistakable silhouette that still inspires awe.
7. First Road Car to Break 200 mph
In 1987, the Ferrari F40 became the first street-legal production car to break the 200 mph barrier, achieving a top speed of 201 mph. At the time, this feat placed it in a class of its own.
8. Pioneer of Composite Materials
The F40 was a trailblazer in the use of carbon fiber and Kevlar in body panels—cutting-edge materials in the 1980s. Combined with a tubular steel frame, this innovation kept the car lightweight and stiff.
9. No Carpeting, But…
Ferrari stripped the F40’s interior of luxuries to reduce weight—no carpeting, sound insulation, or fancy trim. However, most people don’t realize that the dash itself is carpeted, offering a small visual contrast in an otherwise bare-bones cockpit.
10. Top-Secret Development
Unlike other Ferraris of the era, the F40’s development was kept under tight secrecy. Many company executives didn’t see the car until its official unveiling on July 21, 1987. This grand reveal shocked the industry and solidified its place as Ferrari’s swan song under Enzo’s leadership.
The Ferrari F40 remains a testament to Ferrari’s engineering prowess, passion for racing, and dedication to pure driving exhilaration. From its pioneering design to its blistering performance, the F40’s place in history as one of the greatest supercars ever built is undeniable. Even decades later, its raw, uncompromising character continues to fascinate and inspire.
Elizabeth Puckett