The Ferrari F40, one of the most iconic supercars to ever come out of Maranello, holds a unique place in automotive history. As the last Ferrari personally overseen by Enzo Ferrari, the F40 is often regarded as the closest Ferrari has ever come to creating a true race car for public roads. While many car enthusiasts are familiar with its reputation, there are some lesser-known details about this legendary machine.
1. Built to Celebrate an Anniversary
The Ferrari F40 was created to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Ferrari, from 1947 to 1987. But unlike many commemorative models, the F40 wasn’t just about looks—it was a performance masterpiece.
2. Entering the F40 is a Challenge
Getting in and out of the Ferrari F40’s seats is no easy feat. Many drivers found themselves bruised by the hard interior components until they mastered the art of entering and exiting the car.
3. Price Inflation
When first released, the Ferrari F40 cost $250,000—an astronomical price at the time. However, demand quickly caused prices to skyrocket to nearly $1 million by the end of the 1980s.
4. No Traditional Door Handles
In keeping with its minimalist design, the F40 lacked traditional door handles. Instead, interior door opening was achieved by pulling a cable, with an exterior recessed latch.
5. Built to Beat Porsche
The F40 was initially designed to compete against Porsche’s 959 in FIA Group B racing. When Group B was canceled, Ferrari released the F40 for road use instead.
6. Pininfarina’s Masterpiece
Designed by Pininfarina, the F40 featured sleek lines and a clear plastic engine cover, a signature element that highlighted its power and design.
7. Breaking Speed Records
In 1987, the F40 was the first street-legal car to surpass 200 mph, setting it apart from its contemporaries.
8. Ahead of its Time with Composites
The F40 was one of the first production cars to use advanced composites like carbon fiber and Kevlar for its body panels, making it incredibly light and durable.
9. Stripped-Down Interior
In a bid to save weight, the F40’s interior lacked carpeting, though its dash was covered in it, a detail many overlook.
10. Cloaked in Secrecy
Ferrari kept the F40’s development under wraps, with only Enzo Ferrari’s closest associates involved. Even most executives didn’t see the car until its grand unveiling in July 1987, where it stunned the automotive world.
The Ferrari F40 remains a symbol of engineering excellence and continues to captivate car enthusiasts decades later.