1987 Ferrari F40 Coupe

On July 16th of 1986, Ferrari announced that Pininfarina would be responsible for the F40's body design. Ferrari Engineering was tasked with the mechanical foundations, which were based on a competition-intended version of the twin-turbocharged 288 GTO model. The 288 GTO had never been campaigned due to changes in racing rule regulations. The GTO's engine displacement was enlarged to 2936cc with horsepower jumping to 478 bhp. In combination with a low body weight from the extensive use of carbon fiber and Plexiglas, the F40 was capable of speeds in excess of 200 mph.

The F40's official debut was in July of 1987 at a press conference in Maranello. At the time, there were also discussions of a special competition-prepared version. The tuning and modifications were entrusted to Giuliano Michelotto, whose resume included the Lancia Stratos rally cars and the Ferrari 308 IMSA cars. Several stock F40 examples were converted to so-called F40 GT specifications and then sold by the factory to privateer racers. The list of modifications included an even lighter body, which proved to be a forerunner for more purpose-built racing versions, such as the F40 LM and the F40 LM Evolution.

This particular example, chassis number ZFFGJ34B000074047, is one of the early F40 Prototype/GT vehicles. It is the sixth of approximately eight F40 prototypes constructed that were used by the factory for testing, each with an individual application or purpose. It is believed that this car may have been used primarily for press conferences and display at public events. It was shown at the 1987 Frankfurt Motor Show on the stand of Auto Becker, an official German importer of Ferraris. A month later, it appeared at the Ferrari Club Italia meeting in Imola.

This car was given the extensive GT modifications between May and July of 1987, and referred to as an F40 LM - according to the original Michelotto build sheets. In 1991, the car returned to Michelotto for more race-oriented improvements, and the car is believed to be the first of seven F40 examples to be given such conversions. The ride height was lowered by five centimeters, the engine was tuned with horsepower reaching 590 bhp, Brembo brakes were installed, and it was fitted with a quick-fill fuel system. It also received a racing uniball suspension, extra NACA cooling ducts, a fire system and wider Speedline wheels.

After the GT conversion work was completed, the car was sold to Luca Sartori, an Italian privateer who raced the car in the debut 1992 season of the Gran Criterium supercar GT series. 74047 took the checkered flag twice and placed 2nd six times during the 1992 season, resulting in an impressive 2nd place overall season finish.

At the close of the 1992 season, the car returned to Michelotto for further upgrades to remain competition under new C.S.A.I. GT specifications. The car was repainted in Ferrari Club Italia colours and campaigned again in the Criterium, now renamed the Italian Supercar GT Championship. It finished 2nd three times. In 1994, in the same series, it placed 1st twice, with two more 2nd place finishes. By this point in history, the car was finished in white with ToTip livery.

74047 was the acquired by a collector in Milan. It is currently presented in its ToTip racing livery and retains its original engine.

In 2012, the car was offered for sale at the RM Auction's Monaco sale. The car was estimated to sell for €700.000-€900.000. Bidding reached €600.000 but was not enough to satisfy the vehicle's reserve. It would leave the auction unsold.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2012