Pull the slim door handle, drop into the thin-shelled seat and the first thing you notice about a Ferrari F40 is how little there is. No touchscreens, no carpet to speak of, just bare carbon-weave panels, a simple instrument cluster, three pedals and a gated manual shifter. Launched in 1987 to celebrate Ferrari’s 40th anniversary, and the last car personally approved by Enzo Ferrari, the F40 is still considered one of the purest driving experiences ever built.
First Impressions Behind the Wheel
The driving position is low and focused. Visibility forward is good, but the rear view is dominated by the engine cover and wing. The steering is unassisted, so it feels heavy at parking speeds and alive at speed. The clutch is firm, and the open metal gate demands deliberate shifts.
Analogue in a Digital Age
Modern supercars are astonishingly capable, but they filter the experience through electronics: traction control, stability systems, dual-clutch gearboxes and adaptive suspension. The F40 has none of that. Everything the driver feels comes straight from the tyres and the road, which is exactly why enthusiasts treasure it.
The Twin-Turbo V8
Behind the cabin sits a 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged V8 producing around 478 PS. In the late 1980s, that was enormous, and the F40 became the first production car widely recognised to exceed 200 mph, with a claimed top speed of around 324 km/h.
The turbocharging is old-school. Below the boost threshold, the engine feels relatively calm; then the turbos come alive and the car surges forward with a dramatic rush. Managing that delivery, especially in corners, is a big part of the challenge and the thrill.
Lightweight by Design
Ferrari built the F40 with a tubular steel frame combined with composite panels made from Kevlar and carbon fibre, keeping weight to around 1,100 kg. Side windows were originally sliding plastic panels, door cards were stripped back and there was no radio. Every gram mattered.
The Sound
Inside, the cabin fills with intake noise, turbo whistle and wastegate chatter, along with the mechanical sounds of the gearbox and suspension. There is very little sound insulation, so the car feels raw and immediate.
Handling and Respect
With no electronic safety net and plenty of turbocharged power, the F40 demands respect, especially in the wet. Smooth inputs are essential. Drivers who learn its character describe it as communicative and rewarding, but unforgiving of careless mistakes.
Why the F40 Matters
The F40 represented Ferrari at a turning point: the last model of the Enzo era and a statement of what a road car derived from racing could be. Around 1,300 were built, far more than originally planned, yet it remains highly collectible.
Collector Value
Values have climbed dramatically. Good examples now often sell for well over $2 million at auction, with exceptional, low-mileage or historically significant cars commanding even more. Originality, service history and documentation are crucial.
Driving Experiences Today
Few owners drive their F40s hard, given their value. Some specialist driving programmes and private events offer enthusiasts the chance to experience one on track or on closed roads, often with instruction from experienced drivers. For many, it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Why It Still Feels Special
Decades later, the F40 reminds drivers what makes a car exciting: lightness, mechanical feedback, a challenging engine and total involvement. It is not the fastest car any more, but it remains one of the most memorable.
FAQ
What makes the Ferrari F40 special?
Its lightweight construction, raw twin-turbo V8, lack of electronic aids and status as the last Ferrari approved by Enzo Ferrari.
How powerful is the F40?
Its 2.9-litre twin-turbo V8 produces around 478 PS, with a top speed of about 324 km/h.
How many were built?
Roughly 1,300 cars between 1987 and 1992.
Is it difficult to drive?
It requires skill and respect, particularly due to its turbo power delivery and lack of driver aids.
How much is an F40 worth today?
Good examples typically sell for well over $2 million, depending on condition and history.
