1991 Ferrari F40

Sold CHF3,323,750

• A highly desirable cat, non-adjust example of the legendary Ferrari F40
• Delivered new to Switzerland in July 1991; imported to the country by Ferrari Suisse Nyon with the order fulfilled by the dealer Walter Hasler AG of Frick
• Retains its matching-numbers V-8 engine and gearbox
• Presented in its factory-correct colour pairing of Rosso Corsa over Stoffa Vigogna
• Certified by Ferrari Classiche in October 2018 and supplied with its Red Book
• Known to have participated in Ferrari anniversary celebrations in Italy in 1997 and 2017; several events are organised for the marques landmark 80th anniversary in 2027
• Offered with its Ferrari books and manuals in leather Schedoni wallet; further accompanied by a tool roll and two spare fuel tanks that require installation

Please note this vehicle is titled as 1996.

As the progenitor of Ferraris flagship line of anniversary-celebrating hypercars, the F40 is undeniably one of the most special Prancing Horses ever produced. Essentially built to racing specifications with a twin-turbocharged V-8, aerodynamically perfected carbon fibre and Kevlar coachwork, and the barest modicum of cockpit trim, the F40 oozed Maranellos racing DNA. It was not merely coincidental that this was the last model developed under Enzo Ferraris watchful eye, as the F40 exemplified the spirit of Scuderia Ferraris finest competition machines.

The model was originally conceived to be an FIA Group B competitor, developed from the superlative 288 GTO, to take on the likes of the Porsche 959. Enthusiasts can be grateful that the F40s development continued regardless of the racing classs cancellation. Rather than scrap the programme entirely, Ferrari opted to use the five initial 288 GTO Evoluzione development cars as the basis of a new 40th anniversary model.

As it was designed for competition, the F40 featured a race-developed steel tube-frame chassis with four-wheel double-wishbone independent suspension, coil-over Koni shock absorbers, and four-calliper ventilated disc brakes. Pietro Camardellas coachwork design, executed under the direction of Leonardo Fioravanti and aerodynamically perfected in Pininfarinas wind tunnel, was built with panelling woven of Kevlar and carbon fibre. This reduced the kerb weight by approximately 20 per cent, while simultaneously tripling the cars structural rigidity.

The 288s twin-turbocharged V-8 was bored to displace 2.9 litres and equipped with IHI turbochargers and Behr intercoolers. It was then mated to a five-speed transaxle actuated by a gated shifter. The resulting performance was nothing short of astonishing. The type F120 040 engine developed 471 brake horsepower and 425 pounds-feet of torque to launch the F40 to 100 km/h from a standstill in just 4.1 seconds and achieving a top speed of 324 km/h (thereby exceeding the 959 and Lamborghini Countach).

Unlike the more luxurious treatments that have become fashionable today, the F40s interior aptly reflected its basis in race car development, with a no-frills spartan design philosophy. Accordingly, weight was thoroughly minimised with the use of components such as cloth upholstery on plastic-composite racing seats, pull-strap door releases, drilled pedals, and Perspex windows.

The highly desirable cat, non-adjust model offered here was delivered new to Switzerland in July 1991. The eventual introduction of the catalytic converter allowed the F40 to comply with modern emissions regulations, notably in Switzerland, while the later introduction of adjustable suspension came at the cost of heavier, more complex componentry. This F40 was imported by Ferrari Suisse Nyon and handed over to its first owner, a resident of Emmetten, in the canton of Nidwalden, by the dealer Walter Hasler AG. The vehicle handover is documented to have taken place on 23 July 1991.

As with every other F40 to leave the gates of the Maranello factory, this car was finished in Rosso Corsa, while the seats were specified in Stoffa Vigogna also a standard option taking the form of red wool fabric. The accompanying service book notes maintenance by Swiss garages throughout the cars early years. Between May and June 1997, the F40 was seen participating in Ferraris 50th anniversary celebrations taking place between Rome and Modena, observed there wearing Swiss registration plates. Some 20 years later, the car was seen at the Ferrari 70th Anniversary Concourse dElegance held at the marques private Fiorano circuit in Maranello, here wearing different Swiss number plates.

In October 2018, the F40 was certified by Ferrari Classiche, at which point the important Red Book was issued. This certification underpins the cars originality and significantly marks the chassis, engine, and gearbox as matching-numbers components.

The F40 has since become part of a prominent Swiss private collection of supercars, where it has been enjoyed with light use and the necessary provisions for maintenance. In the care of the consigning owner, the F40 has been maintained by Ferrari main dealer Niki Hasler AG, with invoices on file to support the work. The workshop handled the Ferrari in 2023, 2024 (at which point the 40,000-kilometre service was performed), and twice in 2025 (with one of those visits marked by the fitment of four new tyres).

The Ferrari is presented to auction with its odometer reading 38,725 kilometres at the time of cataloguing; this relatively low use is verified by its service book and dated stamps. As well as its books and manuals, the F40 is further accompanied by a tool roll, plus two spare fuel tanks and the original exhaust that require installation.

Approximately 1,315 examples of Ferraris 40th anniversary masterpiece were ultimately built surpassing original expectations but never diminishing the cars mystique. While it remains a darling of the collector car world, the F40s significance extends far beyond market value. A noted participant at prior Ferrari anniversary events in Italy, this very alluring F40 could be the ideal companion to attend upcoming concours events, drives, and meets planned to celebrate 80 years of the Prancing Horse in 2027.



Please note that Swiss taxes have been paid on this vehicle.

To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/auctions/zu26/.