FYI: The iconic Ferrari F40 gets a bold new look, blending history with modern flair in the awe-inspiring “Minty Forty.”
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### The Unforgettable Ferrari F40
No Ferrari F40 is ever just “ordinary.” With its iconic design, breathtaking performance, and historical significance as the last supercar developed under Enzo Ferrari’s watch, the F40 is a masterpiece of automotive engineering.
### Enzo’s Legacy: Design and Performance
The F40 was conceived as a distilled essence of Ferrari’s racing prowess. Originating from the cancelled Group B 288 GTO Evoluzione, this 40th-anniversary road car retained its competition-inspired soul. Boasting a steel tube-frame chassis, four-wheel double-wishbone independent suspension, and ventilated disc brakes designed for racing, the F40 redefined performance. Aerodynamically honed in Pininfarina’s wind tunnel, its body comprised Kevlar and carbon fiber, blending lightness with rigidity.
### Engine and Speed: A Twin-Turbo Marvel
Behind the driver, a twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V-8 engine equipped with IHI turbochargers and Behr intercoolers delivers a staggering 478 horsepower and 425 pound-feet of torque. The F40 rockets from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.8 seconds, reaching a top speed of 201 mph, leaving competitors like the Porsche 959 and Lamborghini Countach in its dust.
### A Rare Sight: The Rosso Corsa Standard
Despite their rarity, the 1,235 F40s built between 1987 and 1992 all left the Maranello factory in Ferrari’s iconic Rosso Corsa red. However, one exceptional model has broken the mold.
### Chassis 88538: A Journey Unfolds
Initially completed on 27 February 1991 with a Rosso Corsa exterior and red Stoffa Vigogna interior, chassis 88538 embarked on a remarkable journey from Germany to the Netherlands, through a string of passionate owners. After an accident in 1998, the car was expertly restored by Forza Service, securing a Ferrari Classiche Certification attesting to its original factory specifications.
### Rebirth of the ‘Minty Forty’
In 2021, chassis 88538 found a new owner with an unconventional vision. Stripping the car down to its essence, the new owner decided against restoring its original red paint, opting instead for a striking pale green inspired by the Verde Pallido 250 GTO chassis 3505 GT, famously built for Sir Stirling Moss.
### Aesthetic Transformation
The refreshed F40 emerged as a one-of-a-kind creation. The pale green, or ‘Minty Forty,’ was complemented by a meticulously crafted blue interior, executed by an expert trimmer known for his work on aircraft interiors. The result? A show-stopping vehicle that melds historical homage with an audacious new look.
### Legacy and Continuation
Chassis 88538 has since captivated car enthusiasts and has been featured extensively on social media. The Minty Forty secured its place in Ferrari lore with a 1:18 scale model by Amalgam, a testament to its exceptional status. With maintenance handled by Schaltkulisse since 2022 and significant investments to keep it in peak condition, this F40 has driven more than 31,000 kilometers, or nearly 19,300 miles.
### Conclusion: The Spectacular Journey Continues
The “Minty Forty” isn’t just a car—it’s a statement. Ready for its next chapter, this Ferrari F40 exemplifies the spirit intended by Enzo Ferrari: not just to exist but to be driven, experienced, and admired. Its charismatic presence will undoubtedly continue to turn heads and inspire awe.
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Steven Hale, Editor of Automotive.fyi
