FYI: Ferrari is rumored to be working on a new Icona car inspired by the legendary F40, with its release potentially coinciding with the automaker’s 80th anniversary in 2027.
The Fabled Ferrari F40: Set to Inspire a New Chapter in Icona Legacy
In the rarified air of Ferrari’s automotive masterpieces, few names stir the hearts of enthusiasts like the Ferrari F40. A symbol of raw performance and the final model overseen by Enzo Ferrari himself, this iconic supercar celebrated the company’s 40th anniversary in 1987. Now, as talk circulates, whispers of a new car in Ferrari’s Icona series, drawing inspiration from the F40, are building excitement in the automotive world.
A Legacy of Racing Heritage
The F40 made its debut as a tribute to Ferrari’s racing lineage, derived from the formidable 288 GTO Evoluzione. With the countdown to Ferrari’s 80th anniversary well underway, sources have suggested a modern rendition of this legendary model could emerge as a new Icona series vehicle.
Ferrari established the Icona series in 2018, launching with the Monza SP1 and SP2. Both models borrowed design cues from the 1950s-era 750 and 860 Monza race cars. By 2021, the Daytona SP3 joined the collection, echoing the design ethos of 1960’s stamina-defying prototypes.
Icona: Blending Tradition with Modernity
The Icona series caters exclusively to collectors yearning for rarity and nostalgic design. These low-production automobiles are curated by Ferrari’s special projects team, crafting each model with distinctive SP identifiers. This meticulous approach ensures each car is a nod to Ferrari’s illustrious past while harnessing cutting-edge technology.
The F40’s influence has already made an appearance in Ferrari’s one-off creations, like the SP38 from 2018, built on the 488 GTB framework for a private collector. Unlike these bespoke projects, the upcoming Icona series car promises to be a full-fledged Ferrari endeavor, showcasing an official conceptual homage to the original F40.
Reinventing the F40 for a New Era
Ferrari’s impending hypercar, the F80, named in anticipation of the company’s landmark anniversary, is slated for deliveries in 2026. The prospects of a new Icona series automobile pay homage not only to the iconic 1980s design achievements of the F40 but could also position Ferrari among contemporary reverences akin to Lamborghini’s revival of its iconic Countach.
A Nod to Independent Creativity
Over the years, the F40 has inspired independent designers worldwide, with countless modern interpretations proliferating online. An exemplary contribution came from Samir Sadikhov, a visionary behind many Rezvani projects and a graduate of the European Institute of Design.
As Ferrari strategizes its future commemorations and honors its prestigious past, enthusiasts and collectors eagerly await what surprises the esteemed automaker will reveal next.
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Donald Smith, Editor of Automotive.fyi
