Why the extra 300 pounds in weight? for safety?

 

Yeah, apparently extra bumper material front and rear to pass DOT safety regs. The rear compartment cover may look light, but it takes a good deal of strength and commitment to lift that thing by yourself and deploy the rod to hold it up - perhaps some of the weight is in that thing, but not sure.

 

Agreed, why buy a car you had “hello” and not drive it. IMO, work hard play harder…Congrats on your new toy, let her loose.

 

Safety and emissions stuff....3000 pounds is still light though, to say the least. Just not as light as 2700 pound Euro Spec's.

 

Thanks for sharing

Quick question, did you look at any F50's? I would think that the F50 would be in the middle between the F40 and the Enzo. A little more civilized than the F40 but still raw compared to the Enzo. I would enjoy hearing your thoughts on this. Also, how is the lag?

On a recent trip to Italy/Switzerland I saw my first F40 in person and felt slightly blessed by the car gods to ride next to him for 20 kilometers!

 

No, I did not consider an F50 at this time. It was less about the performance of the cars and more about the F40's heritage and provenance - the linkage to the 288GTO Evolutzione, the last guy designed under Enzo's eye, the simplicity of the whole package. The F50 would no doubt be a nice addition at some point, but it does not bring the Ferrari history alive like the F40 does - at least for me. Also, I'd go the other direction and would want a 288 GTO before I would go for an F50 (assuming I could ever find one for sale that I liked).

As for lag, it's not much of an issue as long as you're paying attention. At light throttle and under 3,500 rpm, it feels like your basic V8 mid-engine Ferrari. Get on the throttle and get the revs up and it will start squirming sideways as the rear tires fight for traction. Yeehaa, no traction control!

 

Awesome car peloton. I've seen 2 of these for sale (well, sold) recently, which is amazing as they are the only 2 I've ever seen. I wonder if the economy is convincing folks to sell now. You aren't going to be at HOD 10/29 Thunderhill are you? If so, see you then! As I like to say, the tires stop the car, not the brakes. I assume you've found the lockup pressure, if not ... keep pressing! Without power assist, you probably do have to apply an "amazing" amount of force to achieve threshold.

 

F40's are the HOTTTT congrats!!!!

 

Peloton,

This car is an inspiration, although iam 19 yrs old seeing this car and reading this thread makes me want to achieve all my goals so that i can one day afford these supercars. I have always drooled over the f40, but your experience in the car and your detailed narratives almost makes me feel as if i was in the car with you lol. I love the pics, i really enjoyed reading through your experience driving the F40. Now all i have to do is go out there and get it.

 

Not that I'm qualified to give you any advice, but I can tell you my own experience. Ever since I was 19 years old I dreamt of having a garage full of awesome cars. I think it is great that your dream is motivating you to achieve your goals. But the lesson I learned the hard way, many times over, was not to be overly focused on goals and instead maintain a strong focus on my process. Working hard, becoming a virtuous person and a good friend to others, and finding whatever healthy mechanisms I could use over the long haul to maintain serenity while coping with the inevitable stresses of life - these are the core elements of my process. Your process will of course be different and it should be personal. But I have found that focus on the process has almost always resulted in my achieving goals beyond my wildest dreams. Good luck!

And just for fun, attached are a couple of photos taken today at the Italian Heritage Festival in San Francisco. The Ferrari Pacific Club is always invited to display our Ferrari's there and I think there were a good 50 of our cars in attendance today.

 

Advice taken and appreciated. I have never thought of the process, always thought of my goals and dreams. But it makes much sense to me, and i understand where your coming from and what you mean. Your advice is qualified because you are older than me and you took the time to give me a different view of things. Thank you.

BTW your F40 is beautiful and enjoy it in good health.

 

Wow fantastic-- my ultimate dream car
Congrats

 

definitely my fav ferrari...especially becuz of its lineage/heritage

extremely small, highrevving V8 + boost =

 

possibly the best car ever, major congrats!!

 

My dream is your reality...for now atleast. Congrats on the F40, it is, for me, the epitomization of motor sports. All you need now is a Ruf CTR, Mclaren and gullwing to complete the deal.

Not being funny though, I love your vehicle and wish for you to enjoy it in the best of health....glad to hear you're using it.

Best Regards,

Kamil