Just added an F40 to the garage - a few pics
#7
OK, you're behind the wheel of a car where most dyno pulls on USA versions shows 515+ hp, 450 torque. Car weighs in the 2600-2800 pound area. Clutch pedal very stiff, cable-operated throttle a bit sticky at initial foot pressure. No power steering, no power brakes, no traction control, no abs, no airbags, no nothing (except a/c).
Fire it up - race car basso rumble with high pitch overtones. Classic Ferrari v-8 flat crank sound - like two angry in-line fours hooked in parallel, which is basically what the crank layout creates.
Start a gentle cruise around the local back roads - immediate striking impression is incredible steering feel - unboosted with low weight on the front wheels, steering wheel feels alive - very direct like a Lotus Elise, wheel dances in your hands on road irregularities. Typical Ferrari smooth ride, no jiggling despite stiff suspension - load up the tires into corners and the steering firms up nicely - you know exactly what is happening with all four contact patches - very nice. Takes high cornering loads very predictably on brakes and neutral throttle. Too scared to get into boost when not pointed straight ahead.
Ok, first good straightaway, 2nd gear, nail it. Boost hits around 4k rpm against a 7,800 redline. Rear tires spin then hook up at 60 mph - very scary the first time or two. On high throttle and on boost, car will go whichever way the rear wheels are pointed - only thing keeping you in a straight line is the LSD. Grab 3rd, hit boost, redline again at 120 mph+.
Brakes are average - allow room to slow down!
Overall, the performance, handling, steering, sound, smell (and look) of this thing is an incredible package considering it is 1980's technology. Can't wait for first track days in the coming month. Will try to keep it away from the walls...
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#11
Two prior owners. Original owner kept it in a climate-controlled garage in Missouri for 15 years - car had 200 miles on it when sold to the next owner in 2005. Second owner put 1,800 miles on it in 3+ years. Had 2,057 miles on it when I got it last Friday, I've added another 10% to the mileage total in the first couple of days - these things need to be driven.
#12
Sweet. I had a friend with one back in the day - he bought a salvage and destroyed it within 6 months. He was a bodyshop owner and a complete maniac. One of the scariest rides ever with him - weaving in the emergency lane on I95 in NY going full bore about 100MPH faster than everyone else in heavy traffic. Guy is actually still alive and still into toys. He now has a 200MPH turbine powered full-canopy speedboat.
#14
congrats! that is awesome. hope to see it out there. TH on 10/17 if you can.