One to Buy: Carrozzeria Zanasi-restored Blue 1989 Ferrari F40
Despite the failure of Group B circuit racing to take off in a similar fashion to rallying, the category did spawn arguably the two greatest supercars of the late 1980s: the Porsche 959 and Ferrari F40.
The F40 was created out of the 288 GTO Evoluzione programme and went on to become the fastest car in the world upon its release in June 1987. 1311 were ultimately built between 1988 and 1992 as demand far-exceeded Ferrari’s initial expectations.
Sales even remained strong after the collapse of the speculator-driven late eighties boom which resulted in the second half of production taking place amid an economic slump that had a devastating effect on several other high end auto makers.
In addition to having been produced exclusively in left-hand drive, Ferrari only offered the F40 in one colour scheme: Rosso Corsa with matching fireproof bucket seats.
A handful of VIP customers sent their cars straight to Pininfarina for different combinations, but by and large the world was denied seeing this spectacular machine in the kind of dark metallic shades that evidently would have suited it so well.
Currently on offer at the Furlonger Specialist Cars showroom in Ashford, Kent, is an F40 that illustrates just how good the model would have looked in something other than Rosso Corsa.
Chassis 80746 was originally completed in 1989 and dispatched to Switzerland, after which it headed to Japan. In 2015 the car was purchased by a UK collector who subsequently sent it to the renowned Carrozzeria Zanasi in Maranello for a total restoration and colour change to what you see today.
Now showing a little under 27,000km (or 17,000 miles), chassis 80746 is offered in superb condition throughout complete with Classiche Certification.
Reprinted below is Furlonger Specialist Cars’ description:
Price: POA
Odometer: 16,775 miles
This Ferrari F40, more commonly known as ‘F40 BLU’ is renowned within the Ferrari world for its distinctive colour, applied by Carrozzeria Zanasi during a total restoration in 2015. The F40 retains fully matching numbers and has been awarded Classiche Certification.
Chassis no. 80746 was originally delivered to Switzerland via Ferrari Suisse Nyon and configured as a non-catalytic/non-adjustable suspension example, finished in Rosso Corsa Ferrari 300 over Stoffa Vigogna racing seats. After spending some time in Europe, the F40 was sold and exported to Japan. In 2015, the car was shipped to the U.K. and sold via marque specialist Joe Macari to a well-known car collector and podcast host. As part of the sale and per the client’s request, the F40 was sent to none other than Carrozzeria Zanasi in Italy where it benefited from a total restoration and repaint to the special shade of blue.
After taking delivery of the completed car, the owner of ‘F40 BLU’ would use the car regularly taking part in numerous events, meets and features on YouTube. The car quickly developed an extraordinary following on social media platforms and is said to have inspired other F40 owners to change the colour of their cars.
This Ferrari F40 retains a comprehensive service history since arriving in the U.K., being regularly maintained by Joe Macari with no-expense-spared. Now offered for sale, the car will receive an annual service and any other required works via our workshop in preparation for its next custodian.
‘F40 BLU’ is an exciting prospect for those seeking a special example of what is arguably Ferrari’s most celebrated road car, one that has recently enjoyed a thorough rebuild and can be proudly driven and enjoyed. Exceptionally presented in all regards, the F40 warrants the closest of inspections. To further the car’s driving experience and amplify its sonorous V8 engine sound, the F40 has been fitted with a Tubi sports exhaust.
