One to Buy: last of 19 built 1994 Ferrari F40 LM
Following the decision to abort any official motor sport programme with the 288 GTO, Scuderia Ferrari elected to focus purely on Formula 1 and transform the GTO Evoluzione into a flagship production car that could satisfy the firm’s legion of customers in what was becoming a red hot collector car market.
The resultant F40 was an even more extreme vehicle than the 288 GTO and, with its race car dynamics along with an almost infinitely tuneable twin turbo motor, few were surprised when a competition version was requested.
The call for a racing F40 came from Ferrari’s French distributor, Charles Pozzi, who wanted to compete in the high profile IMSA GTO class against the likes of Audi’s all-conquering four-wheel drive 90 Quattro and Nissan’s spectacular Z32 300 ZX.
With factory blessing, Pozzi commissioned Ferrari’s partner organisation, Michelotto, to create what became known as the F40 LM. 19 cars were ultimately built, most of which were acquired by wealthy collectors who chose not to race their new steeds.
One such example is currently on offer with Bingo Sports in Tokyo: chassis 99401.
Often referred to as F40 LM number 20 (number 13 was skipped for reasons of superstition), chassis 99401 was completed in May 1994 and dispatched to Ferrari North America. It was the last F40 LM built and rolled out of Michelotto’s Padova facility ten months after car number 19 (chassis 97904).
Chassis 99401 was subsequently exported to Japan where, apart from a return to Michelotto for a full restoration between 2013 and ‘14, it has resided ever since.
Today, this ultimate expression of the F40 has covered circa 3000km and is presented in as -new condition.
Reprinted below is Bingo Sports’ description:
VIN: ZFFGX34X000099401
Mileage: 3000km
Exterior Color: Rosso Corsa
Racing activity with the F40 started under the leadership of Charles Pozzi SA, a Ferrari importer in France who was established in the racing industry. Back then, the Ferrari Factory racing division was focused on Formula One so Michelotto in Padova, Italy was assigned to develop a machine because they already had experience creating the 288GTO Evoluzione. Of course, Ferrari provided a big support for development of the power train.
The “LM” of F40LM come from “Le Mans”, based on the 60s legend, the 250LM. The F40LM is a racing car, weighing 50kg less than the F40, coming in at just 1,050kg and boasting over 700bhp, compared to 478bhp of the base F40.
The BINGO Collection F40LM (Chassis #99401) was the last produced by the factory. It underwent a comprehensive restoration by Michelotto between 2013-14 with bodywork carried out by Carrozzeria Nuova Rinascente (formerly Carrozzeria Cognolato) who had worked on the vehicle when it was first being produced. Full restoration records are provided and the car appears as new.
The car is already registered in Japan, ready to experience the legendary drive on the streets of Tokyo.
