1978 Ferrari F40 Recreation (308 GTB)

Description

1978 Ferrari F40 Recreation (308 GTB) in Hamilton, QLD. Details Apple, Coco-Cola, McDonalds and Nike are brands recognisable the world over. So is Ferrari and interestingly the iconic Italian luxury sports car manufacturer was named ‘The World’s Strongest Brand’ in the 2019 Brand Finance Global 500 Report. Founded by Enzo Ferrari in 1939 out of Alfa Romeo’s race division as Auto Avio Costruzioni the company built its first car in 1940. The Second World War halted Ferrari’s dream, which was finally realised in 1947, when the first car bearing his name, the Ferrari125S, was built. From that day on Ferrari race cars dominated the world over, winning race after race and many world championships in Formula One, sports car racing and endurance racing. Ferrari built exclusive sports cars for the road too, but in the early days, this was primarily to fund his motor racing! The Cavallino Rampate or ‘prancing horse’ was the symbol chosen by Ferrari and like the ‘golden arches’ it is recognised by just about every man, woman and child on the planet! The Ferrari road cars built in the 1940’s and early to mid-1950’s were built in very small numbers and it was not until the introduction of the 250 series cars that production numbers increased. Almost 1,000 Ferrari 250 GTE’s were built from 1959 – 1963. The 250 Series also contained some of the most special Ferraris ever built, including the Ferrari 250LM, 250 SWB, 250 California Spider and of course the 250 GTO. The 250 Series cars were superseded by the 275 Series cars, the 330 series and cars and later the 365 series cars. The nomenclature designated the cubic capacity of each cylinder. So a Ferrari 275 GTB was powered by a 12 cylinder engine of 3300cc capacity. Ferrari introduced the 288 GTO in 1984 and it was conceived to be a homologated version of the 308 GTB for Group B road racing. The race series didn’t eventuate and the 288 GTO was becoming an exclusive road car with only 272 examples built. The market loved the 288 GTO and it was soon followed by what was to be the last Ferrari project approved by Enzo himself. The F40 was conceived to celebrate the company’s 40th Anniversary and it was initially planned that only 400 examples would be built. The car was an outstanding success and in excess of 1300 cars were ultimately built. The F40 is a legend and good examples are highly sort after and command prices in excess of $2 million. Oldtimer Australia has for sale a Ferrari F40 Recreation. This particular car is built on a Ferrari 308 GTB chassis and maintains that cars engine and mechanicals. This left-hand drive Ferrari 308 GTB was originally a USA market car and it was purchased specifically for this project in Phoenix, Arizona in the USA in December 2008 and subsequently imported into Australia. There is an import approval on file date 17th December 2008. The current owner followed his dream and hand built all the panels to turn his 308 GTB into an F40 recreation. This work was done during 2010 and it received a Queensland Modification Plate in October 2010 and it was finally road registered in January 2011. The car had significant mechanical work done, which included the engine, gearbox and brakes by Ferrari specialists McLean Motors here in Brisbane. The steering rack was replaced, the suspension bushes were all replaced, new front springs were fitted, a new stainless steel exhaust, muffler and rear outlets were fitted, as well as other miscellaneous works. New Simmons wheels (17×10” front and 17×12” rear) were fitted along with new Michelin tyres. The car was air-conditioned and Sparco racing seats with four point seat belts fitted to complete the project. The engine was rebuilt at 40,600 miles. The car was subsequently serviced at 43,190 miles and again at 45,950 miles. Today the odometer reads 46,192 miles. Today this car presents and drives really well. It’s certainly not a trailer queen and its current owner uses it as its makers intended. The paint work is vibrant with a good depth of colour. On close inspection, there are minor imperfections but overall the paint work is good. The panel gaps are also very good, which is a testament to the quality of the body work done to the car. You open the door and slink inside the cabin, as you do into a genuine F40, however, once comfortably seated the car is unmistakably 308. Turn the key and the engine starts easily Out on the open road the view out is unique and ‘very F40’. Once warm the V8 sings and just like any sorted 308 it is a joy to drive. The car accelerates, brakes and handles as one would expect. This car is well known in Ferrari Club circles in south east Queensland, it is regularly driven and often seen at Ferrari Club events. Its enthusiastic owner has decided it’s time to move his ‘labour of love’ on to a new home. The car is indeed a ‘real Ferrari’ and it offers an opportunity for someone looking for that ‘something a little bit different’ or someone who would love an F40 but is either unwilling or unable to write the big cheque. The fibreglass body molds and rear windscreen mold will be included with the car. Price AUD $199,950.         Specification

Specifications