Road-Legal V12-Swapped Ferrari F40 Up For Auction

Not only is this likely the sole V12-powered Ferrari F40 out there, but it comes with racing pedigree too! It will be up for auction with Iconic Auctioneers and it is currently road-legal for any potential buyers…F40

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Born out of the strong relationship between UK-based Simpson Motorsport and the Ferrari factory in the 1990s and early 2000s. Featured in Keith Bluemel’s well-researched tome ‘Ferrari F40: A Comprehensive Look at One of Ferrari’s Greatest and Most Revered Cars,’ this V12-swapped F40’s story is one for the ages.

In 2001, Simpson Motorsport radically modified a chassis tub in the UK for a client, Stefano Sebastiani. The project’s roots trace back to when Simpson Motorsport managed Sebastiani’s Ferrari 348 LM, chassis 95450, in endurance races between 1993 and 1995, including two Le Mans 24 Hours entries in 1993 and 1994. This collaboration fostered a strong relationship with Mr. Felisa of the Ferrari Factory, likely contributing to the creation of the Michelotto-built 348 Competizione and 348 GTC/LM models during 1994.

Related: Liberty Walk Ferrari F40. Tasteful styling or automotive sacrilege?

The unique opportunity to build the Simpson-Ferrari V12 arose when Sebastiani was offered an original, post-crash-test, F40 chassis from Maranello. Despite the financial challenges, Sebastiani managed to secure the chassis and, through his strong working relationship with Robin Smith of Simpsons, they built a unique race car. Diverging from the standard car’s V8 twin-turbo setup, they installed a naturally aspirated type F133 V12 Ferrari 550 Maranello engine, paired with a Hewland transmission. The project also included F40 GTE-style bodywork, a full FIA roll-cage, custom-made suspension, and 18-inch wheels (11-inch front, 12.5-inch rear). The car was further upgraded in 2005 with a Hewland NLT 6-speed sequential transmission.

Related: Ferrari Legacy Tour Bands 30 F40s Together in Motoring Heaven

World Champion Mauro Baldi, who drove the car at the 6 Hours of Vallelunga with Richard Jones and Fabio Montani, praised it, saying, “What a nice and quick car to drive. Much better than the turbo original car!” Offered at a fraction of the likely asking price for an F40 LM, this remarkable V12 GTR is eligible for prestigious motorsport events worldwide, is road registered, featured in Keith Bluemel’s F40 ‘bible,’ and stands out as the only V12 example. It promises serious performance and an addictive soundtrack.

This may come as an urk to purists but it blends the iconic Ferrari V12 with what is often regarded as the greatest Prancing Horse to ever be created.

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The post Road-Legal V12-Swapped Ferrari F40 Up For Auction appeared first on CAR Magazine.


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