A key instalment in Ferrari’s statement “Big Six” lineup—beginning with the 288 GTO and rounded out by the F50, Enzo, hybrid LaFerrari, and latest F80—the F40 stands as one of the most significant Prancing Horses ever made. By extension, it counts as one of the most important and special automotive creations of all time.

Famously, the F40 was the final design to be signed off by company founder Enzo Ferrari. Publicly introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1987, it was initially forecast for a production run of 400 examples in celebration of the marque’s 40th anniversary. However, that figure eventually stretched to 1,315 units as customer interest skyrocketed.

Little wonder, given a lightweight Kevlar and carbon fibre construction being propelled by a twin-turbocharged 2.9-litre V-8 that delivered circa 478 horsepower to achieve 201 mph. That top speed rating placed the F40 as the fastest road car in the world upon its launch.

The inspiration behind the project was entry into the FIA’s Group B competition regulations. While the category in the World Rally Championship was ultimately cancelled before the F40 could turn a wheel in anger, its innate motorsport pedigree lived on in the form of the F40 LM. The model would compete in the IMSA SportsCar Championship in the United States before trading paint with McLaren F1 GTRs in the celebrated BPR Global GT Series.

CHASSIS 78623

The early production F40 offered here, chassis number 78623, was completed to European specification. According to the records of Ferrari historian Marcel Massini, the Maranello factory commenced the build on 14 September 1988. Wearing the universal F40 colour scheme of Rosso Corsa over seats trimmed in Stoffa Vigogna red wool fabric, it was finished on 13 December and supplied new in its home country, with the delivery fulfilled by the famed Sa Mo Car dealership in Rome, Italy.

Listed on a vehicle history report, which is available to view on file, chassis 78623 would soon relocate to Japan. As part of its long-term residency in the country, the F40 was registered via the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism in April 1994. Later in its life, most likely while in Japan, the Ferrari was modified to resemble the competition-specification F40 LM—as the car presents today.

This F40 is further documented by an inspection report, which bidders are encouraged to review, that was compiled in July 2026 by respected marque expert GTO Engineering and an RM Sotheby’s Specialist. The report lists that the front and rear clamshells are replacements, styled in the fashion of the F40 LM but not sourced from the race car’s original builder Michelotto. The doors and sections of the floor are non-original, but the lightweight Lexan sliding windows, Kevlar bulkhead, and roof all notably appear to be factory items.

While the car was cosmetically changed in line with the design of the F40 LM, the front and rear suspension on chassis 78623 retain the road car’s standard setup with rubber bushings. An air jack system has been integrated alongside non-standard disc brakes, radiator fans, and water-oil cooler. The engine heat shielding, fuel delivery system, intercooler, and wastegate setup are not original. An original, standard radiator and five-spoke OZ LM wheels are fitted.

For the interior, this F40 is equipped with an LM-style digital dashboard and runs a MoTeC electronic control unit—the original Marelli boxes remain in situ. The standard seats have been replaced with red-trimmed OMP items fitted with Momo race-style harnesses. The lever for the five-speed, open-gate manual transmission is topped with a carbon fibre gear knob from an F50. The car also features an F50 rearview mirror.

Upon inspection, the F40 started instantly and ran without fault but was not road tested. Due to the technical and visual complexity of this car, please speak to an RM Sotheby’s Specialist for further information,

Chassis 78623 is observed to retain its matching-numbers engine and manual transmission with standard synchromesh. Meanwhile, the digital odometer displayed 30,398 kilometres at the time of cataloguing. Please note: the original odometer is not present, nor any records to warrant this figure. The car is supplied with a spare set of wheels and tyres. Offered directly from the current Japanese custodian, it has been shipped to the United Kingdom for the auction. Relevant import taxes will need to be paid should the car remain in the UK.

A coveted early production F40 that was built for the European market and significantly boasting its matching-numbers engine and transmission, chassis 78623 stands out as a prime candidate for a restoration back to its original road specification. Alternatively, the car could stay as is or serve as an ideal basis for a variety of upgrade opportunities.