The last Ferrari personally approved by Enzo and widely regarded as one of the greatest supercars ever built. Surprisingly robust mechanically - the twin-turbo V8 and 5-speed gearbox are reliable when properly maintained. Main ownership challenges: European-spec rubber fuel bladders require replacement every 10 years (very expensive), timing belt service every 2-3 years (engine-out job), known fire risk from fuel leaks and electrical issues in the fuse panel. The brakes are the car's main weakness - they fade under hard use. Classiche certification adds 15-20% to value and is strongly recommended.
Mandatory replacement every 10 years - Ferrari safety requirement · more· less
European-spec F40s have FIA FT3 rubber fuel bladders manufactured by Aero Sekur that degrade over time. Ferrari mandates replacement every 10 years for safety. OEM bladder pairs now cost £29,000+ (prices have doubled in recent years), plus 20+ hours labor. Many owners are switching to aluminum tanks (£7,300 + VAT from GTO Engineering) as a permanent solution. US-spec cars came with aluminum tanks from factory. Insurance companies will ask when tanks were last replaced if a fire occurs. Not replacing on schedule is a serious fire and liability risk.
Timing belt service (engine-out)€5,000 - €10,000
Required every 2-3 years or 6,000 miles regardless of use · more· less
The F40's timing belts require replacement every 2-3 years or 6,000 miles, whichever comes first. Unlike some vintage Ferraris, the F40's belt service does not require complete engine removal - you remove the seats and firewall to access. Still, it's a complex job requiring specialist knowledge. If a belt fails, valve/piston contact causes catastrophic engine damage potentially costing €100,000+. Some owners try to extend intervals but this is not recommended. PistonHeads UK reports costs around £2,000 at specialists.
Fuse panel / electrical fire risk€1,500 - €5,000
Same weak fuse panel as Testarossa - known fire starter · more· less
The F40's fuse/relay panel shares its design with the Testarossa and 328, and cannot reliably handle high-load circuits like fuel pumps, radiator fans, and AC. Burnt plugs and broken solder joints have caused front-end fires in multiple cars. Water intrusion from windscreen leaks can compound the problem. Preventive measure: have the panel inspected and upgrade to an "uprated" board from specialists like Scuderia Rampante Innovation. This is critical preventive maintenance.
Clutch replacement€4,000 - €6,000
Short lifespan: 5,000-20,000 miles depending on use · more· less
Like most supercars, the F40's clutch has a relatively short life. With careful, sympathetic driving you might get 20,000 miles. City driving and spirited use can reduce this to 5,000 miles. PistonHeads reports approximately £4,000 for parts and labor. The mid-engine layout means significant labor to access the clutch. Budget for this as a wear item rather than unexpected repair.
Turbocharger wear / rebuild€5,000 - €15,000
Twin IHI turbos are robust but eventually need rebuild · more· less
The twin water-cooled IHI RHB 53LW turbochargers run at 1.1 bar boost and are generally durable. Signs of wear include increased noise, smoke on acceleration, and reduced performance. Original IHI turbos are difficult to source and expensive. Rebuilt units from specialists like Pro Systems Turbochargers are an option. LM turbo upgrades (larger compressors on stock turbines) are popular, adding 30+ hp. For any used turbo, a rebuild before installation is recommended for safety.
Brake system overhaul€4,000 - €8,000
Brakes are the F40's weak point - fade under hard use · more· less
The brakes are widely acknowledged as the F40's only real weakness. They fade under track use and even aggressive road driving. Full discs and pads replacement runs approximately £6,000 according to PistonHeads. For track use, competition-spec brakes are strongly recommended. Check brake lines for aging - some owners replace with braided lines. The unassisted braking system requires proper technique and strong legs.
Exhaust manifold cracks€3,000 - €8,000
Heat cycling causes cracks over time · more· less
The F40's original exhaust manifolds are known to develop cracks over time due to heat cycling. Similar issues affect the F430 and other Ferraris of this era. Cracks can be welded as a temporary fix, but replacement is the proper solution. Genuine Ferrari manifolds are very expensive. Inspect for visible damage or exhaust leaks. Cracked manifolds affect performance and can be a safety issue near the turbos.
Engine rebuild€80,000 - €150,000
Rare if well-maintained - the V8 is robust · more· less
The F40's twin-turbo V8 is considered robust and durable. One well-documented owner drove 30,000 miles over 15 years across 11 countries with just one major engine rebuild, two clutches, and new fuel cells. Engine rebuilds are rare if the car is properly maintained with regular belt services and oil changes. When needed, full rebuilds run approximately $150,000 (around €140,000). Specialist shops like DK Engineering and RNR Performance Cars have extensive F40 engine experience.
Carbon-Kevlar body damage€5,000 - €50,000+
Expensive to repair - affects value if not original · more· less
The F40's body panels are Carbon-Kevlar composite, expensive to repair and requiring specialist knowledge. Inspect for cracks, delamination, and damage particularly around door frames and front/rear sections. The Kevlar undertray can wear or crack if driven aggressively. Note the "weave" visibility: early cars show carbon weave through paintwork, later cars used a different technique where weave is not visible. If an early car has no visible weave, it may have been repainted - verify originality.
Expensive to maintain, but mechanically robust when properly cared for
The F40 is not a garage queen - it was built to be driven and rewards owners who use it. The twin-turbo V8 and gearbox are durable by supercar standards. The critical expenses are the mandatory fuel bladder replacement (Euro cars), timing belt service, and brake maintenance. Fire prevention through electrical system inspection is essential. Budget €5,000-15,000 annually for a car driven moderately, plus set aside reserves for the 10-year fuel cell replacement.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history Complete records from recognized Ferrari specialists essential. DK Engineering, GTO Engineering, and similar shops are gold standard.
Classiche certification Request the Red Book from Ferrari Classiche confirming authenticity. Adds 15-20% to value.
Cold start The F40 has a "clattery idle" that sounds alarming but is normal. Listen for unusual knocking or misfires.
Test drive Minimum 30 minutes to get turbos and gearbox up to temperature. The 5-speed may feel recalcitrant when cold.
Specific for this vehicle
Fuel bladder age (Euro spec) Verify when rubber fuel cells were last replaced - should be within 10 years. Request documentation. This is the most expensive maintenance item.
Timing belt service records Verify belts replaced within last 2-3 years or 6,000 miles. No exceptions - failure destroys the engine.
Fuse panel inspection Have a specialist check for burnt plugs, damaged wiring, and solder joint condition. Known fire risk area.
Watch for smoke from exhausts Blue/white smoke on startup or acceleration indicates turbo wear. Both turbos should produce similar boost.
Oil leaks at cam covers and turbo pipes Common leak points. Any oil near hot turbos or exhaust is a fire risk - must be addressed immediately.
Inspect wheel arches and undertray Check Carbon-Kevlar for cracks, delamination, or repair evidence. Undertray wears with aggressive driving.
Check chassis tubes underneath Look for damage, cracks, or evidence of impact. Essential for structural integrity.
Test brakes thoroughly Known weak point. Brake from high speed multiple times - check for fade and feel.
Verify carbon weave visibility matches year Early cars should show weave through paint. Absence on early car suggests respray.
US vs Euro spec US cars have aluminum fuel tanks (better), Euro cars have catalyst and adjustable suspension (parts now scarce).
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
No formal NHTSA recalls on filePre-database era
Fuse panel upgrade (unofficial)Recommended by specialists
The F40 predates modern recall databases. Contact Ferrari Classiche or a recognized specialist with the chassis number to verify any factory updates were completed. The fuse panel and fuel bladder issues are well-documented in the enthusiast community - ensure any car you buy has been properly addressed.
Warranty Status
Factory warrantyExpired (30+ years old)
Extended warranty optionsLimited availability
Classiche certification€3,500 - €8,000
All F40s are well outside factory warranty. Extended warranty options for collector cars exist but are expensive and may exclude common issues. Ferrari Classiche certification (€3,500-8,000 depending on complexity) is essentially the manufacturer's authentication of originality and proper condition - highly recommended for any F40 purchase as it adds 15-20% to resale value.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.