Selling My CS (aka All in on the F40 hunt.)

I honestly cannot see the draw of an F40. I'm not saying that F40 owners own the wrong car (not at all), I'm just saying that I'm missing something, and I cannot figure out what it is. I keep reading that the 430 is faster, and still maintains that neck snapping throttle response (no turbos). I have a buddy though who has owned Ferraris for decades, and his dream car is still the F40.

 

Some CS owners complained about an issue with the front end alignment not lasting. There were some resulting handling issues. Different bolts were tried without lasting success? Did Ferrari ever come up with a solution for this problem? It hasn't been mentioned lately...

Only 214 of the F40 model so not really buyers market and even less are 1992 models. It really depends on what you want the car for. CS is pretty special!
horse fan

 

I think the Top Gear with Jeremy Clarkson where he compares the super Ferraris explains it well - it is raw, direct, with no traction control or driver aids. Turbo sounds are awesome, like jet engines. It's wild and in-your-face, the most extreme looks of any Ferrari and even at 19 years old it does ~4 seconds to sixty.

 

You mean 1,311 F40's built.

 

Thats a little more like it.

 

Guys I think he's referring to US cars

 

beautiful car!!!!!!!!!- i'm surprised i haven't seen in on the streets.....

(i'm just one city over in san mateo)

 

Is the F430 really faster than the F40?

 

Yes I was referring to USA market models to choose from. It seems people prefer the 1992 model year so even less choice. One of the early F40 prototypes (5 vents in the rear fender) was modified with a "USA" type front end-big spoiler and side marker lights. Also the sliding style side windows were retained. It did not have the small rectangular lights on either side of the rear license plate like the recent auctioned F40 prototype. Has anyone else Federalized a Euro F40?
horse fan

 

Maybe in Specs on a Road Test with a hot shoe behind the wheel and a factory special, I have no doubt that a F40 will kill a 430 on acceleration. Much lighter and hell of a lot more torque. Put down the magazine comparisons and go for a ride or drive in both and you will get the picture.

 

At the end of the day there is no disputing the fact that the CS and 430 are modern era Ferraris and the F40 is "old school." However, I think Jeremy Clarkson hit the nail on the head. There is an allure - something raw and quirky - about the older cars. My '87 Testarossa had it. It was harsh, clunky, had no power steering, and had a steering wheel canted at an angle like a Freightliner truck. But at the end of the day I loved driving that thing. Of course I love driving my CS but it's a different experience. Having only driven the F40 a few miles since I acquired it - it has the same quirkiness that the TR had. It's from the same era. Ergonomics are terrible, etc. But it has a rawness that even the TR was lacking. The power is incredible. The sound of the turbos is awesome. It's just .... a F40! Nothing else is like it.

 

It's just Road, Seat, Ass... The End!
(Jeremy Clarkson RE the F40)

 

And it must be a fairly narrow butt at that: I'm going to need some aftermarket seat options for mine!
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Now that is a face of one genuinely happy man in that picture.

 

the F40 has the least amount of compromises.so what you get is the purest feeling of driving and conection to the car. as for the 430 being faster. I have tracked my car with many 430s on track and its been no contest

 

You obviously have zero time behind the wheel of an F40, otherwise you wouldn'r have wasted band width.

 

Hell soon I'll be taking delivery of my F430, but someday I will let it go because I'm constantly working my way into the F40 ownership and it could possibly be a Ferrari that I'll keep forever.

 

I was going to sell my CS for an F40, but decided not to because:

1. Most Ferrari experts consider the CS to be a better car. Far better brakes, handling, quality, etc.

2. The cost to own an F40 could be high. Maintenance and parts are very expensive.

3. It would not go up my driveway.

4. The CS may be considered a collectable. Only 300 in the US and it borrows several Enzo parts. It's also Ferrari's first "Challenge Stradale".

5. I haven't driven an F40, but I think the CS may be just as fun to drive. Maybe someone can chime in here who owns both.

6. The F40 is not really a car to be driven much if you care about value. There's a dramatic difference in F40s that have 15,000 or more miles. Cars over 20,000 miles or so are often very difficult to sell. I couldn't see myself not putting 30,000 or more miles on the car while I owned it.

 

Hey Bill-

I think you came to your senses. F40's are a work of art but unless you have money to burn, stay away. As you said, if you want to use it alot forget about resale value. You have to be in a position where it doesn't mean anything(translation=money to burn). Every guy I know that has an F40 has aleast two or three other ferraris (or very exotic cars) and the money to keep them all running like clockwork.

Enjoy the CS-it's really a wonderful car. But just remember, although the value drop will not be the same, if you really use the CS, you'll turn that 190K car into a 150K car in as little as 20,000 miles.

 

true dat

 

Thanks Stradale Joe. I really do enjoy my CS and drive it a lot (my wife almost as much). I think an Enzo would be the only other thing I'd enjoy more, primarily for the brutal acceleration, awesome engineering and drop-dead looks.

BTW, one of the car mags (I think C&D) couldn't see a reason to own a CGT or a Bugatti if you had a 430. "It's just that good". I see the CS being like that.

I suppose the nice thing about Ferraris is they don't start losing value until you drive them; unlike some other cars which lose value as soon as you drive them off the lot. $40K for 3 or 4 years of enjoyment is cheaper than some alternatives!

 

At the special stage on the challenge rally I was 2-3 secs faster (around 50sec for the course) in my CS than my friend in his F40. Two different drivers ... but with similar amounts of track time. Not much use other than anecdotal, but it goes to show how capable the CS is. With electronic aids to bail you out if you get in trouble, it's definitely the safer car, and one that you feel more comfortable finding the edge of the envelope. As to which car you actually prefer to drive, well that is a very personal choice.... and neither is wrong.