F40 - Icon or not?

I've never liked the look of it at all but I've never driven one. Everyone who seems to have had that pleasure raves about them. There's no smoke without fire.

 

Of course it is an icon.

Where other manufacturers created supercars, Ferrari created, without compromise, a racecar that is just about legal enough for the publics roads. That hasn't been repeated since. Not even by Ferrari. Plus it being the last car designed, built and unveiled while mr. Ferrari was still around.

 

Clarkson doesn't like them but what about an F50? Much rarer with only 349 made, 4.7 F1 derived V12 too.

 

I remember as a 15 year old kid, looking at that car in the magazines and not being able to believe my eyes. The way that car looked, and the performance numbers. It was so far ahead of its time, it almost didnt seem possible.

Probably one of the most iconic supercars ever. 2nd only to the Countach IMO.

 

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3lgehIWXC8[/ame]

 

Clearly an Icon, particularly for the generation that came of age in the late 80's and early 90's. Gaudy, maybe even a bit vulgar for a Ferrari, but every scoop and aero element actually has a purpose and functions and the car still performs on par with most of the best cars out there, even 25 years later.

I am a bit biased, but I think it is over $1 million within 5 and no more than 10 years.

 

I've read a few books on Ferrari but I'm no expert. In my opinion it is the number three Ferrari icon.

1. 250 GTO
2. 250 GT California
3. F40

OK, I'm prepared to be hammered by people who disagree.

 

if that list is of all time, I think #3 is good company for the F40 and it is the amazing bargain of the 3.

 

topic should be moved by the way. Icon yes, but by no means vintage. Not yet anyway.

 

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8MCgiSCgjDw[/ame]

 

If considering an F40 you also have to look at the beautiful 288 GTO. Much rarer again with only 272? made. The only downside is the resemblence to the 3x8.

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1AT-AcGdA0[/ame]

 

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdZaHOY9iNg[/ame]

 

The F40 was introduced in 1987 right? It's been 25 years and there hasn't been a Ferrari since that is as much of an icon. That 25 years is almost 40% of the time Ferrari has been in existence. I would be surprised if Ferrari will ever be able to create something this iconic again.

I think the mystique of this car was made even greater by the 959. The two ground breaking supercars being created so closely together made each more signifigant. It made for great stories in the press that just increased the exposure and reputation of both cars. It was a perfect moment that may never happen again.

 

I think the 288 GTO is the better looking of the two. Personally I would rather have the 288. I think the F40 is more iconic though.

 

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZfJzziNN7A[/ame]

 

Did they run out of show ideas? Now they have to ask if its iconic? IMO its been iconic from the day it was born

 

Is it an icon?

Does the Pope wear a funny hat?

 

The F40 is very highly revered by many people ranging from Ferrari afficionados, owners, former owners, motoring journalists and generally people from all walks of life. Although not the rarest Ferrari, the fact that it was raced, the extremely high level of praise bestowed upon it and the respect it commands, mainly from its ability to excite, is very rare and therefore it does stand out as an icon.

 

Can't believe this hasn't been bumped from the Vintage section yet.

I'm not a big fan of the F40, much prefer the F50, but can understand why many like it & it is certainly an amazing car in many respects.