F40 at Fiat Exhibition 1899-1989 London

Cool photos, thanks for sharing.

 

David that is quite the rare 1987 F40 even among F40's in general that you photographed. It is an early prototype with 5 vents in the rear fender rather than the production version F40 featuring only 4 vents. It also has the side mirrors mounted by the side window rather than lower down on the flat part of the door's window sill. It also features the very early pattern cloth covered racing bucket seats shown on the very earliest complete F40 prototype. While not shown in your photographs the inside of the door panels were painted red. The small sliding side windows were an available option for the Euro F40 customers early on. The date of 1989 is interesting to note as the Ferrari factory still retained this F40 two years after it had been produced. Thanks for sharing these pictures!
CH

 

I didn't know any of that, so thank you. I did notice the mirrors, and thought they looked odd.

Thanks for sharing, David.

 

The funny thing though is that it also has features of later models: the reflectors are located in the lower rear bumper, not between the rear lights. And the louvres in the rear window are also of the regular type.
No question though that it's a very early version (five slots, mirrors). One other early version detail is the lack of the very small black lip spoiler under the front spoiler.

 

Great post Dave. I remeber going on a school outing to the science museum at the same time. Well they had to drag me away from that car! Highlight of the trip and first time I ever saw one in the flesh. I remember a guy's father had one on order at school and delivery for him wasn't another 3 or 4 years. It captured my imagination so much that I had to have one and am now a proud owner. Great to see picutres of that same car!!

 

Cool Photos!

 

Peter good point there about the rear window change. Below is a picture showing a 'first version' rear window design. This is a different F40 prototype that has had some modifications when it was 'restored'.
CH
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Another view of this prototype F40. Note the missing mirror for the passenger side and some USA market type features that have been installed. Also note the 3 mounting points on the flat in the centre of the rear deck in the previous picture. It is right below the rear spoiler.
CH
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The last picture shows a better view of the passenger side of the F40. The mirror has not been mounted on this side; only on the driver's side. This car was sort of a rush job. Red paint could still be seen between the treads of the rear tires!
CH
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