F40 - would you buy one that's been raced?

Wouldn't it really depend on what it is you intend to do with the car? If it's a car you plan on driving the crap out of, I would probably go with the race one, as it's fairly obvious that it's been used that way for it's whole life. On the other hand, if you want something to display in your garage, go for the first. Either way, you'll have an F40!!

 

Why not by a race car ?

After all....anything, in pretty much any condition, can be over restored and parked in a bubble if that is your plan. If you plan to drive it a lot then it's irrelevant as long as the PPI is reflected in the final price.

 

What type of races Jas ie. local events vs sanctioned events...FIA papers or eligibility ?

Typically, buyers tend to shy away from a track history as it equates to abuse in their eyes.

A good, clean, well maintained road going car is preferable UNLESS the race wins are significant and add to a cars history.

Got any pics for comparison ? Any mods to either car ? Should be able to get a raced car cheaper.

 

I went stock. IMO stock will always be worth more.

Unless you want the added performance of modified car, then I would go stock.

But there is no wrong answer. Follow your heart! I know your heart is telling you which to buy.

 

Do you plan to drive it on the street? If yes, more than likely you'll have to get the road version because I don't think you'll have luck getting the car street legal. Unless the F40 was a US model that went under a modification (i.e. the GTE in Australia), you'll probably be out of luck. I doubt you could enjoy the car much anyways on the road either. Too low as if the standard F40 isn't low enough!

If you're doing it out of an investment standpoint, I'd say regardless of the model, get one that is the least abused. Unless it got 1st place in its class in something like the LM 24 hours, most people won't care about its race history. The market is too small for people looking for raced F40s since use would be too limited and prices are more than an F40 (which is already get up there). There are more buyers for the road car and especially a low mileage one.

If you're asking me, I'd go for a race used F40 LM in race livery. It's just something about the race model that I like. Same applies to the McLaren F1. I just prefer the GTRs over the road car. Of course if I got in the position to ever buy one, make no mistake I'd have both road and racing versions.

 

Let me know which one you buy. i would be interested in buying the other one.

 

If the race car contested the Italian GT series, it has the pedigree. If it's in good shape, buy it...the engine will be a bonus, and you should be able to contest FIA sanctioned historic events !

Nice choice to have mate !

Post some pics when you get it

 

Race cars demand and get COMPLETE maintaince before and after each race. Any car that found its way to the podium numerous times has been maintained to a very high level and likely cant be looked on as "trashed". It might require a little de-tuning to make it street friendly but that is the easy part. Only concern I would have is condition of the chassis from possible damage in the past. My thought is the history is a big plus with this car.

Dave

 

I know the car you are looking at, it is the ONLY F40 to have won a championship and it does have an excellent race history.

The car IMHO is not very street friendly. Also I was disapointed that it is only partially LM modified without any LM bodywork (although the the car was prepared by Michelotto.

The price is reasonable if you plan to only track this car, but I do not think you should consider it a road car. If this car had a full LM conversion it would be worth $300,000 more, but as it is, it is just a street F40 with a partial LM conversion with the best race history of ANY F40 and it is what it is, a retired race car.

Chris

 

In that case, I would procure the non tracked vehicle. History is just that...history.

 

If ya buying a car from Italy that would be as good as saying the car as been raced. Have ya seen how fast they drive!!!! Last week while over there it was a real eye opener :shock: I was flowing with the trafic at 120mph and bloody Unos were trying to get past me by flashing. I was also doing 120+ speeds when a police car came up behind me just to flash me over to get by lol! Italy!!!

 

If you are so worried about buying a raced F40 and the prices are the same compared to non-raced/stock...why not just buy a stock one?

 

i bought one that was modified with larger brakes, better suspension , bigger intercoolers, and it was driven more than the average F-40. I cant tell if it had been raced ( the claim was that it was raced once) but it feels great to drive and it runs smoothly and like a champ. I dont think there is any difference in the price. However, if the raced car is broken, smashed, needs paint, and extensive repairs...then stay away from it. I would but a road car that is in that shape either.

 

I bought the Hartmann F40.
Freaky car, allegedly 720bhp, highly modified engine for racing in the 1996 BPR championship.Amazing engine, sounds far more like a race car than a standard F40.
However, found to need a £30k rebuild after purchase due to low compression.Engine now unbelievable and like new.However my advice is ,do NOT buy a race car unless you budget for major upgrade/rebuild.

 

If you will be driving the car then the only consideration is how street friendly it is. If it has a wild boost curve, loud straight cut gears, brutally harsh suspension, etc then it may be too much to enjoy on the street. If the car is streetable then no doubt buy the race car.

To the quote "history is just that, history"... this is not true at all. In reality, for instance, what seperates the 1969 Trans Am championship winning Mark Donahue Sunoco Camaro and a regular 1969 Camaro? Basically just history.... ohh and about $1,000,000.....

 

That million quickly dwindles to nothing if your going to actually use the car. If the OP is looking for a trinket to dress up the garage, then buy a trinket. If you want a driver, who cares about history.

Your shortsidedness is annoying, although terribly common these days.

 

One great tip I guess is to have a compression test then [/QUOTE]

Vigilence is the key, as there is plenty of time to repent at leisure.
Im no mechanic or technical boffin, but I understand low compression and high hydrocarbons in the emissions test is very bad news.Race engines are obviously designed for a much harder life than road engines, but it must be remembered that a pre-season rebuild it routine for all race engines, so your dream car may look lovely from the outside , but until someone takes it to pieces, you do not know how worn the cylinder liners, pistons or cylinder heads may be.Also, F40 gearboxes are not the strongest; second gear a known weak link.Gearbox rebuild would be an eye watering expense.
So, in conclusion................?

 

You shouldn't post if you have no clue about a topic. "That million dollars" is probably at the Monterey Historics getting thrashed right now, so much for your theory.