Forza Mag & F40 "Lemon Law"

it would only make sense that it would be at the Manufacturers suggested retail price not at the flippers price

 

I agree. It would've been at MSRP.

 

What was the problem with the F40 that resulted in the Lomon law?

 

Sorry, should say 'Lemon Law'..........

 

The law was written that the car would be bought back for the "selling" price.

When the Ferrari market collapsed in the early 90's there were people who tried (and I believe succeeded) in getting TR's bought back after paying $100K+ over MSRP. I believe the usual claim under Lemon Law was seatbelts, which could be / was justifable in many cases.

I do not recall an F40 being bought back, but it would not surprise me.

 

I do not recall ever hearing of any F40's "Lemon Lawed" but if any were I sure bet those poor saps wish they had the car back now!


As for the seatbelt thing, I did hear soemthing about that. That is why the US spec cars had those stupid motorized seatbelts which most removed anyway.

 

The Forza Magazine article is correct. F40s were bought back by Ferrari under the Lemon Law. As correctly stated in a previous post, Ferrari had to purchase them back at the actual selling price to the customer, not MSRP. I have no idea if Ferrari then somehow made the authorized dealer to cough up the difference. While the marketing spin in the USA on the reason F50s could only be leased was to curb the aftermarket selling of the cars, it was all about the Lemon Law. Remember, Ferrari had trouble getting rid of the last F40s back in 1992. Ditto their other cars. Ferrari offered me, and others, 100% financing and a discount (it was something like $25K - $30K if I remember right), to purchase a new car. They also had trouble "selling" the last F50s at MSRP. The issue of flipping a new car for profit back in the early to mid-90s was mute.

What were the complaints that couldn't be fixed you ask? Things like the emergency brake wouldn't hold the car on a grade. Another one was an owner measured the distance from the ground to the rear bodywork and the sides weren't even. Etc., etc. It always sounded to me more like the new owners that paid $1M plus found a way to get their money back, and out of the car.

And, no, those owners that paid $1M plus probably don't miss them when you can still purchase one today for around $400K, give or take.

Steve

 

You see now a days, minor things like that could never Lemon Law a car. The emergency brake is adjustable, or just put the car in gear. And the ride height, if it was off a little can be adjusted. Your right, sounds like some of them just wanted their money back.

Well considering how few are in the States, I'd beg to differ.