Just how much work did Michelloto do to turn an F40 into an F40 LM? | FerrariChat
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Just how much work did Michelloto do to turn an F40 into an F40 LM?

Discussion in '288GTO/F40/F50/Enzo/LaFerrari/F80' started by SSNISTR, Jan 17, 2010.

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  1. SSNISTR

    SSNISTR F1 Veteran

    Feb 13, 2004
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    #1 SSNISTR, Jan 17, 2010
    Last edited: Jan 17, 2010
    We all know the factory had Michelloto build the handfull of real LMs. And we all know the obvious upgrades they did. Bodywork, interior changes, engine upgrades, chassis tuning etc...

    The reason I ask is I had the pleasure of seeing a real LM a few years back and I remember thinking that compared to a "regular" F40 the LMs build quality looked absolutely amazing. Even the chassis work around for example the front of the car under the nose just looked very reworked and perfect. The overall quality of the work just looked heads and heels better then the "regular" F40s. Am I just imagining this, or did Michelloto really do a substantial, very well done upgrade to much more then I ever thought like I think it looked like?

    Thanks.
     
  2. SSNISTR

    SSNISTR F1 Veteran

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    #2 SSNISTR, Jan 18, 2010
    161 views and nothing huh. Guess nobody has anything to add?
     
  3. cmparrenzo

    cmparrenzo F1 Rookie

    Mar 3, 2002
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    Chris Parr
    #3 cmparrenzo, Jan 18, 2010
    alot....
     
  4. Bill S

    Bill S Formula 3

    Oct 2, 2004
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    #4 Bill S, Jan 18, 2010
    It's hard to say if you saw one that was restored. I've seen F40s that look perfect, and people assume they came from the factory like that and start forming all kinds of "theories" about perfect F40s from the factory. Then we find out the car was completely re-painted outside the factory by real paint craftsmen who spent many more hours on the car then they did in the factory (me and Joe saw a perfect F40 like that last week).

    Unless you know it's a completely original car and can share super-detailed hi-res photos with reflections in natural and artificial light, know one could really say either way.

    Todays cars are painted by robots, and a good painter could match the robotic finish nearly perfectly. To match an older finish, you need to study what was done by the painters during that time period.
     
  5. joe sackey

    joe sackey Five Time F1 World Champ

    May 23, 2006
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    #5 joe sackey, Jan 18, 2010
    I'm doing a little research. Might take me a while though...
     
  6. SSNISTR

    SSNISTR F1 Veteran

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    #6 SSNISTR, Jan 18, 2010
    What your talking about seems to be more road car related. I was talking more so about the LMs.
     
  7. SSNISTR

    SSNISTR F1 Veteran

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    #7 SSNISTR, Jan 18, 2010
    Thanks Joe, figured you might have some insight. From what I have seen it looks like Michelotto's craftsmanship was very high.
     
  8. Bill S

    Bill S Formula 3

    Oct 2, 2004
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    #8 Bill S, Jan 18, 2010
    I suppose LMs could be repainted also. If it was on the track and you don't see any chips, then it's almost certain.
     
  9. SSNISTR

    SSNISTR F1 Veteran

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    #9 SSNISTR, Jan 18, 2010
    I'm not really talking about paint finish, more so the chassis. Welds, the ways the wires were run, etc, etc. I think Michelotto might have even reworked the whole front subframe of the chassis too. It looked different then the road going F40s I've seen. Let's see what Joe comes up with....
     
  10. 246tasman

    246tasman Formula 3

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    Will Tomkins
    #10 246tasman, Jan 19, 2010
    I'm sure you know the front section is a Michelotto frame fabricated in alloy not steel.
     
  11. SSNISTR

    SSNISTR F1 Veteran

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    #11 SSNISTR, Jan 19, 2010
    I wasn't sure, that can explain some of what I saw. LM and even more so GTE, info is quite scarce on the web....
     

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