The Ferrari F40 stands as a modern Maranello legend, renowned for being the first production car from Ferrari to exceed 200 mph (322 km/h). This iconic supercar was a pioneer of the hardcore roadgoing performance trend that wouldn’t fully materialize until decades later. However, this particular F40 is distinguished by an extraordinary feature—its V12 engine.
Built by UK-based Simpson Motorsport in the early 2000s, this F40 began life as a crash test chassis from Ferrari’s Maranello factory. The project emerged from a collaboration between Simpson Motorsport and racer Stefano Sebastiani, who previously raced a 348 LM prepared by Simpson. When the opportunity arose to transform the wrecked F40, the plan was to create a distinctive model rather than a standard rebuild.
Instead of replacing the original twin-turbo 2.9-liter V8, Simpson Motorsport and Sebastiani opted for a naturally-aspirated 5.5-liter V12 from a Ferrari 550. Despite the differences in sound and power delivery, both engines produce similar outputs: 478 hp (485 PS) for the V12 and 471 hp (478 PS) for the V8. The V12 was paired with a Hewland transaxle, and the car was fitted with F40 GTE-style bodywork and a full FIA-spec roll cage.
The modified F40 saw action in several UK and European events, including notable finishes such as second place at the Britcar race at Oulton Park in 2006 and sixth places at Snetterton and Brands Hatch. After its competitive stint, the car was stored in dry conditions until recently, when Simpson Motorsport performed a comprehensive test.
Now available for sale through Iconic Auctioneers, this unique F40 V12 is expected to attract significant interest. With a guide price of £500,000-600,000 ($644,000-772,000), it’s a striking opportunity, considering even a standard F40 in less-than-pristine condition is valued higher by experts like Hagerty.
Source: iconicauctioneers
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