January has been a terrible month for Ferrari F40 fans. For supercar enthusiasts, the F40 holds a special place in the pantheon of automotive legends. With not one, but two devastating crashes involving the revered F40 caught on camera, we would suggest you wait it out to securing one lest you become another statistic.
The Ferrari F40, introduced in 1987 to celebrate the brand’s 40th anniversary, remains a symbol of raw, unfiltered performance. With only 1,315 units ever produced, seeing one in pristine condition is a rarity. I spotted the only one in the country a few weeks ago and it made my day, so witnessing one of these two tragic mishaps would be downright heartbreaking.
The first crash occurred in the UK, where one of the highest mileage F40, collided with a pole while driving on wet British roads. Video footage reveals the car sliding uncontrollably on what appears to be a damp road, before leaving it, rolling and hitting said pole. Reports suggest the driver lost control due to a combination of wet conditions and the F40’s famously challenging handling. Fortunately, no one was seriously injured, but the car sustained significant damage.
The second incident took place in Monaco, adding to the month’s unfortunate streak. During a test drive, another F40, this one owned by Lando Norris, suffered an accident that, while smaller, gives us goosebumps all the same. This crash, too, highlights the razor-sharp but unforgiving nature of the F40’s design, which demands the utmost respect from its driver, which was not Lando.
Both accidents serve as reminders of the delicate balance between man and machine, especially with a car as temperamental and powerful as the F40.
The Ferrari F40’s appeal lies in its uncompromising ethos. Built during an era of minimal driver aids, it offers a raw connection to the road — a trait that’s both thrilling and, as these crashes remind us, perilous. Powered by a twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V8 engine, the F40 can hit 100 km/h in just 4.1 seconds and reach a top speed of 324 km/h. Its lightweight construction and lack of modern safety features make it exhilarating but challenging to drive.
While it’s heartbreaking to see two F40s damaged, the accidents serve as a sobering reminder of the respect these machines demand. As rare as these cars are, their value goes beyond monetary figures, so when taking these two circumstances into account, it is likely we will see them back on the road eventually.
Here’s hoping for smoother roads ahead for the remaining Ferrari F40s, so that they can always look like this pristine one, courtesy of Mecum’s auction house.
