1991 Ferrari F40 with Iacocca provenance heads to auction
A 1991 Ferrari F40, once owned by Lee Iacocca and showing fewer than 300 miles, is set for RM’s Arizona sale with a guide of $650,000 to $750,000.
A 1991 Ferrari F40, once owned by automotive industry icon Lee Iacocca, is set to be auctioned this Friday at RM’s Arizona event. This example is chassis number 94 of the 213 F40s officially imported into the United States, making it a rare sight even among Ferrari enthusiasts. The auction house expects the car to fetch between $650,000 and $750,000, a figure reflecting its unique history and condition.
1991 Ferrari F40: Rare Supercar with Legendary Provenance
Unique Features and Provenance
What sets this particular F40 apart is its direct connection to Lee Iacocca, a pivotal figure in the American automotive landscape, known for his leadership at both Ford and Chrysler. The car comes with documentation confirming it was specially ordered for Iacocca, including an engraved plaque that reads it was built especially for him. Such provenance is highly prized among collectors, as it links the car to a key figure in automotive history.
Another significant aspect of this F40 is its exceptionally low mileage. With fewer than 300 miles recorded since new, it stands as one of the lowest-mileage F40s known in the United States. Most examples have either seen regular use or have been kept in private collections, but few can claim such minimal use over more than two decades. This low mileage, combined with its unique provenance, is expected to make the car highly desirable to collectors and enthusiasts alike.
The Ferrari F40: An Iconic Supercar
Ferrari produced the F40 between 1987 and 1992 as the successor to the 288 GTO. It was the final car developed under the direct supervision of Enzo Ferrari, which adds to its historical significance. The F40 quickly became a benchmark for supercar performance in the late 1980s, admired for its raw driving experience and advanced engineering.
| Engine | 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged V8 |
|---|---|
| Power Output | 471 bhp |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive |
| Body Materials | Kevlar, carbon fibre, aluminium |
| Weight | Under 1,200 kg |
| Production Years | 1987–1992 |
| Total Produced | 1,315 units (worldwide) |
The F40’s engine, an enlarged version of the 288 GTO’s V8, delivers 471 horsepower to the rear wheels. The car’s lightweight construction, using Kevlar, carbon fibre, and aluminium, kept the weight below 1,200 kg, contributing to its reputation for agile handling and thrilling acceleration. The suspension, based on a double wishbone setup, further enhanced its dynamic capabilities.
Market Significance and Auction Context
RM’s Arizona auction is known for attracting rare supercars and classic Ferraris, and the inclusion of this F40 adds to the event’s prestige. The guide price reflects the continued demand for low-mileage, original examples of 1980s and 1990s supercars, especially those with distinguished ownership histories. In recent years, the value of well-preserved F40s has risen steadily, with collectors seeking out examples that remain as close to factory condition as possible.
The F40 was replaced by the Ferrari F50 in 1992, but its legacy endures. Enthusiasts and collectors regard it as one of the purest expressions of Ferrari’s engineering philosophy, combining performance, lightweight construction, and a focus on driver engagement. With only 1,315 units built worldwide, and just 213 officially imported to the US, each F40 that comes to market garners significant attention.
Why This F40 Stands Out
The combination of minimal mileage, unique provenance, and the model’s legendary status ensures that this 1991 Ferrari F40 will be a highlight of the RM Arizona auction. Collectors looking for a blue-chip Ferrari with a documented and distinguished history are likely to be especially interested. The Iacocca connection adds a layer of historical importance, linking the car not only to Ferrari’s heritage but also to the broader story of the American automotive industry.
Other Noteworthy Auction Cars
- Jaguar XJ220S also going to auction
- Lamborghini Reventon for sale online
- Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Super Trofeo Stradale listed on eBay
- Lamborghini Diablo 6.0 VT Limited Edition up for auction
- Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Ferrari 360 Spider for sale
- 1972 Lamborghini Miura SV up for auction
The 2012 Arizona auction is also notable for featuring other rare and exotic cars, including models from Lamborghini and Jaguar, as well as celebrity-owned vehicles. This highlights the event’s status as a key date for collectors and enthusiasts seeking investment-grade automobiles.
Conclusion
With its low mileage, special order status for Lee Iacocca, and place in Ferrari’s storied history, the 1991 F40 on offer at RM’s Arizona auction represents a rare opportunity. Whether it meets or exceeds its estimate, it is certain to attract the attention of collectors seeking one of the most iconic supercars of the modern era.
