Ferrari F40 crashes in Germany after driver loses control
An 80-year-old businessman crashed his Ferrari F40 near the Swiss border, damaging the rare supercar after reportedly losing control and hitting a tree.
A rare Ferrari F40 was severely damaged last week when its 80-year-old owner lost control near the Swiss border and crashed into a tree. The incident occurred in southern Germany, close to Stuttgart, with no reports of injuries but substantial harm to the car.
The F40, finished in the model’s signature red, left the road after the driver reportedly pressed the accelerator too hard and was unable to regain control. The car struck a tree, causing significant damage to the front and side panels. Local reports did not mention other vehicles being involved, and emergency services attended the scene.
For Ferrari enthusiasts, any F40 accident is newsworthy. Only around 1,300 examples of the F40 were produced between 1987 and 1992, making it one of the most sought-after classic supercars. The car was the last model developed under Enzo Ferrari’s leadership and is known for its raw performance and distinctive styling by Pininfarina.
Ferrari F40: technical details and legacy
The F40 is powered by a 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged V8 producing 471 horsepower, sent to the rear wheels through a five-speed manual gearbox. Its lightweight body, made from carbon fibre, Kevlar and aluminium, helped it set new standards for performance at the time. Ferrari claimed a 0-100 km/h time of 3.8 seconds and a top speed above 320 km/h, making it the first road car to officially break the 200 mph barrier.
The car’s construction focused on weight reduction and driver involvement, with minimal interior trim and no electronic driver aids. This approach, while celebrated by purists, means the F40 demands respect and skill from its driver, especially in challenging conditions.
Impact of the crash and rarity of F40 accidents
Incidents involving the F40 are rare, given the model’s value and the care most owners take. When accidents do occur, they often attract attention from collectors and the wider motoring community. The extent of the damage in this case may affect the car’s future value, but specialist restoration is possible if the chassis has not been compromised.
Other high-profile Ferrari crashes have made headlines in recent years, including a Ferrari F50 in the UK and a Ferrari 599 in the US. For more on similar incidents, see Rare Ferrari F50 crashes in the UK, damaging rear end.
The German F40 crash serves as a reminder of the challenges involved in driving classic supercars at speed, particularly for older owners. With so few F40s left in original condition, each incident further reduces the number of untouched examples worldwide.
Ferrari F40: key specifications
| Engine | 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged V8 |
|---|---|
| Power | 471 hp |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| 0-100 km/h | 3.8 seconds |
| Top speed | Over 320 km/h (200 mph) |
| Production | Approx. 1,300 units |
