The F40 production line came ceased in 1992 and Ferrari self imposed an exodus from the supercar scene for three years until in 1995 the F50 arrived returning the prancing horse to the pinnacle of ultra high performance motoring. Whereas its predecessors had ultimately been derived from Group B sportscar rules, the F50 was created without a set of regulations to influence its final form. Contemporary F1 concepts and technology heavily influenced the design process, and at its heart was a normally aspirated V12 engine derived from 1991's beautiful 642 F1 car. Something else that further differentiated the F50 from the 288 and F40 was its dual configuration; the bodywork featured a removable roof panel that meant owners could convert their car from a Berlinetta to Roadster in moments. Never before had a 200mph Spyder been openly available direct from a manufacturer, the F50 setting a trend that has since continued with the likes of Pagani's Zonda, the Porsche Carrera GT and Lamborghini's recent V12 models.
The F50 was officially only available in five colours, Rosso Corsa, Rosso Barchetta, Giallo Fly, Nero and Argento. However, some cars were finished in special order shades and although there were no options as such, customers could decide whether or not they wanted black-finish headlight surrounds. The cockpit was equipped with heavily bolstered composite seats trimmed in Connolly leather, body-colour coded centres having been a no-cost upgrade. Fully adjustable pedals and seats allowed practically everyone to tailor a perfect driving position, F1 thinking having been clearly evident from the combined digital/analogue instrument binnacle and acres of bare carbon fibre. Launched during March 1995 at the Geneva Salon, the F50 was only ever built as a limited edition model, 349 being manufactured by the time production ceased in 1997, all of which were left-hand drive when they left the factory.
This F50, Chassis 106400, was delivered new by garage Francochamps, Belgium, in August 1996 being supplied in classic Rosso Corsa with red seat inserts. This vehicle remained with its first owner until recently when it was purchased by DK Engineering; therefore this car is technically a 1 owner example. The car is presented in excellent condition throughout with carbon weave still visible all over the body.
The car has been maintained at no expense spared in the main by Cavallari (the Monaco main dealer) including a major service just 2,000 kms ago that included a new clutch. The car is also accompanied by its roll hoops and summer setup tonneau bodywork (in Ferrari supplied Flightcase), original luggage (2 bags), original unused tools, service history, certificate d'origine, spare keys and all its books. The condition of this example is exceptional and as such will be featured as one of five Ferraris in a new book named, "Form Follows Function: The Art of the Supercar", by James Mann - a copy of this book will of course be included in the history file. The vehicle has now covered just 12,000 miles from new (19,650 kms) and has again this year been serviced by DK Engineering. In a famous 288 vs F40 vs F50 vs Enzo road test magazine article carried out by Evo Magazine the F50 came out on top in their opinion. The car is UK registered, "on the button", and available to view immediately at our showrooms just outside London.
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