Ferrari F40 LM (1991)

The F40 LM was developed out of Ferrari's GTO Evoluzione project, being a competition version of the road F40. In theory it would have been suitable for a wide-range of racing series. The demise of Group B and sportscar racing being in crisis during the late 1980's, F40 LM owners were left with very few options for their cars. After a brief spell contesting North America's IMSA GT series, it seemed that LM’s would be put into retirement. As it turned out though, the F40 eventually had several good seasons racing after production of the road-going version had long since been discontinued.

Michelotto had been developing models like the 512 BB LM and 308 GTB rally cars on behalf of the Maranello factory since the late 1970’s. F40 LM's were no exception. The standard chassis was extensively reinforced with carbon fibre to help it withstand the rigours of competition. Michelotto also fitted completely revised suspension, huge Brembo ventilated disc brakes and unique racing alloy wheels.

LM's came with a racing version of the Tipo F120 A engine, the race unit, designated Tipo F120 B, retained an identical three-litre displacement of 2936cc. The two IHI turbochargers were cranked up to 2.6bar (compared to 1.1 for the road car) whilst compression was increased to 8.0:1 (from 7.7:1). Bigger Behr intercoolers, new camshafts and an all-new engine management system with Weber Marelli IAW 072 controlling dual injectors per cylinder were other special features. Power output grew to an F1-rivalling 720bhp at 7500rpm but without the 38mm air restrictors in place, a monumental 760bhp was reputedly on tap.

Although keeping a practically identical side profile to the standard F40, Michelotto fitted several distinctive aero features that were unique to this small series of competition cars.

At the front, a carbon fibre chin spoiler wrapped around the valance while a new front clamshell featuring a pair of fixed headlights under clear Lexan covers. A NACA duct was positioned above the Ferrari badge and huge radiator cooling vents carved out from the front bodywork. More NACA ducts were located on the side skirts and in front of the rear wheels, the huge rear wing getting a cockpit-adjustable centre section.

There were also new wing mirrors and lightweight plastic windows. The interior was fitted with digital instrumentation. Weight had been cut down to just 1050kg. Michelotto only manufactured 19 of these cars, making them extremely rare when compared to the 1300 road cars produced.

Please note, this vehicle is no longer for sale.

This Ferrari F40 LM s/n, 88513, is the 4th of 19 examples built. It is also 1 of 3 GTC versions built (different aero package) and was supplied new in March of 1991 to its first owner, Michael Gabel of Berlin, a long time client of Ferrari‘s who eventually became the official dealer for Berlin for several years.

In September 1996, Gabel sold his F40 LM to Georg Loos, the former GELO Racing team owner resident of Cologne, Germany. In December of 1998, Eberlein Automobile brokered the car to a gentleman from Hamburg.

Later, the car was sold to DK Engineering and we retained the car ourselves for a year. In 2010 the car received a full overhaul at Michelotto at a cost of 80,000 euros, and the car would spend the next 10 years in a single UK based collection.

Returning to DK Engineering in December 2020, a full inspection and major service was carried out in our workshops. As a part of this service, DK replaced the cambelts, fuel filters, air filters and spark plugs. Additional work was carried out to pressurise and flush the fuel system, carry out a vacuum and pressure bleed of the brakes and the removal, strip and clean the clutch master cylinder.

Purchased by the current owner at that time as an upgrade from their existing F40, a decision was made to carry out a full conversion to a road legal state. DK identified Pursuit Motorsport as the best partner to carry out the work, supported by a team who had previous experience in the road conversion of an F40 LM.

The road conversion works were carried out with the guidance of Pursuit Motorsport and included the addition of several legal requirements such as a handbrake and horn, as well an upgraded MOTEC ECU and cooling requirements for use away from the circuit. The conversion further saw the removal of the LM-specification side impact bar, fitment of modern performance tyres and the ever important UK-registration plates! A complete handover of the vehicle to the current owner was carried out by DK Engineering and Pursuit Motorsport at Millbrook Proving Ground.

The LM returned to DK Engineering in 2022 for the replacement of its fuel tanks which are both valid until 2027 and ahead of sale received a major service including cambelts in our workshop.