Just 27 Ferrari F40 Competiziones Were Ever Made, And This Almost Wasn't One Of Them

Originally built as a road car in March 1989, this particular model - chassis 80369 - was one of the very few models privately converted to competition specification in line with Ferrari’s race-prepped LM variant, of which only 19 were built by renowned Italian engineering outfit Michelotto. Indeed, chassis 80369 is believed to be only one of an estimated 27 refashioned to Competizione spec by its owner through a third party. Given its rarity, estimates from Broad Arrow Auctions for the winning bid range from $2.6 million to $3.1 million, a step over the $1.4 million record broken four years ago.

Originally delivered to Rome in Ferrari-typical Rosso Corso (with Stoffa Vigogna cabin upholstery), this European-market, left-hand drive F40 was eventually shipped to its new owner - one of only four to date - in the U.K. in 1994. Said custodian, inspired by the Ferrari F40 LM that debuted in the BPR Global GT Series, commissioned Specialised Cars in the UK to convert his newly stabled, road-going prancing horse to Competizione spec. This included sculpted bodywork featuring LM-esque fixed headlights under Lexan covers (yes, I’m afraid the pop-ups are gone!), a more prominent front splitter, a high-downforce rear wing, and enlarged brake cooling ducts.

The 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V8 was also given an upkick to 648 horsepower (originally 471 hp) and 563 lb-ft of torque. Further mechanical upgrades included beefier turbochargers, a free-flow exhaust (we can’t have that sonorous V8 soundtrack muted now, can w?), custom intercoolers, a race-spec fuel system, and revised suspension and brakes before the newly-converted Competizione was moved on to its third owner in February 1999.

Thereafter, chassis 80369 joined the British GT Championship in 2000, becoming one of the even rarer examples of the Competizione F40 entered into an officially sanctioned race series. Sadly, the Ferrari couldn't best the Porsche 911 Turbos and Chrysler Viper GTS-Rs running up front, and, after a sequence of reliability issues, and despite two turbocharger overhauls, managed a best of only 16th place all season. Miraculously, though, the Competizione did not suffer any major accidents during its time on track, and, somewhat fittingly, was returned to Italy as part of a private collection in July 2002, where it has remained ever since.

Bidders in North America may be interested to know that chassis 80369 also comes with a plethora of spare parts, including a complete front nose and rear clamshell, three sets of Speedline racing wheels, and even a spare engine block. The winning bidder will also take ownership of a full, documented ownership history, and in the low-volume classic car world, that's the ultimate honor.