1989 Ferrari F40 Competizione

The F40 Competizione is basically an evolution of an evolution. When the 288 GTO Evolution was cancelled with the end of Group B racing, the F40 was the road-going product that succeeded it. However, the promising mechanicals of the car, and its lightweight construction, led Ferrari to consider racing the F40. They turned to their long-time constructor of competition cars, Michelotto, to convert the F40 into Competizione spec. From outside, the differences are subtle: the open headlights instead of pop-ups, the addition of several NACA ducts, and the carbon fiber spoilers. Underhood, revisions were also evolutionary rather than radical, but the result was certainly positive—the “tipo B” revision to the 3-liter twin turbocharged engine is good for 780 horsepower, courtesy of revised cams, new intercoolers, and a whole lot of boost. The positively massive output of the engine, rivaling F1 cars of the time, allows the F40 Competizione to reach 230 mph (given enough room). While the car competed with success in IMSA GT racing, most of the 19 Competiziones built never saw a track, and went right into the garages of well-heeled buyers. A shame, because the Competizione is one of the most ferocious Ferraris ever conceived.