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.