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Restomod Ferrari F40 Reduces Risk, Says Builder
If you want to keep your money safe then you put it in a Swiss bank. Now, if you want to add some extra security to your Ferrari F40, you can hand it over to a Swiss restomod maker.
Officine Fioravanti, which has previously updated the Ferrari Testarossa and BB512, has turned its attention to the F40 in a bid to make it more manageable on the road.
“The F40 is a masterpiece created to be driven, not just to be shown off,” says Officine Firoavanti. “If you don’t use it, you ruin it; if you use it and you are not a real driver, you risk a lot.” That’s certainly been evidenced recently with two F40 accidents caught on camera and going viral online—including one owned by McLaren F1 ace Lando Norris.
To help owners avoid future embarrassment and inevitable insurance claims Officine Fioravanti has developed a range of modifications “to make one of the most iconic supercars in history safer, more usable and, if necessary, also more performing”.




The twin turbocharged (and notoriously laggy) 2.9-liter V-8 engine is unchanged, but major improvements to the chassis should help drivers cope better. Öhlins TTX36 dampers are fitted all round. The four-way adjustable units were designed for Formula 3, and feature an internal oil reservoir that makes them both high-performing and very compact. The brakes get an update from Brembo with six-piston front calipers and four-pot units at the rear, alongside carbon ceramic discs. New one-piece 18-inch front and 19-inch rear wheels are supplied with Michelin Cup 2 or Pirelli P Zero tires for added grip. Finally, there’s a modification to the steering box, including hydraulic servo assist.
Ferrari Formula 1 driver Michele Alboreto once described the F40 as “a bit like a German shepherd, you can pet it and it will be nice but if you are mean to it it will bite you.” Officine Fioravanti’s upgrades should mean that its bark is now worse than its bite.


I feel like a lot of Tifosi aren’t going to like this, but I fully support it. All of these modifications are reversible, and they make the F40 easier to use more often. To me the point of these cars is to enjoy driving them, and these upgrade make it more enjoyable to drive I suspect.
Few drive these cars. I have a friend that does and he has a few mods but he bought it that way. As long as it is reversible and you keep the original parts no risk here.
Brake upgrdes, etc. are nice but how many people actually drive these things anymore? Every time I have seen one in the last 5 years it came in an enclosed trailer.
Gary, Should you have the opportunity, fly to London a few days before LeMans. Take the Channel Tunnel “boat train” to Calais. I recall being inside the rail car with exotics including Ferrari’s (F430, I think), Lambo’s, a ’20’s something Bentley, Aston Martins, etc. All en route to the race. My buddies and I were in a Volvo wagon. In spite of regulations, we got out of our vehicle and enjoyed a mini car show under the English Channel. Also, you see tons of exotics driving from Calais to LeMans. It’s half the fun!
I love this, but why is everyone so concerned if it’s reversible? It’s a piece of performance history, not some flashy art installation. I feel like you wouldn’t drive an F40 like an F40, maybe a Rolls Royce is a better choice for you.
Because original Ferraris like this have a way of commanding big money–far more than irreversibly modified cars. This is not a $20K or $50K loss of value. The difference could buy another new Ferrari.
The Rosso whatever looks prettier than the obligatory Rosso Corso. If they really wanted to tackle the job of making a Ferrari exotic more livable they’d have taken on the F50. In its case using F1 design and having the engine work as a stressed member bolted directly to the bulkhead provides a ride much like sitting on a jackhammer from what I’ve heard. Though I doubt simply swapping in a set more compliant Ohlins would be any kind of panacea. For the money, pop a couple of Doans back relief pills before and after driving.
A burned out busted up Countach done up with a modern corvette drivetrain would be my dream. This is pretty cool too. These cars are just awesome to look at.