Passion can take you a long way in the realization of one-of-a-kind projects. What we are unveiling in this article is the fruit of 10 years' work, and transpires an incandescent passion in every detail, at the crossroads of technique and a taste for history. Javier Reyna, founder of Reyna Performance Machines, based in Bakersfield, California, makes no secret of the fact: he believes that, because of the age of his project, he has created the real F40 EVO. The F40 from Stanceworks is warned as follows !
A trip to Italy was the turning point
What are the origins of this crazy project? Javier explained that, as a motorcycle racing and Valentino Rossi fan, he went to Italy one year with some friends to watch the Misano Grand Prix. With his rented Fiat, he then went to Maranello, tested an F430 and then really fell in love with the F40. Back in the U.S., he set about acquiring a Ferrari and found a "reasonably priced" F355 that offered excellent value for money. Still captivated by the F40, he then set out to build one, based on his 355. With a degree in mechanical engineering, he embarked on this long-term challenge, initially seeking to source F40 LM panels of identical dimensions to the original.
The F355/F40LM merger
This F40 EVO is based on a Ferrari F355 chassis, gearbox and engine, a 90° V8 that was the first Ferrari engine to use 5 valves per cylinder. All this is covered by bodywork inspired by the F40 LM, the competition version of the F40 developed by Michelotto in 1988 (and which, incidentally, made its debut at Laguna Seca in 1989 with Jean Alesi). Javier Reyna incorporated as many original F40 components as possible, such as the windscreen, A-pillars, door latches, headlights and taillights, then reproduced the specific LM kit with a carbon-fiber splitter, rear diffusers and adjustable rear spoiler, plexiglass headlights that replaced the retractable headlights, and additional NACA ducts to increase cooling.
The design has also been thought through to create stylish effects, particularly in night-time conditions. For example, the rear center spoiler support is adorned with a laser-cut Cavallino and embedded in a polished aluminum Cavallino rampante. The acrylic support also serves as a functional third brake light. When braking at night, the silhouette of the Cavallino Rampante appears, then disappears when the brakes are released.
A stylish V8 Biturbo!
The 3.5-liter engine has undergone significant technical modifications. Originally atmospheric, it has been turbocharged, as on the F40. The design here receives four relief valves, for a twin-turbo dual-inlet system, which considerably reduces response time. The turbos are fed by an independent lubrication and cooling system, allowing me to use very high quality engine oil. The complete exhaust system is in polished stainless steel.
To facilitate maintenance, the rear engine cradle has been modified and can be easily separated and removed from the rear, as on the Ferrari F50, allowing easy access to timing belts, pulleys and water pump. Mechanical tests are still in progress, but we can expect a power output of 800 hp.
Turbo Heat shields feature a Cavallino Rampante laser-cut from stainless steel. At low boost pressure, the black studs are visible on the turbos, but at high boost pressure, when the turbos get hot, the Cavallino Rampante transforms into a fiery red. Incredible!
The spirit of Baracca
Seen like that, the work is already very impressive. But that's not all! What makes this F40 EVO truly unique is that Javier Reyna wanted it to evoke the historical foundations of Ferrari. And here, you'll have to peer inside the beast to find a truly inimitable customization.
The interior draws its inspiration from aviation, paying homage to Ferrari's spiritual origins. Indeed, the atmosphere is inspired by the cockpits of fighter planes, evoking the Italian ace of the First World War, Francesco Baracca, whose plane was adorned on its fuselage by a Cavallino Rampante, in reference to the cavalry unit to which he had belonged before the war. The story goes on to say that the parents of Baracca, who was shot down during the war, met Enzo Ferrari in the early 20s after a victory, when he was an Alfa Romeo driver, and suggested that, as a tribute to their son's memory and for good luck, he should use the Prancing Horse crest on his cars. As an added bonus, the car's ignition key was redesigned in the shape of an aviation switch, with the black prancing horse on top.
The F40 EVO is fitted with control panels and switches worthy of a World War II-style fighter plane cockpit, all homemade and with a worn, vintage effect, to give it a lively, "lived-in" appearance. In another original and historic detail, an Italian lira has been integrated into the brake distribution switch, depicting an charioteer guiding a "quadriga", a chariot pulled by four stallions, used during the Circus Maximus races. The leading stallion resembles the Cavallino Rampante, painted black, as on the fuselage of Baracca's plane. A silhouette of Francesco Baracca's aircraft can also be seen in the design of the engine compartment. The intercoolers form the wings, and the central exhaust section evokes the aircraft's tail fin. Well done!
Passionately Ferrari
Two steering wheels are used, one for the road and one for the track. The first is in Stingray leather, while the track version combines Alcantara and Stingray leather, "traditionally used on the handles of Japanese samurai swords" as the designer explains.
Other highlights include a leather-wrapped fire extinguisher and a 6-speed gear lever with Cavallino Rampante laser-engraved on the gear knob. The F40 EVO made its debut in May at the Concorso Ferrari in Pasadena. Authenticated as a real Ferrari, it was exhibited as a 1997 Ferrari F355, even though the nameplate says F40 EVO. You'll never see two like it!
Let's leave the final word to its creator: "The Ferrari F40 EVO is the descendant, forged in the crucible of competition, from the bloodlines of two emblematic Ferrari champions: the dominant on-track spirit of the F355 Challenge and the pure, brutal power of the iconic F40 LM. The F40 EVO is a living tribute to the very origins of the Ferrari spirit."
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