{"id":48755,"date":"2026-04-14T15:57:21","date_gmt":"2026-04-14T13:57:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.italpassion.fr\/?p=48755"},"modified":"2026-04-13T17:20:16","modified_gmt":"2026-04-13T15:20:16","slug":"this-720hp-ferrari-f40-prepared-with-peter-sauber-raced-in-1996-and-was-found-abandoned-in-a-barn-in-england","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.italpassion.fr\/en\/ferrari\/cette-ferrari-f40-de-720-chevaux-preparee-avec-peter-sauber-a-couru-en-1996-puis-a-ete-retrouvee-abandonnee-dans-une-grange-en-angleterre\/","title":{"rendered":"This 720hp Ferrari F40, prepared with Peter Sauber, raced in 1996... then was found abandoned in a barn in England."},"content":{"rendered":"
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There are Ferrari F40<\/a>... and then there's this one. A radical version, transformed in the 1990s to go far beyond what Maranello had imagined. An F40 that not only became an iconic supercar, but also enjoyed a real racing career before disappearing... and then being reborn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Its story began in 1990, when it left the factory as a classic European F40. Delivered new to Germany, it belonged to a brand enthusiast who exhibited and raced it on circuits such as Mugello and Spa. But its destiny soon changed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Radical transformation with Peter Sauber<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In 1994, the car was entrusted to Hamann Motorsport, a German tuner best known for its BMWs. But for this project, Hamann was thinking big. Very big.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To exploit the F40's full potential, he called on a prestigious name: Peter Sauber, future boss of the Formula 1 team of the same name. Under his supervision, the twin-turbo V8 received larger KKK turbos, increased boost pressure, reinforced components... and a preparation worthy of a racing car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The result is spectacular: power climbs to around 700 hp at the time, with an even more advanced evolution today thanks to modern MoTeC electronic management allowing up to 720 hp. The transformation doesn't stop with the engine. The F40 gets a front end inspired by the F40 LM, a huge rear spoiler, and improved brakes and suspension. A true war machine, designed for the track.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A real career in competition in 1996<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Unlike many extreme preparations, this F40 will not remain a mere technological showcase. It was entered into competition. In 1996, it took part in the BPR Global GT Series, the forerunner of the modern GT championships. In particular, it took part in the 4 Hours of N\u00fcrburgring and the 4 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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But as was often the case for private teams at the time, limited resources made the task difficult. The car retired at the N\u00fcrburgring due to mechanical problems, then finished 26th at Spa. Modest results, but real legitimacy: this F40 did indeed race at the highest GT level of its era.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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