[Boxer]

Finally had a nice weekend and was able to get the F40 out for a drive. It had been close to 2 months but the car fired right up and settled into a perfect idle after a few minutes of cleaning out the pipes. Great to be back in the drivers seat and we were able to find a few open roads to wind the turbos up on. Don't think I will ever get tired of the sensation when they spool up and the horizon leaps at you. Great drive and very pleased that it is running so well.

[Jimmy Chen Shiba DDS]

Originally Posted by Boxer

Finally had a nice weekend and was able to get the F40 out for a drive. It had been close to 2 months but the car fired right up and settled into a perfect idle after a few minutes of cleaning out the pipes. Great to be back in the drivers seat and we were able to find a few open roads to wind the turbos up on. Don't think I will ever get tired of the sensation when they spool up and the horizon leaps at you. Great drive and very pleased that it is running so well.

That's great that she did not give you a hard time after such long neglect. Never been in one myself, but definitely a timeless classic that needs reckoning. I can just imagine how quickly one's vision tunnel angle narrows when the turbos go on with such immense speed.
w/ smiles Jimmy

[Boxer]

The fury and violence of the acceleration is addictive. Holding your line as 500 bhp hits the tarmac sharpens the senses.

[Jimmy Chen Shiba DDS]

Originally Posted by Boxer

The fury and violence of the acceleration is addictive. Holding your line as 500 bhp hits the tarmac sharpens the senses.

What a priviledge to have. I am sure the F40 is much more of a true, wild stallion to be tamed than the F50, which is, of course, in another league. w/ smiles Jimmy

[Maranellohouse]

A happy man then

[Boxer]

Originally Posted by ENZ9_1

A happy man then

Yes, very. But truthfully, more a happy grown up 8 year old boy.

[David Lee]

You know how i feel about the F40 a classic in every possible way.

Cheers
D

[Boxer]

Originally Posted by David Lee

You know how i feel about the F40 a classic in every possible way.

Cheers
D

For a 23 year old car, it still has a presence had to match on the road.

[Boxer]

Recently took the F40 out for a long run. So far this year it has not been getting quite as much use as it should so it was due a good long drive. After a large service earlier this year, it is running beautifully with the engine and turbos really pulling strongly. For a car that was launched 24 years ago, it can still easily keep pace with just about anything coming out of Maranello or Stuttgart today. There is nothing about it that feels dated, just wonderfully raw and focussed.

Open the fly weight door, drop down into the red racing bucket, push the clutch in, turn the ignition key, press the started button, and the engine immediately bursts into life. For the first several minutes, it revs to 2000 rpms until the cats heat up and then drops to just under a thousand. Wait for the water and oil temp gauges to start swinging north, and then you can gently head towards the open road. Give it 10 miles to heat up properly and the the fun begins. Drop a gear, gently give it some gas, wait for the revs to build to just over 3000 rpm, check that the road is straight, and then push the far right pedal towards the floor. First comes the strong shove back and down into the seat........and then all hell breaks loose. It feels like the nose lifts slightly as the rear bites down, the screaming of the turbos increases, and with little additional warning you are launched brutally forward down the tarmac. At 6800-7k rpm shift quickly up, if space permits do it again, and then normally it is on the brakes before turning in for the corner. After 5 years, that experience is just as special today as it was the first time. The steering and the way in which the nose does exactly where you point it are best in class. Depsite the width, get it moving and the F40 shrinks around you. It is car that wants and deserves to be driven "enthusiastically".

[Boxer]

Originally Posted by Boxer

Recently took the F40 out for a long run. So far this year it has not been getting quite as much use as it should so it was due a good long drive. After a large service earlier this year, it is running beautifully with the engine and turbos really pulling strongly. For a car that was launched 24 years ago, it can still easily keep pace with just about anything coming out of Maranello or Stuttgart today. There is nothing about it that feels dated, just wonderfully raw and focussed.

Open the fly weight door, drop down into the red racing bucket, push the clutch in, turn the ignition key, press the started button, and the engine immediately bursts into life. For the first several minutes, it revs to 2000 rpms until the cats heat up and then drops to just under a thousand. Wait for the water and oil temp gauges to start swinging north, and then you can gently head towards the open road. Give it 10 miles to heat up properly and the the fun begins. Drop a gear, gently give it some gas, wait for the revs to build to just over 3000 rpm, check that the road is straight, and then push the far right pedal towards the floor. First comes the strong shove back and down into the seat........and then all hell breaks loose. It feels like the nose lifts slightly as the rear bites down, the screaming of the turbos increases, and with little additional warning you are launched brutally forward down the tarmac. At 6800-7k rpm shift quickly up, if space permits do it again, and then normally it is on the brakes before turning in for the corner. After 5 years, that experience is just as special today as it was the first time. The steering and the way in which the nose does exactly where you point it are best in class. Depsite the width, get it moving and the F40 shrinks around you. It is car that wants and deserves to be driven "enthusiastically".

Todays resolution is to get out in the F40 more. Interesting discussion yesterday with a friend, he asked which of the cars I would take if I had to drive one in the rain. 1st choice was the Mosler, and a close 2nd was the F40.

[Vitalone]

Superb driving impressions, Boxer. Felt like I was in the passenger seat beside you when you described the dropping down a gear and slowly bringing the revs up to 3000 and then gunning her. Awesome!

[Jack Russell Racing]

Originally Posted by Boxer

Recently took the F40 out for a long run. So far this year it has not been getting quite as much use as it should so it was due a good long drive. After a large service earlier this year, it is running beautifully with the engine and turbos really pulling strongly. For a car that was launched 24 years ago, it can still easily keep pace with just about anything coming out of Maranello or Stuttgart today. There is nothing about it that feels dated, just wonderfully raw and focussed.

Open the fly weight door, drop down into the red racing bucket, push the clutch in, turn the ignition key, press the started button, and the engine immediately bursts into life. For the first several minutes, it revs to 2000 rpms until the cats heat up and then drops to just under a thousand. Wait for the water and oil temp gauges to start swinging north, and then you can gently head towards the open road. Give it 10 miles to heat up properly and the the fun begins. Drop a gear, gently give it some gas, wait for the revs to build to just over 3000 rpm, check that the road is straight, and then push the far right pedal towards the floor. First comes the strong shove back and down into the seat........and then all hell breaks loose. It feels like the nose lifts slightly as the rear bites down, the screaming of the turbos increases, and with little additional warning you are launched brutally forward down the tarmac. At 6800-7k rpm shift quickly up, if space permits do it again, and then normally it is on the brakes before turning in for the corner. After 5 years, that experience is just as special today as it was the first time. The steering and the way in which the nose does exactly where you point it are best in class. Depsite the width, get it moving and the F40 shrinks around you. It is car that wants and deserves to be driven "enthusiastically".

I think I need a cold shower now.

Beautifully written, and perfect imagery to start the day. Thank you!

[lucca brazzi]

nice read Mr.....i cant imagine how much fun it must be driving an F40,,spooling up those turbos while shifing up the gearbox has to be an experience ., second to none,,,the F40 has been ., and always will be ., my favorite Ferrari..ill bet when your not driving it,,your staring at it in your garage,,,thats got to be almost as good as driving it !! i know would .,thanks for sharing,,,Brett

[Boxer]

Thanks for all the comments.

[JazzyO]

Looks like I'll finally get my first F-40 experience in a week or two. Can't wait.


Onno

[tazandjan]

Boxer- That sounds like a blast. Have never ridden in an F40 and it sounds like fun. About the only limitation on power would seem to be how much boost you use.

Is yours stock or has it been breathed upon?

Taz
Terry Phillips

[Boxer]

Originally Posted by tazandjan

Boxer- That sounds like a blast. Have never ridden in an F40 and it sounds like fun. About the only limitation on power would seem to be how much boost you use.

Is yours stock or has it been breathed upon?

Taz
Terry Phillips

It is stock with the exception of the turbos which have been lightly breathed on.

[Boxer]

We are taking the F40 on an overnight trip today. Should be a good drive covering a 250-300 miles. Was tempted to take the F50 but too many showers in the forecast over the next 48 hours. I am sure the long drive will be great for the car.

[Boxer]

Got back tonight from an overnight 400 km trip in the F40. Car ran beautifully. Had sun, rain, highway, narrow back country roads, heavy traffic, and clear runs. F40 handled it all in stride. Really impressed with the way it ran. Never missed a beat.

[JazzyO]

Sounds like you were on your first drive. That's the true mark of a car that is earning its keep. You gotta keep the 8YO Boxer happy.


Onno