In a universe dominated by The passion of red Ferrariit is difficult to imagine an F40 that does not follow this chromatic tradition.
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However, in 2021a collector with a distinct vision decided to challenge conventions and transform one of the world’s most iconic supercars into something completely unique.
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The result of this audacity It is the Ferrari F40 nicknamed “Minty Forty”a true mint-colored gem that not only defies expectations, but has also captured the imagination of enthusiasts and collectors alike.
The story of this F40 begins, like many others, in the famous factory of Maranello. Originally finished in the iconic rosso corsa, Chassis number 88538 was built in 1991.
Throughout its life, this Ferrari passed through several hands, including those of Arnold Gardemann, president of the German Ferrari Club, before finding its fate in the Netherlands after an accident that required major repairs.
However, its true metamorphosis occurred only a few years ago, when its last owner decided that the classic red color was no longer enough for this Prancing Horse.
Inspired by a legendary Ferrari from the past, the current owner of the F40 opted for a radical change: repainting the vehicle in a mint shade, a color as bold as it is unexpected.
This mint green finds its roots in the Pale Green 250 GTO that Stirling Moss drove at the 1962 24 Hours of Le Mansa car that at the time earned the distinction of being the most expensive Ferrari ever sold.
Like Moss’ GTO, this F40 was designed to break new ground and leave an indelible mark on motorsport history.
The result is simply spectacular. The “Minty Forty” not only stands out for its unusual colorbut also features a fully restored cabin, with details as vibrant as the exterior.
The bright blue upholstered seats contrast perfectly with the grey dashboard, creating an aesthetic which refers to the vibrant culture of Miami in the 80sIn fact, the official photos of the vehicle were taken at the historic Miami Marine Stadium, a perfect setting for this car that seems to have traveled back in time.
Despite its radical appearance, the “Minty Forty” maintains its essence as a Ferrari F40 intact.
Under the hood, The same twin-turbo V8 engine beats stronglymated to a manual transmission that delivers the visceral driving experience the F40 is known for.
The suspension, brakes and bodywork also remain faithful to the originality of the model, making this car a unique but authentic piece within the Ferrari family.
Ferrariwhich is known for its strict approach to preserving authenticity in its vehicles, has given its approval to this unique creation.
Not only did they embrace the colour change, they also allowed the production of a scale replica of the Minty Forty by Amalgam Collection – a sign that even the most deeply held traditions can adapt and evolve.
The culmination of this story came at Pebble Beachduring the prestigious Concours d’Elegance. The “Minty Forty” was auctioned off and, to the surprise of many, reached the impressive sum of $1.8 million.
This price reflects not only the rarity of the color, but also the value that collectors place on exclusivity and creativity in a world where limited editions and custom modifications are increasingly appreciated.
In a world where red, silver and black Ferraris dominate the streets and private collections, the “Minty Forty” stands as a testament to the fact that True innovation often arises from a willingness to challenge the established.
As the “Minty Forty” continues its journey under the care of its new owner, it has already secured a special place in motorsport history. It is a reminder that, even in a world as rigid in its traditions as Ferrari’s, there is always room for reinvention.
And in a market where colour can make all the difference, this mint-coloured F40 has proven beyond a doubt that sometimes, to stand out, you simply have to be different.
The legend of the Ferrari F40
He Ferrari F40presented in 1987is one of the most emblematic models of the Italian brand and was conceived to celebrate Ferrari’s 40th anniversary.
Designed by Pininfarina, it was the last model developed under the direct supervision of Enzo Ferrari before his death. The F40 stood out for its radical focus on performancecombining an aerodynamic design with a lightweight construction of materials such as carbon fiber, kevlar and aluminum.
Powered by a 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, the F40 produced 478 horsepower, allowing it to reach a top speed of over 320 km/h, making it the fastest production car of its time. Its acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds and its maneuverability made it a benchmark in automotive engineering.
The F40, initially intended as a limited edition to 400 unitsended up being produced in 1,311 copies due to high demand.
With its purist character, no unnecessary luxuries and a focus on the driving experience, the Ferrari F40 is remembered as one of the most important supercars in history and a true icon of motorsport.