🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Ferrari

Model:

F40

Generation:

First Generation

Chassis Code:

F120

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The Ferrari F40 is considered one of the most iconic supercars of its era, a homologation special for racing and a direct descendant of Ferrari's motorsport heritage. It represented the pinnacle of automotive engineering and performance for its time.

Competitors:

Porsche 959, Lamborghini Countach, Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 (C4).

Distinguishing Features:

Tubular steel chassis, composite body panels (carbon fiber and kevlar), twin-turbocharged V8 engine, aggressive aerodynamics, lightweight construction, race-bred pedigree.

Legacy:

Celebrated as the last Ferrari personally approved by Enzo Ferrari and a true homologation special for the F40's racing variant. Revered for its raw performance, mechanical feel, and unapologetic design.

📋 Manual Details

Covered Years:

1987-1992

Covered Variants:

All production variants including US-spec, Euro-spec, and catalytic converter equipped models.

Estimated Pages:

150-250 (Varies by edition and specific content)

Type:

Owner's Manual / User Guide

Language:

English (Likely original language, may also be available in Italian, German, French, etc. based on market distribution)

Format:

PDF (Digital Download)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

V8 Twin-Turbocharged engine, ignition system, fuel injection, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system, emissions control.

Transmission:

5-speed manual transaxle, clutch system, gearbox operation, fluid specifications.

Brakes:

Four-wheel disc brakes, ABS system operation, brake fluid specifications.

Suspension Steering:

Independent suspension, shock absorbers, springs, steering system, wheel alignment.

Electrical:

Battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting system, instrumentation, fuses, wiring diagrams (likely basic owner-level).

Bodywork Interior:

Body panel operation, doors, windows, seats, interior controls, climate control system, safety restraints.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance checks, fluid level checks and top-ups, tire pressure, filter replacement guidance (air, fuel, oil), spark plug replacement.

Operation:

Starting and driving procedures, gear selection, fuel economy guidance, dashboard indicators and warning lights explanation.

Troubleshooting:

Basic troubleshooting of common issues, interpretation of warning lights and symptoms.

Depth:

Owner-level maintenance and operation. Not a full workshop/service manual for in-depth repair, but provides crucial operational and basic upkeep information.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Searchable Text:

Likely, depending on the quality of the original scan/conversion.

Quality:

High Resolution (Assumed for digital download, suitable for printing).

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download - Printable)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download - User choice for printing)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

F120 D040

Configuration:

90-degree V8, mid-engine, longitudinally mounted

Displacement:

2936 cc (2.9 L)

Bore X Stroke:

82 mm x 71 mm

Valvetrain:

DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder

Horsepower Us Spec:

471 hp (351 kW) @ 7000 rpm

Horsepower Euro Spec:

478 hp (356 kW) @ 7000 rpm

Torque Us Spec:

426 lb-ft (578 Nm) @ 4500 rpm

Torque Euro Spec:

434 lb-ft (588 Nm) @ 4500 rpm

Induction:

Twin IHI turbochargers, Bosch K-Jetronic mechanical fuel injection

Compression Ratio:

7.8:1

Cooling Type:

Liquid-cooled

Oil Capacity With Filter:

Approx. 10.5 liters (2.77 US gallons)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed manual transaxle

Optional Transmission:

N/A (Manual transmission was standard and exclusive)

Clutch:

Twin-plate dry clutch

Transaxle Layout:

Rear-wheel drive

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4355 mm (171.5 in)

Width:

1976 mm (77.8 in)

Height:

1130 mm (44.5 in)

Wheelbase:

2450 mm (96.5 in)

Front Track:

1600 mm (63.0 in)

Rear Track:

1572 mm (61.9 in)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1250 kg (2756 lbs) (Dry weight often quoted, curb weight with fluids is slightly higher)

Weight Distribution:

Approximately 42% Front / 58% Rear

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Ratings:

Not tested by modern regulatory bodies due to its era and limited production. Designed with racing safety principles in mind.

ABS:

Bosch ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) standard.

Seatbelts:

Three-point inertia reel seatbelts.

Construction:

Integrated roll bar, crumple zones designed for performance and safety.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Basic factory-installed AM/FM/Cassette stereo system (brand and model varied by market).

Driver Aids:

ABS was the primary electronic driver aid. No traction control or electronic stability control.

Connectivity Features:

N/A (No modern connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB).

Dashboard Layout:

Driver-focused layout with essential gauges including speedometer, tachometer, boost pressure gauges, oil pressure, water temperature, and fuel level.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Recommended every 5,000 km (3,100 miles) or annually, whichever comes first. More frequent changes advised for spirited driving.

Major Service Interval:

Timing belt replacement recommended every 2-3 years or as per manual recommendation, critical for engine integrity.

Engine Oil:

API SG or higher, SAE 20W-50 (e.g., Agip Sint 2000 or equivalent).

Coolant:

Ferrari recommended coolant mixture (typically 50% ethylene glycol and distilled water).

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 (check specific manual recommendations).

Transmission Fluid:

API GL-4 or GL-5, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 synthetic gear oil (e.g., Agip Rotra LS).

Differential Fluid:

API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 synthetic gear oil with limited-slip additive if applicable.

Common Wear Items:

Clutch wear, turbocharger seals, aging fuel lines, suspension bushings, brake components, interior material degradation.

Electrical Gremlins:

Due to age and complex early electronics, occasional electrical issues can arise, often related to wiring harnesses or sensors.

Turbo Care:

Proper warm-up and cool-down procedures are essential for turbocharger longevity.

📚 Vehicle History

Ferrari Legacy:

Built upon Ferrari's extensive racing history, particularly its success in Formula 1 and sports car racing. Designed to be a road-legal race car.

Development Purpose:

Developed as a homologation special to allow the Ferrari 308 GTB/GTS to compete in Group B rallying and Group GT racing. Later evolved into a road car without the direct racing homologation purpose.

Production Years:

1987-1992

Production Numbers:

Approximately 379 units (including US-spec and Euro-spec, excluding rare racing variants like the F40 LM/GTE).

Manufacturing Location:

Maranello, Italy

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Iconic Design Award:

Consistently ranked among the greatest supercars and most beautiful cars ever made by numerous automotive publications and enthusiast polls.

Performance Acclaim:

Widely praised for its extreme performance figures, including top speeds exceeding 200 mph (320 km/h).

Historical Significance:

Recognized as a significant milestone in automotive history, representing the zenith of naturally aspirated and early turbocharged supercar development before the advent of widespread electronic aids.