Got £600k? Here’s a competition-grade Ferrari F40… with a naturally aspirated V12

Ever fancied a Ferrari F40 GT1 with the engine from a 550 Maranello? We suspect not, because very few even know such a thing exists. But it does, and it’s called the ‘Simpson-Ferrari V12 GTR’, and it's set to go under the hammer later this summer with Iconic Auctioneers.

It’s believed to be the only ‘official’ factory-backed V12-powered F40 ever since it was built in tandem with, and mostly by, Britain-based Simpson Motorsport in the late ‘90s. And what an engine it is: a naturally aspirated ‘F133’ V12, paired with a Hewland six-speed sequential manual transmission. No technical data has been given, but it should punch well above the 550’s standard 479bhp and 420lb ft.

The engine can be seen in all its glory through the F40’s transparent cover (why don’t we get these any more, darn it?), and though we’ll miss the off-boost turbo flutters from the original V8 powertrain, we doubt you’ll mind since the 550 is considered to be one of Ferrari’s greatest-ever vocalists.

Aside from the big engine swap, there isn’t too much known about the mechanical upgrades. We do know the chassis is from an original, crash-tested F40 and that it’s been completely rebuilt for racing. We also know there are custom suspension bits located at each corner which sit below a body that’s been lightened and strengthened where possible. 

That’s because the Rossa Corsa exterior panels have been plugged straight from a GTE-grade F40, including the front and rear splitters. That massive wing perched out back seems bespoke, though, and may mean you require a pilot’s licence before taking ownership.

The interior follows a similarly focused approach, with an FIA-approved roll cage sat behind the single front seat, and a selection of motorsport-related buttons and switchgear spotted along the dash. Probably best not to fiddle with those without some proper guidance first.

Apparently the car was entered in various European competitions, and while it did finish second in a Britcar event at Oulton Park in 2006 as a small crumb of comfort, we’ll gloss over its largely disappointing on-track legacy because it’s a truly unique one-off. 

Fancy a punt? It’ll be up for sale at this year’s Silverstone Festival in late August, with the guide price lingering around the £600,000 bracket. Or, in other words, a similar figure to what you’d pay for a decked-out SF90. Decisions, decisions…