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What does a Formula 1 driver buy after they retire from motorsport? This week’s RM Sotheby’s London auction provides one answer.
Among the impressive array of cars on offer is a 1990 Ferrari F40. What makes this example special is that it comes from the collection of Gerhard Berger.
The Austrian driver had an illustrious Formula 1 career, and his ownership adds to the appeal of an already desirable Ferrari.
Driving for the Scuderia
Berger made his F1 debut in 1984, driving for the ATS team in a handful of races. After the end of the season, he was involved in a serious road accident that left him with a broken neck.
Making an impressive recovery, Berger was able to compete with the Arrows F1 team for 1985. However, a move to Benetton in 1986 would demonstrate what the Austrian could really do with a competitive car.
Along with out-qualifying team mate Teo Fabi during the 1986 season, Berger also took a win at the Mexican Grand Prix. That helped land him a seat with Scuderia Ferrari for 1987.
Team mates with Senna
The young Austrian spent three seasons with Ferrari, before switching to McLaren in 1990. As team mate to Ayrton Senna, he developed an infamous reputation for engaging in practical jokes with the Brazilian driver.
Ferrari Classiche certified
Gerhard Berger's Ferrari F40 at auction
Berger bought the car in May 2019, and submitted it for Ferrari Classiche Certification in December 2019. This confirmed its originality, including that the thin paintwork with visible carbon fibre weave beneath was from the factory.
The previous owner had spent some €80,000 (£72,500) on maintaining the F40. Part of this work saw the fitment of the preferred non-adjustable suspension setup. A set of new 17-inch Speedline wheels, plus a loud Le Mans Quicksilver titanium sports exhaust system, completed the makeover.
The odometer shows the F40 having covered less than 30,000 kilometres (19,000 miles) since new.
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I see absolutely no reason why someone would need to sell an F40, especially after having it for only one year.
The car is legendary, it values only increases with time and it must be so much fun to drive it around on the road or on the race track.
