Only 1,311 Ferrari F40 units were produced between 1987 and 1992, but this example is different from any of its counterparts.

The Italian mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive, super-machine is one of the few masterpieces of the modern automotive world. It was designed to celebrate Ferrari’s 40th anniversary, it held the world’s fastest production car record when it was launched, and it was the last Ferrari automobile to be approved by Enzo Ferrari himself.

These qualities should make any car an instant classic, but the F40’s excellence is far more striking. Designed by Pininfarina and constructed from kevlar, carbon-fiber and aluminum, the car was powered by a 2.9-litre, twin-turbocharged V8, which boasted 478 hp. A considerable amount, especially as the entire rig weighed only 1100 kg (2,425 lbs).

So, as you can see, it doesn’t need to be extra special (than it already is) to make an impression, be desirable and fetch a high price at an auction. Unless we’re talking about this particular example – chassis number 091573.

The car is one of just 58 catalyst-equipped, UK-supplied examples and it was commissioned with adjustable suspension straight from Maranello (where it was purchased from new) by F.J. Connolly Esq. of the world renowned leather dynasty. And here’s where things get interesting.

When it comes to Ferrari’s high-end babies, any form of individualization is heavily rebuked by the car manufacturer. Don’t get me wrong, nobody is stopping you from modifying your high-end Prancing Horse, but then the car won’t be approved as a genuine Maranello-breed automobile.

That said, no matter where Ferrari sold its F40s back in the day, they were all offered in left-hand-drive with a red exterior and a raw, bare carbon fiber interior. Even the seats were the same on all of them. But Mr. Connolly of the world renowned leather dynasty wanted some extra comfort in his Ferrari F40, and due to his relationship with the factory (as he was a leather supplier for other Ferrari models) managed to get permission from the Italian car manufacturer to improve – comfort wise – the F40’s seats with leather. So, there you go, this is the only Ferrari-sanctioned, hide re-trimmed F40 in the world.

The automobile was auctioned by H&H, but failed to meet the reserve. It was estimated to fetch between £750,000 and £800,000 ($1,161,562 – $1,238,840) – which is a pretty fair price for a one-off F40, even if the bidders didn’t thought so. Oh well, that means there’s still a chance for you to get it.

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