This Ferrari F40 For Sale Was Turned Into a Race Car by a Gaming Legend
The latest car news, reviews, and features.
A road car that's been converted into a competition racer is no big deal. Such modifications have been done before and will continue to be done well into the future. A road-going Ferrari F40 that legitimately earned its racing stripes, though? Well, that's a different story, and a rare example with a seven-figure valuation crossed the auction block today.
A 1989 Ferrari F40 'Competizione' with a well-documented ownership history, legitimate racing chops, and a bunch of spare parts that could be another race car was offered for sale through Broad Arrow Auctions. Part of Lot 212 of the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este Auction, the converted F40 was estimated to fetch between $2.6 million and $3.1 million by the time bidding closed.
Chassis number 80369 was a standard left-hand drive, European-spec F40 when it was purchased new as a gift from a father to his son. The vehicle, still in street clothes, was sold five years later to video game pioneer Ian Hetherington. The late Hetherington ran British gaming institutions Psygnosis and Evolution Studios, responsible for beloved PlayStation racing games including Wipeout , Destruction Derby , and MotorStorm . So, it should be no surprise that he had an affinity for real-life racing, participating in many club events.
Hetherington considered selling the Ferrari just three years after buying it, but had a change of heart. Or perhaps it was an epiphany. Either way, he commissioned Martin Shaw of Specialised Cars of Manchester to rebuild the F40 into a '90s-spec factory Le Mans racer. Broad Arrow Auctions
For performance mods, the stock F40's 2.9-liter V8 was given new turbochargers, a free-flow exhaust system, customized intercoolers, an updated suspension, upgraded brakes, and a competition fuel system. The output is 648 horsepower and 563 lb-ft of torque. The finishing touches to make the F40 look the part of a factory-built Ferrari race car included fixed headlights, larger brake cooling ducts, an expansive front splitter, and an unmistakable rear wing.
The conversion project took nearly two years to complete, and in February 1999, Hetherington sold the now track-ready F40 to Shaw. Wasting little time, Shaw entered the F40 into the 2000 British GT Championship. The newly minted #16 race car was driven by Stuart Bowler, Ian Flux, and, oh, hello again, Mr. Hetherington.
The F40 competed against newer vehicles in the GT class, and although it wasn't a podium finisher from the get-go, it was still impressive in the speed category. The homemade Competizione returned fast times as more laps were driven. Unfortunately, DNFs and other reliability issues prevented Shaw's SCS Motorsport team from taking advantage of the F40's full performance potential.
According to the auction listing, the F40 wasn't involved in any major accidents during its racing career. Also notable is that only 27 known F40 road cars have been transformed into competition racers by private owners. Included in the sale is an extensive parts package that includes a front nose, rear deck, a spare engine block, three sets of wheels, and more bits to build a copycat. Just need to source another F40 chassis, if you're so inclined.
Beverly Braga has enjoyed an eventful career as a Swiss Army knife, having held roles as an after-school teacher, film critic, PR manager, transcriber, and video producer – to name a few. She is currently a communications consultant and freelance writer whose work has appeared in numerous outlets covering automotive, entertainment, lifestyle, and food & beverage. Beverly grew up in Hawaii but roots for Washington, D.C., sports teams.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Motor Trend
4 hours ago
- Motor Trend
2026 Audi Q3 Review: Expert Insights, Pricing, and Trims
Reviewed by Bob Hernandez Redesigned for 2026, the Audi Q3 arrives with a new look, an upgraded powertrain delivering improved performance, and a suite of cutting-edge technology features. From its refined cabin to its enhanced driver-assistance systems, the latest Q3 aims to set a new benchmark for luxury in the compact SUV segment. Entry-level luxury subcompact SUV competitors include the BMW X1, Volvo XC40, and Acura ADX. What's New Audi debuts an updated Q3 this year. The redesigned crossover features fresh styling, an updated engine, modernized tech including Audi's Digital Matrix style exterior lighting, and more space. This page will be updated with more insights and photos as information becomes available. What We Think Audi's entry-level SUV delivers on style and brand identity, but the previous Q3 generation fell short in areas that matter to discerning luxury buyers. Could the updated 2026 Q3 change that? The baby ute's sleek exterior and modern cabin—complete with sharp digital displays and surprising rear-seat space—give it a strong showroom appeal. However, the pre-2026 Q3's driving experience tells a different story. Although the luxury SUV's small size allows for nimble handling, a bouncy ride and underwhelming engine performance limit its luxury feel. Inside, the upscale design on pre-2026 models is undercut by low-rent materials. For buyers seeking the most affordable way into an Audi SUV, the Q3 still fits the bill. We look forward to seeing if the new version moves the luxury performance needle relative to the outgoing model. Top-Ranked Competitors: Performance The 2026 Audi Q3 may launch with two versions of an updated 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 engine. On the lower-trim models, output may come to 201 hp 236 lb-ft of torque, just like the A3 small sedan. Higher-trim 2026 Q3 S-Line models may be more powerful, at least matching the outgoing SUV's 228 hp and 251 lb-ft. Quattro AWD will be standard. We estimate sprints to 60 mph will take roughly 8 seconds with this setup. MPGs and Range Despite the increase in output, fuel economy is expected to improve on last year's 20–22/28–29 mpg city/highway through enhanced engine efficiency. Look for Q3 fuel economy to be on par with the 2025 XC40, which returns 23/30 mpg. Safety Features This year's Q3 will build on a set of driver assists that last year included: Adaptive cruise control Lane keeping Automatic emergency braking Blind-spot monitoring Automatic high beams How Big Is the 2026 Q3? Audi's smallest SUV continues to come with two rows and room for five passengers. Given the changes that came to the related Volkswagen Tiguan for 2025—namely a longer wheelbase and redesigned center console without a gear selector (it moves to the steering column)—space looks on track to improve. Technology Infotainment The lineup's standard 10.3-inch driver display should carry over, but Audi will be moving on from the last model's 8.8-inch infotainment touchscreen. Look for a 12.9-inch replacement interface (like the Tiguan's). Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as several USB ports, will be standard. Available Upgrades The new Audi Q3 features advanced Digital Matrix style lighting—LED headlights and taillights that can change dynamically to avoid blinding oncoming traffic or project one of many available light signatures. Will some of this tech arrive on the U.S.-spec Q3? We'll see. Value The Q3 continues to be the most affordable Audi SUV, itself an enticement for brand intenders. A new model this year sweetens the deal, but refinement issues have held back past versions of the SUV from appealing to a wider audience. The 2026 Audi Q3 is the only SUV model from the brand with a starting price under $50,000 including destination.
Motor Trend
4 hours ago
- Motor Trend
2026 Bentley Bentayga Speed First Look: Fewer Cylinders, But WAY More Power(!)
The Bentley Bentayga Speed once reigned as the ultimate blend of performance and plushness in the SUV world, thanks to its mighty W-12 engine. With a thunderous 626 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque, this luxurious beast launched from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.1 seconds, and blitzed through the quarter mile in 11.5 seconds at 120.7 mph in our testing. But with Crewe pulling the plug on the W-12, the mightiest Bentayga's heart lost four cylinders—and with them, a bit of the SUV's bite. 0:00 / 0:00 But the Speed name is back—and it's coming in hot. Enter the 2026 Bentley Bentayga Speed, now packing a revamped 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 that cranks out 641 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque. That's a serious bump—99 more horses and 96 extra lb-ft over the V-8 S, and, you'll note, beyond the old W-12's output—making this the most powerful Bentayga ever to wear the winged badge. Power isn't the only thing getting a boost. Bentley gave the 2026 Bentayga Speed a round of upgrades, including fresh wheel designs and new interior touches. Drift Your Bentayga... ? With its return, the 2026 Bentayga Speed officially takes the crown as the flagship of the Bentayga lineup. Below it, the rest of the Bentayga range soldiers on with the 542-hp, 568-lb-ft twin-turbo V-8, or the 3.0-liter V-6 plug-in hybrid, which delivers a respectable 456 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. Bentley claims the 2026 Bentayga Speed will hit 60 mph in 3.4 seconds—but we're calling that conservative. After all, they quoted 3.9 seconds for the old W-12, and we clocked it at 3.1 seconds. Based on the numbers, we expect the new Speed to rip from 0 to 60 in the 2.8 to 3.0-second range—a bonkers stat for a luxury SUV tipping the scales at over 5,000 pounds. To help rein in all that fury, the Speed can be equipped with massive carbon-ceramic brakes tucked behind newly designed—and a first for Bentley—23-inch wheels. The Bentayga Speed doesn't just move like a rocket—it sounds the part, too. A standard sport exhaust system gives the V-8 a richer, more aggressive growl, piped through a set of dual tailpipes flanking the rear diffuser. For those craving an even deeper, more visceral soundtrack, Bentley offers an optional titanium Akrapovic exhaust, complete with distinctive quad tailpipes. To make the most of that snarling exhaust, the new Sport mode cranks things up a notch—stiffening the suspension by 15 percent compared to Comfort and Bentley modes. Bentley says it also sharpens steering response and deepens the driver's connection, making the big SUV feel more dialed-in and dynamic than ever. Drifting probably isn't the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a Bentayga—but the Speed might change that. According to Bentley, toggle the ESC to Dynamic and engage Sport mode, and the big brute will let loose with 'exhilarating drift angles' and power-on oversteer. Torque vectoring sharpens turn-in and puts down more grunt on corner exits, dialing up the agility. We'll have to see this in action—for science, of course—when we get behind the wheel soon. Rounding out the mechanical upgrades, the Bentayga Speed now features four-wheel steering—a welcome addition that tightens up low-speed maneuvering and shrinks the turning circle, making this big SUV feel far nimbler in tight spaces. Spot the Differences Cosmetically, the 2026 Bentayga Speed keeps things subtle but classy. Sharp-eyed fans will notice the dark tint inside the headlights and smoked gray taillights, while the Speed chrome badges along the sides proudly announce you're in the lineup's top dog. What stands out is the contrasting pinstripes wrapping the lower body, which can be matched to the color of the carbon-ceramic brakes for a touch of extra flair. Inside, the updates are subtle. Speed emblems grace the backrests, and you can customize the interior trim to match the exterior pinstripes for a splash of coordinated style. Quilted leather wraps the cabin in luxury, with generous coverage on the seats and door panels. We'll have a chance to test the new 2026 Bentley Bentayga soon. Stay tuned for our review.
Car and Driver
4 hours ago
- Car and Driver
2026 BMW i4 Will Gain Longer Range from a More Efficient Inverter
BMW is updating the 2026 i4 lineup with myriad changes that affect range and output. New semiconductor components for the inverter improve efficiency and increase the i4's range estimate by about 5 percent. Starting in 2026, the range-topping i4 M50 will turn into the i4 M60 and get an additional 56 hp, bringing it up to 592 horsepower. Before the i3 shows up with its updated Neue Klasse design, BMW is updating the i4 electric sedan with improved range and output figures. The updated i4's inverter will utilize new silicon-carbide semiconductor components, which BMW claims will reduce energy consumption by roughly 5 percent. The saved energy comes out to about 14 miles of additional range from a full charge, though your literal mileage may vary based on trim and equipment. BMW As things currently stand, the rear-drive eDrive40 gets an estimated 301 miles of range from a full charge. The AWD xDrive40 gets an estimated 307 miles when equipped with 18-inch wheels, or 307 when wearing 19-inch shoes. The current range-topping M50 earns just 245 miles, according to EPA estimates. Along with improved efficiency, BMW is also boosting the i4's performance—at least at the top end of the range. The M50 model that served as the flagship trim for the previous four model years is gone. It's being replaced by a new M60 trim, which can unlock a maximum of 592 horsepower in Sport mode, bringing the total output up by 56 hp compared with the old M50. BMW A spokesperson for BMW confirmed to Car and Driver that while the brand is instituting the updates this summer in Europe, U.S. production won't start until the fourth quarter. As a result, the updates won't show up until the 2026 model year. Pricing and official range figures will come out closer to the on-sale date. Jack Fitzgerald Associate News Editor Jack Fitzgerald's love for cars stems from his as yet unshakable addiction to Formula 1. After a brief stint as a detailer for a local dealership group in college, he knew he needed a more permanent way to drive all the new cars he couldn't afford and decided to pursue a career in auto writing. By hounding his college professors at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, he was able to travel Wisconsin seeking out stories in the auto world before landing his dream job at Car and Driver. His new goal is to delay the inevitable demise of his 2010 Volkswagen Golf. Read full bio
