Tag Archives: Ferrari

Auctions

1992 Simpson-Ferrari V12 GTR is up for auction

The British motor race team, Simpson Motorsport, in the late 1990s/early 2000s, in cooperation with Ferrari, modified the legendary F40 model and equipped it with a V12 engine, which makes it unique. This car, a 1992 Simpson-Ferrari V12 GTR, was built for former driver Stefano Sebastiani and will be offered at auction.

The car has a very interesting story, and here are just some of the details told by Stefano Sebastiani that were mentioned in Keith Bluemel’s book ‘Ferrari F40: a comprehensive look at one of Ferrari’s greatest and most revered cars’. “Simpson Motorsport ran for Stefano Sebastiani his Ferrari 348 LM (chassis 95450) in endurance races between 1993 and 1995, including two Le Mans 24 Hours entries in 1993 and 1994. Through its racing with the 348 LM, Simpson and Sebastiani formed a strong relationship with Mr. Felisa of the Ferrari Factory and it wouldn’t be unreasonable to say that probably led to the production of the Michelotto-built 348 Competizione and 348 GTC/LM models during 1994.”

After the crash test, Stefan and his driving friend Robin Simpson Smith were given the opportunity to convert the original F40 chassis into the Simpson-Ferrari V12 GTR. It was an expensive project, but it paid off in the end, and the result was a unique Ferrari F40. The car participated in several races and after one of them, World Champion Mauro Baldi, who drove the car at the 6 Hours of Vallelunga with Richard Jones and Fabio Montani said, ‘What a nice and quick car to drive. Much better than the turbo original car!’

This Simpson-Ferrari V12 GTR is powered by a naturally aspirated F133 V12 engine mated to a Hewland 6-speed sequential manual transmission. Although engine output is not specified, it is believed that the engine delivers more than the factory 485 hp (362 kW) and 420 lb-ft (569 Nm) of torque.

It is equipped with lightweight F40 GTE-style bodywork, a full FIA roll-cage, 11in-width x 18in-diameter front wheels, 12.5in-width x 18in-diameter rear wheels, and custom-made suspension. Until 2023, the car was dry stored and well looked after, and that year it was subsequently being fully checked and gone through by Simpson Motorsport and shaken down at Turweston Airfield.

The estimated value of the car is £500,000 – £600,000, and along with this unique car, the buyer will also receive a history file containing drawings and specification details relating to its original build, a number of relevant invoices, and its UK V5C confirming that it’s road-registered as and ‘Simpson Ferrari GTR’ with the UK registration number J848 JUY. The car is road legal and has a chassis number – SEoGL1576AD45659.

The auction will take place on 23rd August 2024 at The Wing, Silverstone Circuit, NN12 8TN.

Source: Iconic Auctioneers

Gallery:

1992 Simpson-Ferrari V12 GTR is up for auction
News

Ferrari expanded crypto payment to Europe

In October 2023, Ferrari announced that buyers in America will be able to pay for their cars in cryptocurrency. The reason was that the manufacturer reaches people who are not necessarily buyers of our brand, but who can afford a Ferrari. Now the service has been extended to Europe.

When the first cryptocurrency (Bitcoin) was created in 2009, few believed that it would survive. Today, there are hundreds of different cryptocurrencies on the market, and many still think they have no future. Many manufacturers still do not believe them, but Ferrari tried its luck in America and succeeded.

In the US, Ferrari has reached an agreement with a bitcoin payment service provider (BitPay) to process payments in cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ether and USDC. This system protects traders from price fluctuations by instantly converting digital currencies into traditional currency. Also, the advantage is that there are no fees or additional payments for clients.

It was not mentioned when this system will become possible in Europe, and according to statements from Maranello, most dealers have already adopted or are in the process of adopting the new system. Of course, Ferrari will not limit this payment option only to Europe and America, because soon customers in other markets will also be able to use it.

Source: Ferrari

Tuning

Ferrari 296 GTS with better aerodynamics and more power

After last year’s coupe 296 GTB, another Ferrari model underwent the treatment of the German tuner Novitec. Like all the previous ones, this Ferrari 296 GTS got carbon components and more power.

Novitec equipped the 296 GTS with carbon components such as the front lip spoiler, side skirts, side mirror housings, side intake details, diffuser and ducktail spoiler. The car has a hydraulic system that raises the front axle up to 40 mm, and a set of sports springs is installed that lowers the car by 35 mm. There are also 21″ front and 22″ rear Novitec NF 10 alloy wheels with five delicate twin spokes by Vossen, available in 72 colors with a brushed or polished finish, wrapped in 255/30 ZR front and 335/25 ZR rear tires.

Buyers can order exhaust systems with actively controlled butterfly valves integrated into the exhaust system, 100-cell sports catalytic converters that increase engine power by 38 hp (28 kW). Exhaust pipes are available with carbon coating or gold plating, and depending on the configuration, a stainless steel and Inconel exhaust system is also available and offers better thermal insulation.

Novitec also offers interior modifications, which include new leather and Alcantara upholstery in the color of your choice. Novitec offers cockpit refinement using the finest leather and Alcantara in an almost endless variety of colors, for all Ferrari models to express maximum individuality.

When it comes to the powertrain, the 296 GTS is still powered by a 3.0-L V6 twin-turbo engine combined with an MGU-K electric motor for a total output of 868 hp (638 kW). As a reminder, the standard 296 GTS has 819 hp (610 kW).

Source: Novitec

Gallery:

Ferrari 296 GTS with better aerodynamic and more power