Lewis Hamilton has transformed a 1991 Ferrari F40 with just 69 kilometers on its odometer into a running supercar, documenting the restoration process in a video released on his official social media channels and covered by HDmotori.
The 69-Kilometer Discovery in a Private Garage
When Lewis Hamilton joined Scuderia Ferrari ahead of the 2025 Formula 1 season, his initial official media appearances alongside the team involved Maranello’s pioneering hypercar. That first encounter inspired the seven-time world champion to search for a low-mileage specimen of the iconic model. After an extensive hunt, Hamilton located a 1991 unit whose original owner had driven it for a mere 69 kilometers before parking it under a dust cover in a private garage, where it remained untouched for over three decades.
According to Motor1, the car presented a distinct dilemma common among high-end collectors who keep limited-run vehicles sealed away to preserve market value. Leaving the Ferrari untouched would have maintained an unblemished time capsule from 1991, but it meant sacrificing the primary purpose for which the F40 was engineered: driving.
The Maranello Restoration and Engine Revival
Hamilton ultimately chose to entrust the vehicle to the specialist technicians at Maranello for a complete overhaul. During the technical checks, technicians discovered a striking coincidence: the V8 biturbo engine bore the serial number 44, matching the permanent racing number Hamilton uses in Formula 1.
After more than thirty years of silence, the 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V8 roared back to life. Hamilton described the restored vehicle as brand new, singling out the exhaust assembly and declaring it one of the most beautiful automobiles ever built.
Public Debut at the Italian Grand Prix
The restored hypercar made its public appearance during the Italian Grand Prix weekend at Monza. Hamilton arrived at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza driving his newly revitalized Ferrari, wearing a camel coat, a three-piece suit, and carrying a Louis Vuitton briefcase that drew immediate attention from circuit photographers. He later posed with the vehicle for a dedicated photoshoot near the legendary Curva Parabolica, celebrating a machine famously favored by company founder Enzo Ferrari.
How many kilometers did Lewis Hamilton's Ferrari F40 have?
How many kilometers did Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari F40 have before the restoration?
The 1991 Ferrari F40 acquired by Hamilton had only 69 kilometers on its odometer, having been driven briefly by its original owner before remaining stored under a cover for over thirty years.
Where was the restoration work performed?
The complete mechanical and cosmetic restoration was carried out by specialist technicians at Ferrari’s headquarters and workshops in Maranello, Italy.
What significant detail was discovered on the car’s engine?
During technical inspections, mechanics and Hamilton discovered that the engine’s serial number was 44, which matches the personal racing number Lewis Hamilton uses in Formula 1 competition.
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