Skip advert
Advertisement

Watch - Jacques Laffite, an empty circuit, and a Ferrari F40 LM

Watch French ex-F1 driver Jacques Laffite pilot an F40 LM - and then pick up issue 217 of evo to read our verdict

Listen to the phenomenal sound of the Ferrari F40 LM, and you might decide that this old and grainy footage from 1992 showcases what is quite possibly the best sounding engine ever made.

The on-board footage shows ex-Formula One driver Jacques Laffite as he pilots the most brutal, track-focused version of the Ferrari F40 around the Circuit du Mas do Clos in France. Despite not wearing a helmet, or even overalls, Laffite appears to be going flat-out making full use of the LM’s 720bhp.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The F40’s story began in 1987. Ferrari wanted to build the first production car capable of breaking 200mph to mark its 40th anniversary - and the car succeeded, reaching 201.4mph. Thanks to its light weight and aerodynamic body it beat Porsche’s attempt with the 959, which fell 3mph short.

The Ferrari F40 LM is a full-on, fire-spitting racer that was built to compete at Le Mans. Thanks to successful lobbying by a number of individuals who recognised the F40’s track capability, Ferrari commissioned 19 examples to be produced by trusted race-car developer, Michelotto. Following those, a further 27 were built by private race teams.

It is powered by a tuned version of the 2.9-Litre twin-turbocharged V8, as used in production F40s. The standard car managed 0-60mph in 4.1 seconds with 478bhp. There’s no official figure, but it is estimated that the LM can reach 60 in 3.1 seconds. It can also trump the production car's top speed, reaching a staggering 228mph.

The rare footage comes from French television show ‘Turbo Emission’. The car featured is believed to be chassis number 79891. In the video it’s clear to see how stiff the chassis of this 1050kg machine really is, and gives just a taste of a vehicle known for its nature of being difficult to drive fast.

With six GP wins and 32 podium finishes to his name, Laffite is one of the privileged few to get a lap in an F40 LM and experience first-hand the incredible wail from that V8 as it approaches maximum rpms.

However, evo’s very own Richard Meaden has also had the chance to drive an F40 LM on track. You can read about his experience in this month’s issue.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Skoda Superb Fast Fleet test – 16,000 miles in the GTI-powered estate
evo Fast Fleet Skoda Superb
Long term tests

Skoda Superb Fast Fleet test – 16,000 miles in the GTI-powered estate

After 11 months and over 16,000 miles, did the Superb estate prove to be the best Skoda long-termer we’ve run so far?
10 Oct 2024
Best fast family cars – the best fun everyday drivers
Best fast family cars
Best cars

Best fast family cars – the best fun everyday drivers

A family car doesn’t need to be dull – some of our favourite performance models deliver the thrills of a purpose-built sports car
10 Oct 2024
Alpine A110 R Ultime revealed – France’s answer to the Cayman GT4 RS
Alpine A110 Ultimae front
News

Alpine A110 R Ultime revealed – France’s answer to the Cayman GT4 RS

More power, more aero, more money; the limited edition A110 R Ultime makes its debut at the Paris Auto Salon.
14 Oct 2024