2007 Ferrari F430 F1 Coupé

Manufactured from 2004 until 2009, the Ferrari F430 was the successor to the very successful 360M and, according to its creators, was at least 70% new compared with the previous model, itself a ground-breaker. Its aluminium structure was more rigid than the 360's, it had a new engine, a new F1 gearbox, a new differential and a brand-new chassis and although the styling is obviously reminiscent of the 360M's, in reality, it's pretty much a ground-up design. Largely the work of Pininfarina, although overseen by Ferrari's design chief Frank Stephenson, the F430 still looks fresh today, more crisp-edged than the 360, with a strong hint of Enzo around the surface-erupting tail-lights.

Its all-new 4.3-litre V8 engine, with four valves per cylinder instead of the 360's five and chain camshaft drive instead of belts, with a consequential reduction in service costs, has a variable-valve-timing system lifted straight from the Enzo's V12, dry-sump lubrication, a very high compression ratio (11.3:1), variable airflow plenum chamber and an enormous electronic brain making the decisions in the form of not one, but two, Bosch Motronic ME7 ECUs. At 483bhp, it boasts 21% more power than the 360, exceeding even that of the mighty (and turbocharged) F40, whilst the torque spread is extraordinary for an engine keen to howl beyond 8,500rpm. All these factors contribute to a 0-62mph time of just 3.7 seconds and a maximum speed in excess of 196mph.

The advancements continued with the Manettino, the steering wheel-mounted selector for stability systems, damping, shift speed and throttle response. And there's the E-diff, whose calibrations this alters, a clever, clutch-controlled active differential that sorts out waywardness, not by inhibiting one rear wheel, but by pouring more torque into the other. Ferrari reckons it's worth three seconds per lap at the Fiorano test track, and it certainly helps make the F430 a far more forgiving machine than the 360 and a car of supremely subtle and keen responses.

The car presented here is a 2007 Ferrari F430 Coupé with the F1 gearbox and was purchased by our vendor through Dick Lovett Ferrari and the marque's 'Ferrari Approved' scheme in 2022 (coming with a 190-point check to obtain this status, and then with 18,154 miles), giving any new buyer huge reassurance. Presented in gleaming Blu Tour de France paintwork with a Crema leather interior, it has been discerningly specified with yellow callipers, climate control, Driver Information System, Scuderia wing shields, TDF Blue stitching and leather headlining. It has covered just 19,631 miles from new and enjoying a complete and up-to-date service history, this is highly desirable modern-era V8 Ferrari; arguably, a 'sweet-spot' era when Ferraris still retained some of the character of the previous analogue models, but with added usability/reliability, as opposed to today’s more tech-laden and turbo-charged models.

The car has been lovingly kept (our vendor had it completely clear-wrapped in July 2022, costing £5,724) and routinely maintained (last two services were done back at Dick Lovett Ferrari: 6th May 2022 at 18,162 miles it had its '18,750-mile service', which included coolant and auxiliary belts, and 4th May 2023 at 19,116 miles, which included brake fluid and air filter; it was also just MOT'd at Dick Lovett Ferrari until 16th January 2025 with no advisories). Our car-enthusiast vendor has absolutely treasured this car, driving it infrequently and also properly garaging it. As you'd expect, it is accompanied by its original manuals in a leather Ferrari wallet, two keys and the history file, plus a Ferrari battery conditioner, seat covers, and indoor & outdoor fitted covers. Cars of this quality and specification, with such conservative mileage, rarely come to market and this F430 F1 presents an excellent opportunity.

N.B. The Cherished Registration Number illustrated, A1 SRJ, does not form part of the sale and is being retained by the vendor.