Nigel Mansell Is Selling His Race-Winning 1989 Ferrari 640 Formula 1 Car

This is the Ferrari 640 F1 car that was driven by Nigel Mansell to wins in both the Brazilian and Hungarian Grands Prix in 1989. After the season this car went home with Mansell, and it’s been in his personal collection ever since.

Mansell has now decided to part with a number of cars from his collection, including this Ferrari, and they’re due to roll across the auction block in Monaco in mid-May.

Fast Facts – Nigel Mansell’s Ferrari 640 F1 Car

• The Ferrari 640 Formula 1 car was introduced for the 1989 season, it was the first Ferrari with a semi-automatic gearbox and despite reliability issues in testing, Mansell would go on to claim victory in the first race of the season.
• Mansell’s relationship with Ferrari was a fruitful one, he was the last F1 driver to be personally selected by Enzo Ferrari before his passing in 1988. The Italian Ferrari fans nicknamed Mansell “il leone” (“the lion”) due to his fearless driving style.
• The Ferrari 640 was the first of the naturally aspirated Ferraris after the end of the first F1 turbo era, it was powered by a 3.5 liter 65º V12 called the Ferrari Tipo 035/5. This engine produced up to 660 bhp at 13,000 rpm.
• During the 1989 season the Ferrari 640 would win three races, claim 9 podium places, set four fastest laps, and give Ferrari a 3rd pace finish in the championship.

Nigel Mansell

Nigel Mansell was a driver who came up through the ranks relying entirely on driving skill, not money or connections. He started out racing in karts, moved up to Formula Ford and from there moved into Formula Three.

The Ferrari 640 is powered by the Ferrari Tipo 035/5 engine, a 3.5 liter 65º V12 that produces up to 660 bhp at 13,000 rpm.

He twice broke his back driving in the lower Formulas before he got his first big break – Colin Chapman at Lotus asked him to attend a test day driving the Lotus 79.

Mansell was still suffering the effects of multiple broken vertebra, and so he attended the test loaded up on painkillers. Despite his lack of experience behind the wheel of an F1 car Mansell impressed Chapman, and landed himself a role as official team test driver.

So impressed was Chapman with Mansell’s talent as a test driver that he gave him a trio of race starts in the 1980 season.

After a difficult few years with Lotus he moved to Williams in 1985, in the competitive cars being built by Williams, Mansell managed to come second in the World Driver’s Championship twice, in 1986 and 1987.

In 1989 he moved to Ferrari where he shocked the world by winning his first race for the team driving the Ferrari 640. The car proved fast but unreliable – by the end of the season Mansell would either end up on the podium or he would retire from the race, there was no in-between.

The semi-automatic electro-hydraulic gearbox was the source of many problems for the 640. By the end of the 1989 season Mansell would either end a race on the podium or in retirement.

Later in his career Mansell would move back to Williams, winning the World Driver’s Championship with them in 1992.

He then took the unusual step of moving over to race in the American open-wheeled CART series, where he would become the first person to ever win the championship in their first year.

He was also the first and only person in history to hold both the F1 title and the CART title at the same time.

The 1989 Ferrari 640 F1 Car Shown Here

The car you see here is chassis #109 of the Ferrari 640 series from 1989. This is the car that was shown to the world in February of 1989, the first new Ferrari Formula 1 car to ever be shown without Enzo Ferrari in attendance, as he had died a few months earlier.

The Ferrari 640 would be the first Ferrari F1 car to use an electro-hydraulic semi-automatic transmission, though it offers fast gear changes it suffered from significant reliability problems.

This transmission had proven unreliable in testing, so much so that after the first race of the season Mansell joked that he had booked his flight home for halfway through the race – believing that the car would only last a few laps.

No one was more surprised than Mansell himself when he went on to win the race convincingly, instantly vindicating the faith that the late Enzo Ferrari had had in him.

The listing notes that should the new owner wish to drive the car they’ll need to get it fully recommissioned first. It hasn’t been driven since its last race back in 1989 and remains in original condition.

By the end of the 1989 season the Ferrari 640 would take a total of 3 wins, 9 podiums, and 4 fastest laps. The car would finish 3rd in the World Constructor’s Championship with 59 points.

The issues with unreliability would prove ever present throughout the season, Mansell had 7 retirements and his teammate Gerhard Berger had 12.

After the end of the season Ferrari gifted the car you see here to Mansell, it would be the second Ferrari in his collection as Enzo Ferrari had given him a brand new Ferrari F40 as a signing bonus when he joined the team.

Mansell is now parting with a small number of cars from his personal collection including chassis #109.

It’s due to roll across the auction block with RM Sotheby’s on the 14th of May in Monaco, if you’d like to read more about it or register to bid you can click here to visit the listing.

Images: Tom Gidden ©2022 Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s

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The New MOMO Prototipo 370MM Steering Wheel

This is the new 370mm version of the MOMO Prototipo steering wheel, it’s been developed to offer a larger diameter than the 350mm original to provide more leverage for those driving cars with no power steering, or those who prefer a wider wheel.

The MOMO Prototipo is one of the most popular aftermarket steering wheels in the world, and it has been for decades. The simple lightweight design makes use of an aluminum alloy structure with a curved wooden rim covered with hand-stitched leather.

The three central spokes of the wheel have circular holes drilled out in order to reduce weight, and a wide array of different colors and variations have been offered over the 50+ year lifespan of the model.

 

The MOMO Prototipo 370MM is available in either brushed alloy or black anodized finishes, with black leather upholstery around the rim.

MOMO was originally founded back in 1964 by Italian racing driver Gianpiero Moretti almost by accident. He was unhappy with the steering wheel he was racing with, so he approached an Italian craftsman with his own design for a steering wheel.

This Moretti-design wheel had a thicker rim and offered better grip, other drivers soon noticed it and asked him to make them one. One of these drivers was legendary Formula 1 driver John Surtees who fitted a Moretti steering wheel to his Ferrari F1 car in 1964, then went on to win the World Championship with it.

Moretti established a company to build his steering wheels in the Italian city of Monza, he called it “MOMO” as a portmanteau of “MOretti” and “MOnza.” Today, MOMO is inarguably the most famous steering wheel company in the world.

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There’s A Vintage Ford Econoline Sportsmobile 4×4 Camper For Sale

This is a 1971 Ford Econoline Sportsmobile 4×4 camper, it’s been significantly modified from its original factory specification and now has lifted suspension, four-wheel drive, a 306 cubic inch Ford V8 crate engine, and a pop-top camper conversion.

Four-wheel drive vans like this offer the best of both worlds for overlanders, weekend off-roaders, and vanlife adherents thanks to its ability to go almost anywhere while also being a fully equipped house on wheels.

Fast Facts – A Ford Econoline Sportsmobile 4×4 Camper

• The Ford Econoline was released in 1960 as a 1961 model, it was developed on the Ford Falcon platform and it was developed specifically to compete with the likes of the Chevrolet Corvair van and Volkswagen Transporter/Kombi Van.
• The second generation Econoline was released in 1968, it was a completely redesigned van that now shared its base with the Ford F-Series trucks. A V8 engine option was offered for the first time and it would be this generation that would set the standard for all the Econoline and E-Series vans going forwards.
• The Econoline you see here has been converted into a pop-top camper and given both a four-wheel drive conversion and a 306 cubic inch Ford V8 engine transplant.
• This van keeps its classic retro styling which is now combined with some genuine off-road ability – opening up far more potential camping locations than a standard 2×4 Econoline.

The Second Generation Ford Econoline

The second generation version of the Ford Econoline van series was a complete blank slate redesign, it was released in 1968 and sold until 1974, after which it was replaced with the third generation model.

Whereas the first generation Econoline was based on the Ford Falcon and sized to compete with the Volkswagen Transporter and Chevrolet Corvair van, the second generation version was based on the Ford F-Series truck chassis and was notably larger.

The pop-top camper conversion allows more headroom, it also contains a lofted double bed – ideal for sleeping in when the weather is warmer.

When the secon gen Econoline was released in 1968 it was available with a V8 engine for the first time, and its increased cargo capacity made it appealing to a wider audience, it even made it a pick-up truck replacement for many tradespeople.

Ford offered three engine options including the 240 cubic inch (3.9 liter) inline-six, the 300 cubic inch (4.9 liter) inline-six, and the 302 cubic inch (4.9 liter) Windsor V8. Customers could choose between the 3-speed manual for the 3-speed Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmission, sending power to the live axle rear end.

This extra size of the second gen Econoline also made it ideal for use as a camper, companies were founded to offer camper conversions specifically for the model, some of which had pop-top roofs in order to maximize headroom.

The Econoline Sportsmobile 4×4 Camper Shown Here

The van you see here is a 1971 Econoline that now benefits from a series of major upgrades to make it ideal for prolonged journeys both on and off-road.

The camper contains a soft that folds down into a double bed as well as a sink, refrigerator, and ample cabinets and counter space.

The 1970s-era camper conversion remains in largely original condition, the pop-top provides more headroom when the van is parked, it also contains a lofted double bed.

In the main camper section you’ll find a couch that converts into a double bed in the back, as well as a sink, fridge, and plenty of cabinetry.

The original engine has been replaced with a considerably more powerful 306 cubic inch Ford V8 crate engine mated to an AOD four-speed automatic transmission, and a Dana 20 twin-stick transfer case.

Power is sent either to the rear wheels or to all four wheels, the suspension has been lifted for better ground clearance when off-road, and it has Warn locking front hubs, four-wheel disc brakes, a front-mounted 12,000 lb winch, a rear-mounted spare tire and a Hi-Lift jack.

In order to keep electrical equipment working the van has been fitted with a solar panel and additional batteries, it also has an outdoor shower, and it’s now riding on 17″ steel wheels fitted with 255/75 BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain tires.

This unusual Econoline is now being auctioned live online on Bring A Trailer. At the time of writing there are still a few days left to bid and you can click here to view the listing.

Images courtesy of Bring A Trailer

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A Vintage Dutch Rijkspolitie (State Police) Porsche 911 SC Targa

This Porsche 911 SC Targa is a little more special than most, it’s a retired Dutch Rijkspolitie (State Police) highway patrol vehicle, and it remains in its original service specification.

The 911 SC Targa might seem like an unusual vehicle to choose for police duties. It was ultimately chosen because it was ideal for high-speed pursuits, it had room in the back to store police equipment, and when directing traffic the officer could stand on the seat, giving them a good view over the surrounding traffic.

Fast Facts – A Dutch Rijkspolitie Porsche 911 SC Targa

• The Dutch Rijkspolitie, or Highway Patrol, were tasked with constantly monitoring the nations highways and byways for the usual problems – drunk drivers, speeders, breakdowns, and accidents.
• The Porsche 911 SC was released in 1978, its 3.0 liter engine was a notable upgrade over the oftentimes troublesome 2.7 liter-powered 911 that had come before it.
• The Rijkspolitie ordered a number of 911 SC Targa models in white, with a passenger-side mirror, a rear wiper, and front and rear fog lights. One the cars arrived in the Netherlands they received the other parts necessary to turn them into police cars.
• The original Porsche 911 SC Targa Rijkspolitie shown here was given a comprehensive restoration between 2021 and 2022, and it’s now being offered for sale.

The Dutch Police And The Porsche 911

In the 1960s there were no speed limits on Dutch highways, and the police needed something that could keep up with the quickest sports cars while also offering some level of practicality.

The front of the car is equipped with police sirens and additional fog lights, some cars also had spotlights added.

They ultimately settled on the Porsche 356 Cabriolet, using them from 1962 until 1966 painted in white with the distinctive orange and black Rijkspolitie livery over the top.

When Porsche unveiled the notably faster 911 Targa model in 1967 the Dutch police switched their preferred model, and began ordering them – always in white and always with the Targa roof.

The Targa roof was chosen for a very simple reason, it allowed the police officers to stand on their seats (with the roof removed of course) to get an elevated view over the surrounding traffic, and to direct that traffic of needs be.

The cars arrived from Porsche with white paint, and a small number of optional extras including a passenger-side mirror, a rear wiper, and front and rear fog lights.

The interior is largely factory stock, with the exception of the police radio, the switches for the police light and sirens, and the lockers installed on the back seats for storage.

The police department then had them modified, a pillar was added to the Targa bar with a flashing blue light, high visibility orange livery was added on the front, sides, and rear, a rear mounted loud speaker was installed as well as sirens and additional lights, and storage lockers were added on top of the rear seats.

In total, the Dutch police would buy 507 Porsches, including the 356, 911 Targa, 914, 924, and 964. Today the surviving cars are sought after by collectors, and well-known within the Porsche community.

The 1980 Porsche 911 SC Targa Rijkspolitie Shown Here

The car you see here is an original 1980 Rijkspolitie Porsche 911 SC, it benefits from a comprehensive restoration between 2021 and 2022.

The design of the back seat lockers changed over time, they included all the of the equipment that highway patrol officers might have needed and they were permanently installed – they couldn’t be removed and so the back seats weren’t used for transporting suspects.

The car is powered by the classic 911 SC 3.0 liter air-cooled flat-six, which is paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox sending power to the rear wheels.

It’s fitted with all of its original police equipment, not to mention that eye-catching Rijkspolitie livery. The car rides on original 15 inch “hackmesser” or “cookie cutter” alloy wheels wearing Vredestein Sprint Classic tires.

The car is accompanied by its original Dutch title, plus a Porsche “Geburtsurkunde” (birth certificate) confirming its factory equipment and delivery to the Rijkspolitie. It’s now being offered for sale on Collecting Cars and at the time of writing there are a few days left to bid.

If you’d like to read more or register to bid you can click here to visit the listing.

Images courtesy of Collecting Cars

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