Rare Ferrari Paddle-Shift Icons for Sale in the UK
A unique set of ultra-rare and historically significant Ferrari F1 race and road cars is now for sale. Collectors can buy five vehicles that together mark a major milestone in the technological evolution of the legendary Italian marque.
Furlonger, a leading UK specialist in Ferraris, Lamborghinis and Bugattis, presents the cars in collaboration with its European partner Egon Zweimüller. The ‘Scuderia ’89 – The Pursuit for Paddle’ collection tracks the development of the semi-automatic, or ‘paddle-shift’ transmission. It follows the story from early racing prototypes and Formula 1 breakthroughs to some of the most iconic supercars ever to leave Maranello.
The collection includes the 1988 Ferrari 639 F1, a factory prototype that tested the first semi-automatic paddle-shift gearbox, and the 1989 Ferrari 640 F1, the first Formula 1 car to race with the new transmission and driven by Gerhard Berger during the 1989 season. A pristine 1989 Ferrari F40 remains an icon, widely regarded as the definitive supercar for raw, visceral thrills. A 1996 Ferrari F50 features a 4.7-litre V12 engine that traces its roots to the unit developed for the 639 and 640 F1 cars. The final car, a 1998 Ferrari F355 Spider, is a prized example of the first road car to use a paddle-shift transmission, demonstrating how Ferrari F1 technology extended to high-performance road cars.
Simon Furlonger, Founder and Managing Director at Furlonger Specialist Cars, said: “We’ve assembled some of the most iconic and significant race and road cars in Ferrari’s history. These models define the dawn of a new era, when Ferrari harnessed its Formula 1 know-how for its road cars like never before. And of course, the 639 and 640 laid the foundations for the dominant Schumacher years that would follow in the early 2000s.”
The 1988 Ferrari 639 F1 (Chassis #106) is the only Tipo 639 in private hands and the second of two factory prototypes. Ferrari developed Chassis #106 to test its new Tipo 035 3.5-litre V12 engine. The car also became the first F1 machine to feature the now-famous ‘paddle shifters’ that modern race and road cars use as standard. The Ferrari factory retained this vehicle from 1988 until April 1999, when it transferred to private ownership. Since then, specialists have maintained it with meticulous care, including extensive work by Ferrari Classiche. The car remains fully drivable, and it has recently appeared at Goodwood and Silverstone.
The 1989 Ferrari 640 F1 (Chassis #110) ran in the Canadian, German, British, Mexican and American Grands Prix with Gerhard Berger during the 1989 season. It became the first Formula 1 car to use a paddle-shift transmission in the World Championship. After it left the competition, Chassis #110 first served as a static display car before a complete restoration returned it to top condition. During that process, it received Ferrari Classiche certification. More recently, Chassis #110 reunited with Berger for display laps at the 2024 Goodwood Members Meeting. It also won the coveted Chairman’s Trophy at the 2025 Pebble Beach Concours.
The 1989 Ferrari F40 is Ferrari’s defining 1980s supercar and is one of 30 period examples in the UK, making it the most successful racing F40 in the UK. The car now wears its original factory specification and is finished in Rosso Corsa. It has covered just 24,000 kilometres from new. It offers a superb road car as it stands, or allows the owner to return it to its period race specification. That route would make it eligible for events such as Historic Le Mans or the 6 Hours of Spa.
The 1996 Ferrari F50 is one of only 25 UK-supplied examples. It remains highly original and finished in Rosso Corsa, with just 14,000 miles on the clock. The car retains its ‘original weave’ and includes an extensive set of accessories, including both roofs, a travel case and a tool kit.
The 1998 Ferrari F355 Spider is one of 139 UK-supplied cars. This Rosso Corsa example has covered only 5,500 miles from new. It comes with a complete set of books and tools and offers exceptional provenance.
Buyers can only purchase the vehicles in the ‘Scuderia ’89’ Collection as a group. The collection is valued at more than £20 million.
