A Ferrari F40 as a Daily Driver: 30 Years of Unconventional Ownership

Spotting a Ferrari F40 in a supermarket parking lot is already a rare occurrence, but seeing one equipped with a roof-mounted bike rack and an old mountain bike transforms the scene into something surreal. This unusual sight was recently shared on Reddit, prompting many viewers to initially suspect it was a replica due to its improbable appearance. However, this F40 is indeed genuine, and its story is as remarkable as its unconventional cargo.

A Well-Known F40 Among Enthusiasts

Further investigation quickly revealed the identity of this Ferrari. It is owned by Amir Rosenbaum, an American who has had this 1992 model in his possession since 1995. In a recent interview with the YouTube channel Gas and Go, he recounted how he discovered the car through an ad in AutoWeek, only to learn that the seller was facing a particularly challenging situation. After six months of negotiations, he successfully acquired the vehicle, which he has cherished for nearly three decades.

Unlike many F40s that are preserved as collector's items, this one has been put to good use. Its owner has extensively modified it for hill climb competitions, incorporating racing brakes, specialized suspension, larger wheels, and engine enhancements. Notably, he even took it to Bonneville, where it reached speeds exceeding 220 mph (354 km/h). As he humorously notes, he also occasionally uses it for grocery runs.

The F40 That Outpaced RUF

One of the most significant moments in this Ferrari's history occurred in 2002. That year, Amir Rosenbaum participated in the Virginia City Hillclimb in Nevada. This challenging 5.2-mile (8.4 km) course, which features around twenty turns, was closed for the event.

For years, the competition had been dominated by a stunning RUF CTR2 with all-wheel drive, boasting around 520 horsepower and a best time of approximately 3 minutes and 12 seconds. However, behind the wheel of his Ferrari F40, Rosenbaum clocked in at an impressive 3 minutes and 10 seconds, setting a new record for the event. Following him, Mike Horzewski finished in a Dodge Viper GTS with a time of 3 minutes and 15 seconds.

What is most remarkable about this achievement is its longevity. It wasn't until 2019 that a Porsche 911 GT2 RS slightly improved the record to 3 minutes and 9.4 seconds, ending nearly two decades of F40 dominance. This record was further lowered in 2021 by another GT2 RS, which set the current benchmark at 3 minutes and 6 seconds.

Ultimately, this Ferrari F40 is more than just a supercar that turns heads while carrying a bike on its roof. Behind this viral image lies a car that has genuinely etched its name into the annals of American motorsport history. A F40 that has been unashamedly utilized, capable of defeating RUFs and exceeding 350 km/h at Bonneville, all before heading off to do errands with a mountain bike on top.