1989 Ferrari

‘Scuderia ’89 – The Pursuit for Paddle’ is a five-car collection that charts the development of the ground-breaking paddle-shift transmission

Ferrari 639 F1 factory prototype and 640 F1 driven by Gerhard Berger in the ’89 World Championship signalled a technological leap forward for Ferrari in F1

F40, F50 and F355 are among the most celebrated of Ferrari road cars

A unique collection of ultra rare and historically significant Ferrari F1 race and road cars has been placed on sale, offering collectors the chance to own five vehicles that together mark a significant milestone in the technological evolution of the fabled Italian carmaker.

Presented by Furlonger, one of the UK’s leading specialists of Ferraris, Lamborghinis and Bugattis, in collaboration with their European partner Egon Zweimüller, the ‘Scuderia ’89 – The Pursuit for Paddle’ collection charts the development of the semi-automatic, or ‘paddle-shift’ transmission, from racing prototype and F1 pioneer to some of the most iconic supercars to ever leave Maranello.

The collection comprises the 1988 Ferrari 639 F1, a factory prototype used for testing the first semi-automatic paddle-shift transmission, and the 1989 Ferrari 640 F1, the first F1 car to feature the new gearbox and driven by Gerhard Berger during the 1989 season. A pristine 1989 Ferrari F40 is an iconic model that is widely regarded as the archetypal supercar never bettered for visceral thrills; and the flagship model of the Ferrari range in 1989, while a 1996 Ferrari F50 features the 4.7-litre V12 engine that could trace its roots to the very unit from the 639 and 640 F1 cars. The final car in the collection, a 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider, is a treasured example of the first ever road car to feature a paddle-shift transmission, and a standard-bearer for F1-derived technology making the transition to high-performance road cars.

Simon Furlonger, our Founder and Managing Director, 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.”

1988 Ferrari 639 F1 (Chassis #106)

The only Tipo 639 in private hands and the second of two factory prototypes, Chassis #106 was developed to test Ferrari’s all-new Tipo 035 3.5-litre V12 engine. More significantly, the 639 was the first F1 car to feature the iconic ‘paddle shifters’ that are now commonplace among modern race and road cars. This vehicle was retained by the Ferrari factory from 1988 until April 1999, at which point it entered private ownership. The car has since benefitted from diligent care, with extensive works carried out by Ferrari Classiche, and remains fully driveable, with recent outings at Goodwood and Silverstone.

1989 Ferrari 640 F1 (Chassis #110)

Driven by Gerhard Berger during the 1989 season in the Canadian, German, British, Mexican and American Grand Prix, this was the first Formula 1 car to use a paddle-shift transmission in the World Championship. Following its retirement from racing, Chassis #110 was initially employed as a static display vehicle before being returned for complete restoration, during which time it was awarded Ferrari Classiche certification, and has recently been reunited with Berger for display laps at the 2025 Goodwood Members Meeting.

1989 Ferrari F40

This example of Ferrari’s seminal 1980’s supercar is the most successful racing F40 in the UK, being one of 30 examples in period. Now back to its original factory specification and finished in Rosso Corsa, this F40 has covered just 24,000 kilometers from new. It presents as both a superb road example or an opportunity to restore it back to its in-period race specification, making it eligible for events such as Historic Le Mans or 6 hours of Spa.

1996 Ferrari F50

One of just 25 UK-supplied cars, this Ferrari F50 is highly original, finished in Rosso Corsa with just 14,000 miles on the clock. The car features its ‘original weave’ and comes complete with an extensive list of accessories including both roofs, travel case and tool kit.

1998 Ferrari F355 Spider

One of 139 UK supplied examples, this Rosso Corsa-finished F355 Spider has covered only 5,500 miles from new. It comes with a complete set of books and tools and benefits from exceptional provenance.

Furlonger are thrilled to work with their good friend Egon Zweimüller as their official European partner for acquisitions, restoration and research. Their esteemed operation has over 50 years of experience restoring, maintaining and handling the sale of exquisite vehicles, with core values that are intrinsically aligned with Furlonger’s own. They are thrilled to work with Egon Zweimüller on several ongoing and exciting projects, which include the Scuderia ’89 & Camel Collections.

The vehicles in the ‘Scuderia ’89’ Collection are only available to purchase as a group, and are estimated to be worth in excess of £20million. Interested parties are recommended to contact Furlonger or Zweimüller for viewings and further information via our website.