Lewis Hamilton Buys His Dream Ferrari F40 - And Why Specialist Finance Matters in the Collector Car Market

David Manklow
3 days ago
3 min read

Lewis Hamilton has added one of the world's most desirable classic supercars to his garage, acquiring the Ferrari F40 he has described as his childhood dream car. For Approved Motor Finance, it's a story particularly close to home.

Seven-time Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton has revealed that he is the new owner of a Ferrari F40, fulfilling an ambition that stretches back to his childhood.

The acquisition is particularly notable because Hamilton confirmed in 2025 that he had sold his entire car collection, explaining that his interests had increasingly moved towards art.

There was, however, one exception... Hamilton said at the time that if he were to buy another car, it would be an F40, describing the legendary Ferrari as a piece of art in its own right.

Now, that ambition has become reality.

From 30 Years in Storage to Maranello

Hamilton revealed that he discovered the F40 after it had reportedly been sitting covered in dust in a garage for more than three decades.

The car was subsequently taken to Ferrari's home in Maranello, where engineers and mechanics spent several weeks bringing it back to life. Hamilton has since described acquiring the car as a dream come true.

For enthusiasts, it's another reminder of the extraordinary status the F40 has achieved since its introduction in 1987.

But it's also a timely example of something we're seeing increasingly within the specialist motor finance market: the line between collectible cars and significant alternative assets becoming increasingly blurred.

A Ferrari We Know Well at Approved Motor Finance

Hamilton's announcement immediately caught the attention of the Approved Motor Finance team because the Ferrari F40 is a vehicle we have previously helped clients finance and refinance.

One such transaction was completed in 2023, when our specialist team arranged the refinancing of a Ferrari F40 valued at £1.483 million.

A 24-month Hire Purchase facility was structured for the client, refinancing the £1.483 million vehicle through one of our specialist funding partners.

For vehicles of this calibre, arranging finance is rarely as straightforward as submitting a conventional car-finance application.

The value of the asset, its provenance, age, condition and the client's wider financial position can all influence the structure available. Access to lenders experienced in high-value, classic and collectible vehicles therefore becomes particularly important.

The F40 Market Today

The Ferrari F40 remains one of the most sought-after collector cars in the world, with current market data placing the median value at around £2 million.

Exceptional examples can achieve considerably more, including a 1990 F40 that sold in the UK for £3.605 million in July 2026.

Of course, values vary significantly depending on condition, mileage, history, provenance and originality, but the wider market highlights just how substantial these vehicles have become as collectible assets.

Why Finance a High-Value Collectible Car?

Even buyers with the capital to purchase a seven-figure car outright may prefer to retain liquidity elsewhere.

Specialist vehicle finance can allow collectors to spread the cost of an acquisition while keeping capital available for businesses, investments or other opportunities.

For cars valued at £1 million, £2 million or more, securing the right structure and a competitive rate can make a significant difference over the lifetime of an agreement.

Purchasing, Refinancing and Releasing Equity

Finance is not only useful when acquiring a vehicle.

Collectors with significant capital tied up in existing cars can also explore refinancing or equity release, potentially unlocking funds without having to sell the vehicle.

At Approved Motor Finance, our access to a wide panel of specialist lenders allows us to explore competitive funding options beyond those available through a dealership, whether a client is purchasing, refinancing or releasing equity from a collection.

Specialist Finance for Collector Cars

Hamilton has described the F40 as a “work of art”, and with just 1,315 examples produced, its place among the world's most significant collector cars is firmly established.

While historic increases in value should never be taken as a guarantee of future performance, vehicles of this calibre increasingly require a specialist approach to funding.

Approved Motor Finance has experience arranging finance and refinancing for prestige, classic and collectible vehicles, including previous Ferrari F40 transactions.

Looking to purchase, refinance or release equity from a high-value vehicle? Speak to the Approved Motor Finance team to explore the options available.

Finance is subject to status, lender criteria, terms and conditions. Vehicle valuations can rise or fall and past market performance should not be considered a guarantee of future value.