Nigel Mansell’s Ferrari F40 detailed in California, a piece of history restored to its pristine glory
Published on Jul 12, 2025 at 11:27 PM (UTC+4)
by Callum Tokody
Last updated on Jul 08, 2025 at 6:47 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Emma Matthews
A Ferrari F40, owned by the F1 icon Nigel Mansell, has undergone comprehensive car detailing in California in an effort to preserve the automotive icon.
The detailing was completed by I AM Detailing, a specialist team that documented the entire process.
The tram removed body panels, unbolted the carbon seats, and cleaned even the smallest fasteners without replacing any factory components.
The plastic rear window was also treated with a preservation coating to protect it over time.
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Inside the Ferrari F40 detailing process
The Ferrari F40 was taken apart with precision, allowing access to parts of the car rarely seen by the public.
Each removed component was cleaned using methods designed to preserve originality, including laser cleaning of bolts and brackets.
Nothing was replaced unless absolutely necessary, and all original hardware was retained and reinstalled.
The bodywork, made from a mix of Kevlar and carbon fiber, was cleaned without compromising its factory finish.
This level of car detailing revealed the mechanical simplicity that defines the F40.
There is no carpeting on the floor, no interior door handles, and no unnecessary trim.
What remains is a stripped-out shell designed for performance, not comfort.
The clean welds and exposed framework are part of its identity, not flaws to be hidden.
This example carries added weight due to its reported connection to Nigel Mansell, a Formula One World Champion who raced for Ferrari.
That ownership history gives the car provenance, and the care shown during the detailing reflects that significance.
The process was about preservation rather than transformation.
Why the Ferrari F40’s raw condition still captivates collectors
The Ferrari F40 remains one of the most iconic performance cars of its era.
While many modern supercars are defined by digital interfaces and heavy comfort features, the F40 continues to stand out for its directness and restraint.
It’s a car that puts mechanical feedback above everything else.
The F40’s core identity was only enhanced by keeping every component as close to factory condition as possible.
From the engine bay to the clear plastic rear window, everything was cleaned, treated, and reassembled with the goal of historical accuracy.
Nigel Mansell’s Ferrari F40 now serves as an example of what careful car detailing can achieve when the goal is preservation.
It has not been modified or reinterpreted. It has simply been protected, inside and out, with the respect it deserves.
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Callum Tokody is a content writer at Supercar Blondie, where he covers the latest in the automotive world with a focus on design and performance. Callum has a background in automotive journalism and has contributed to a range of publications in Australia and the UK. Outside of work, he’s a design enthusiast with a soft spot for anything with a V8 and a good story.
