Jean-sage's f40: a racing legend reborn
A truly exceptional Ferrari F40 – one of just a handful built with a racing pedigree and subsequently transformed by Michelotto – is set to auction at RM Sotheby’s on July 8th. This particular example, a 1990 model originally belonging to the legendary French driver Jean Sage, represents a unique convergence of motorsport history and bespoke performance.
The sage legacy
Sage’s career began in the early 1970s, piloting a Ferrari 250 GT in the Rallye du Monte Carlo, quickly establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with. He later joined Gérard Larrousse and Paul Archambeaud to form the iconic Écurie Elf team, competing in Formula 3 and, crucially, contributing to the nascent Formula 1 program of Renault in the turbulent era of turbocharged engines and burgeoning talent like Alain Prost. Sage's path repeatedly intertwined with Ferrari, eventually leading him to Ferrari Francia under Charles Pozzi, where he oversaw the IMSA program in the United States.
But the most remarkable aspect of this F40 is its transformation. Recognizing the potential to elevate his machine, Sage commissioned Giuliano Michelotto to implement a radical, CSAI GT-inspired upgrade in 1994. This wasn’t simply a cosmetic modification; Michelotto rebuilt the engine, installing twin turbochargers and a lightweight exhaust system designed by Maurice Chabord, dramatically boosting power to an astonishing 527 bhp. The resulting car was a significant leap beyond its standard production counterpart – even outperforming the legendary F50, which debuted in 1995.
A weight-saving masterpiece
The enhancements extended far beyond the engine. Panelwork was significantly thinned, windows were replaced with sliding versions to reduce weight, the air conditioning system was entirely removed, and lightweight carbon fiber seats – sourced directly from the F40 LM – were fitted. A fire suppression system was integrated, shaving an additional 30 kilograms from the car’s weight. The dynamic changes were equally profound: 17-inch OZ Racing monoblock wheels, adjustable Koni aluminum dampers, a braking system derived from the F40 LM, a dual-pump brake system, a brake balance controller within the cabin, and dedicated cooling ducts for the front and rear brakes, all contributed to a dramatically enhanced driving experience. Even a front splitter, optimized for American racing circuits, was added to increase downforce.
Sage utilized the car with considerable frequency, including a memorable appearance in the 1994 Ferrari 348 Challenge final. He further tested its capabilities during the 1995 BPR Global Endurance GT qualifying sessions at Paul Ricard, facing off against four McLaren F1 GTRs. Despite operating primarily as a road-legal vehicle, the F40 achieved the fastest lap time in the GT4 category, finishing 21st overall – just six seconds behind a genuine F40 LM race car.
Preserved meticulously by Sage until 1996, the car then embarked on a new chapter in the UK, undergoing limited restoration while retaining the majority of Michelotto’s modifications. Today, this extraordinarily rare specimen – officially designated the “F40 Jean Sage Michelotto” – boasts a remarkably low mileage of 22,699 kilometers and comes complete with a wealth of historical documentation, including a maintenance book, a Massini report, British Vehicle and Excise Duty certificates, and invoices detailing the installation of new aluminum fuel tanks in 2025 for a substantial £37,000 (approximately $43,000).
RM Sotheby’s estimates a sale price between $3.1 million and $3.7 million, a testament to its singular provenance, extensive modifications, and the enduring legacy of Jean Sage. This is more than just a Ferrari F40; it’s a piece of racing history brought to life.