Ferrari F40 Restoration Part 3 - Myth-Busting Carbon Fibre | Tyrrell's Classic Workshop

Prepare to be captivated by the next chapter in our Ferrari F40 restoration saga! Join us for Part 3 of the F40 restoration story as Iain is joined by automotive paint maestro, Ryan Ennion from Cheshire Prestige Paintworks. Together, they unravel the mysteries surrounding the Ferrari F40's Kevlar and carbon fibre body and paintwork.
In this episode, we're debunking myths and answering burning questions. How thin is the paint on the legendary F40? Can you truly glimpse the carbon fibre weave beneath that sleek layer of paint? Prepare to be surprised as Ryan lends his expertise to unveil the truth.
But that's not all! Get ready for a fascinating twist as Ryan makes a curious discovery involving another Italian car that's notably less exotic. The intricate details and surprises that come with restoration are all part of the journey, and we're thrilled to share every moment with you.
Join us as we celebrate the artistry of automotive paint, the intricacies of painting Kevlar and carbon fibre, and the relentless pursuit of perfection that defines the restoration of a Ferrari F40.
Whether you're an automotive aficionado, a Ferrari enthusiast, or simply captivated by the magic of restoration, this episode is a must-watch. Brace yourself for a captivating blend of expertise, discovery, and the undeniable allure of the iconic Ferrari F40.
Join us as we continue our extraordinary journey of restoration. Let's celebrate the legacy, beauty, and dedication that make the Ferrari F40 an automotive masterpiece.
#FerrariF40Restoration #FerrariF40 #AutomotiveArtistry #RestorationJourney
This video was brought to you by Aston Lark - www.astonlark.com/tyrrellswor...
An Aviant Digital Media production
Follow Iain on Instagram: / iain_tyrrell
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
00:53 Busting some F40 myths
16:03 How light is light?
18:20 Here's one Ferrari made earlier
19:12 Does your car have Ferrari parts?
19:50 Outro
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IMAGE CREDITS
All photos sourced from Wikimedia Commons unless otherwise stated.
Title: Pagani Utopia
Creator: Andrew Basterfield
Licence: CC BY-SA 2.0
Title: Koenigsegg Agera RS
Creator: Nan Palmero from San Antonio, TX, USA
Licence: CC BY 2.0
Title: McLaren GT
Creator: Calreyn88
Licence: CC BY-SA 4.0
Title: Audi Quattro Group B
Creator: Guillaume Vachey from Chalon sur Saone, France
Licence: CC0
Title: Fiat Punto
Creator: Vauxford
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[@SB-kw6oo]

The fact of having it laid out like a toy car, delightful

[@michaelfraser5723]

It's a sad and criminal truth that most of us can only ever have a toy model of one.

[@hughoxford8735]

I bought the Bburago version, took it apart, detailed it and put it back together. Was great fun.

[@Gurovski]

@@dtrain1634 Airfix F40 🙄

[@RemiPut]

@@hughoxford8735 a friend of mine had that one in the late 80's scale 1:18 if I remember well.

[@ianbrade7754]

I was thinking about the risk of it being trodden on... like a toy car!

[@swilkobarfingtoniii1642]

One of the things I've learned over the years is that by using a "two tone" system of paint primer before shooting the final colour can very much affect the final result. By spraying a darker primer on the lower panels and following a belt line or an obvious dropping off spot, and then spraying lighter primer on the upper panels, the effect is make the car appear to sit lower. The effect is more pronounced with "candy colours" where we would shoot a metal flake primer coat in gold or champagne tones with a silver above. Then spray the colour coats over that base. For solid colour paints with no metallic flake I personally prefer spraying over dark primer because I find the colours "glow" with more luster and depth.

[@hassyg4083]

nice story but solid paints if its a lighter paint colour you want a lighter primer

[@mythrusthelema]

Thanks again for scratching my automotive nerdiness. You and Jay are my favorite classic vehicle channels.

[@tumblelake63]

I 'd add Steve Magnante's channel too.

[@corrbhan5138]

@@tumblelake63 And Harry Metcalfe.

[@mrdainase]

When I first started watching I thought, "Blimey, Iain's bought a bloomin' big Tamya kit!"

[@FREEDOOOOM]

Loved the aerial view of a dismantled F-40. Beautiful!

[@anthonylathrop7251]

Iain your love for these cars really shows in all your videos but this one especially. It's a child-like enthusiasm in the best sense of the word. The "exploded diagram" arrangement is just the sort of thing we'd do as kids with our model cars. It's lovely to share in your delight.

[@Gurovski]

My grandfather fabricated spitfires during WW2, he said they stripped the paint off them later in the war, then applied a thin single coat. It saved a few kgs in weight, made them a little faster🧐

[@Surestick88]

G-IRTY is flying in polished aluminium. It looks gorgeous like that.

[@rafaelfiallo4123]

Great as always, people do often forget the relationship between the Dino, 308, 288 GTO, F40 and the 328. It's probably the platform that Ferrari got it most money's worth from...

[@bradleyflower]

These videos are always spectacular! Seeing the F40 laid out like that is amazing.

[@davidprocter3578]

It might have been new tec for Ferrari in the late eighties. But I was working with carbon fibre and epoxy resigns back in 1970 and they were not brand new then, Development went back well into the sixties trying to develop turbine blades for Concorde. these blades were tested by running up to speed and feeding frozen chickens through them. The car industry was a very late starter with carbon probably due to the snob factor over GRP bodies.

[@davecohn5546]

Not to mention boatbuilding where Kevlar, vacuum bagging, and highest quality resin formulations were introduced in the 1980s.

[@davidprocter3578]

@@davecohn5546 Dave we were building canoes from carbon back in 1970 in fact the person that introduced me to the material had built a canoe from carbon and drove a double decker bus over it to demonstrate it's strength, there is some super eight film kicking about somewhere.We were not vacuum bagging or building large scale the carbon and epoxy were just too expensive, I was first introduced to Kevlar in the form of woven tape in 1972 again extremely expensive and not massively useful for canoe production.

[@ricardocosta951]

I can’t get tired of watching your videos … once again I've been educated … it’s a pleasure to see the F40 but also the Lamborghini Espada or just the front fairing of Kevin Schwantz Suzuki RGV 500 cc…. Thank You 👌

[@patriottothecore6215]

Magic - looked just like a good Airfix model ready to be assembled. Your videos keep getting better and better. Thank you.

[@DeeWhy618]

I say it every time. Can you belive that we get this quality content for free? Thank you Ian and team!!!

[@jdsmort]

Interesting that you note about the turbos... here we had, (and I still have on an older diesel SUV) 'Turbo savers", timers that allowed you to turn off ignition, exit and lock the vehicle, and the diesel continued to idle for a priod you set on the saver... 1, 2, 3 or 4 minutes in my case. Also in the trucking industry, with the big turbos on the older trucks, they had a reservoir of oil pressurised from oil pressure( with an air gap in the top to maintain pressure) fitted connected to the turbo with a one way valve so that pressure was maintained after stopping.

[@antoniobravetti7483]

Interestingly on the side repeater /indicator light,the F40 was manufactured from 1987 to 1992,the Fiat Punto from 1993-,so if parts sharing did happen then its likely the Punto got the F40 light and not the other way round.

[@nigel_davey]

You are correct, but interestingly that light first appeared on the mark 2 punto in 1999!

[@ingvarhallstrom2306]

Most likely it came from an earlier Fiat model, as Ferrari has used off the shelf Fiat products for decades.

[@vibingwithvinyl]

@@ingvarhallstrom2306 I think it was used on the Fiat 124 in the 70's.

[@ingvarhallstrom2306]

@@vibingwithvinyl Fiat 127 from those years have also been mentioned in other threads. It's a fantastic bit of Trivia that Fiat (and Ferrari) used the same components for over thirty years.

[@georgecaspira3637]

That was amazing, 2 mega geeks just enjoying a chat and the knowledge is off the charts. We are spoiled Mr Tyrrell... thank you and the people you share with us.

[@gglasser8375]

I LOVE the staged components! Very cool!

[@AB-jo1pe]

It’s so terrific to get this level of insight, but with the car in front of you, not someone pontificating (as happens all too often with cars at this higher level). This channel is a joy.

[@FRITZI999]

LOVE your Videos every time again.... calm and quiet Presentation, no stupid Music, no stupid Camera shaking like all the others. Just Pictures talk and your Stories and Interview Partners. THANKS A LOT !!!

[@andrewrobertson4878]

Is this the only place in the world us mere mortals get to see stuff like this? Excellent work chaps👏

[@beardedtit7692]

Love the bottle opener, swinging in the background.

[@TomsGarage]

Love the info. I have a F40 that I got a year ago and work on some restoration stuff that I can. Find the car easy to work on with standard tools.

[@lindaoffenbach]

Most captivating again. All main elements showing on the floor almost as a building kit is spiffing amusing in an odd way. Odd in the sense that we are watching a value laying there of well over a million US$ or two... Spectacular. Thank you both for the insights Iian and Ryan. Lovely.

[@d23bw]

As informative, interesting and humourous as always. Your videos are one of lifes pleasures, thank you for making this. May the road rise with you.

[@user-wb6uj3ot9o]

I remember visiting Glevaragill’s Edinburgh showroom around 1996/7 and on sale was an F40 for £103k and a brand new 355 for £98k. Even then I was astonished anyone would pick the marginally cheaper car over the mighty F40! Such a dramatic car.

[@gregedmand9939]

I absolutely love the nerdy bits! The weight comparison between doors... The paint mysteries explained... The Fiat lights! Marvelous.

[@lory2622]

I like the way you have laid the whole car out like a Revell model kit.

[@PCarDriver87]

I would love some more education on the relationship between the 308 and F40!

[@XB10001]

They had several kids together. 🤔

[@Mpayne1472]

@@XB10001😂

[@MDC_1985]

Is anyone else comforted tremendously by these facts: A) there is a bottle opener hanging on a string in the background of the opening discussion And 2) it’s swinging as if it were just recently used. This is like a third Michelin star in the car restoration industry.

[@kev-the-windsurfer.]

My 348 being a euro model has those repeaters as well, the steering column stalks (headlights, indicators and so forth) is 100% Lanica among other things.......Always good to see a F40 in detail...

[@willjones7132]

You can see the texture of the weave for sure on them, I didn't realize that was a factor of time. Great details.

[@Tracertme]

I really really enjoyed this debunking the myths of the F40, with a degree of kindness to the current owner of such cars. Ever since I saw my first F40 I felt the paint finish was incredibly poor. Not uncommon for any Ferrari of the period really , great engines and looks and sound, but everything else is rather questionable, especially when you take into consideration the price. ❤ The sharing of parts within the Fiat group as it was then and until more current times was very common, Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, Maserati have always shared a lot of components.

[@markaldridge2531]

I remember building a friends sons F40 model years ago. You boys have a full-sized one, a few more bits, a lot more money but oh my God - it looks just the same but from higher up. Fantastic to learn even more about the F40. Thank you Iain and all.

[@HawkMillFarm]

Do you remember when car people looked forward to Top Gear on a Sunday evening, that was, this is very much now 👌

[@IanB22]

The gems just fall from the sky in droves in this one.... WOW

[@grahamswallow8375]

Ian, Ryan. Thank you so much for this video. Finally confirming my thoughts regarding the weave on the paintwork. I'm building a sport quattro replica and am attempting to recreate the weave following paint sink. The info here has confirmed why I thought the weave occurred and gives me some confidence that what I am doing should achieve the desired effect. Love the channel. !

[@AB-jo1pe]

Would love to follow the process of the Quattro. Is it being documented anywhere? Massive audi fanatic, and while I’ve had old and new, the old are what brings me the most joy

[@newkidd9129]

@@AB-jo1pe Have you come across the You Tube channel Sport Quattro @sportquattro86? It's a British guy in Australia creating a Sport Quattro in his garage from various donor cars - and a lot of cutting and welding. Very interesting and amusing!

[@forwardsdrawkcab]

Even in bits the F40 is absolutely, stunningly beautiful.

[@shanehnorman]

Utterly fantastic - haven't been as absorbed since viewing Brian Hatton's cutaway drawings in Autocar/ Motor and before that, the cutaways of every kind of vehicle in The Eagle.

[@sootmann]

Fantastic presentation, as always, and it was absolutely amazing to see the car laid out like that. Would love to see more from Ryan in future videos.

[@JasonMilner]

I love those overhead "exploded view" shots! Stunning stuff.

[@alfascylinders2771]

Inspiring, informative and beautiful episode! Thank you Tyrell team! One small correction If I may. The Ferrari repeaters are the same with Fiat Coupe and Alfa 155 wide body, but do not match the Punto ones! The Punto mk.2 has a similar in shape repeaters, but a bit larger and rougher.

[@DaveTony206]

Thanks to the entire team for taking the time to film these videos for us; it’s seriously appreciated. Must say, learning about the “finishing hallmarks” of the real 1:1 F40 makes me feel much better about what I always suspected was quality issues with my 1:64 Hot Wheels model…😅

[@TomHeavey]

Haven't watched this yet, but am excited to see what's in this one. Thanks Ian and crew.

[@nigeldewallens1115]

It's so fascinating to hear you talk about what a turbo can do! Just fantastic to listen to! Thank you to you both! 😉😊👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@trainmanbob]

Yet another fascinating video for Iain. One of the best "kit"cars I have ever seen!! Amazing how this looks when taken apart, and the discussion between you two chaps was very interesting. Thanks Iain. Cheers, Bob

[@malelemonade5979]

Amazing videos Tyrrell! I am learning so much from your channel! Keep them coming!

[@russellbryan2288]

Thanks for another very informative video. Love having new Tyrrell's Classic Workshop videos pop up when I log into the computer.

[@davidpaulfogarty2287]

Another masterclass restoration video. I learn so much from these episodes. All the little "nerdy" details of the design of the Ferrari F40, the reasons why the some of these details were made and the cheeky facts about the chassis design going back to the 1950s. Shhhhhhh! Doesn't take away from how wonderful the F40 is and how ground-breaking it was at the time. Thanks, again Iain and Ryan!

[@kittonsmitton]

Fantastic, love the nerdy bits, can't get them anywhere else! Thanks Iain

[@johnandrews3568]

Nerding out like this on classic super cars is just so, so very good. Thank you, Iain.

[@SONO4B11T]

I'd love to see how that rear polycarbonate window is bonded to the clamshell.

[@blarkdexture8899]

Pizza dough

[@christopherthornburgh1000]

Absolutely LOVE the channel. I have to say I am not sure anyone I know was under the impression that you could actually see through the paint at the carbon weave. The weave pattern itself was basically embossing the paint above it is what. i thought that was the common knowledge. Will you be at Pebble next week?

[@gsmith207]

i rember as a kid going a 1/25 scale model of a F40 and had all the parts spread out just like that! so awesome to see it for real! thanks IT and gang, once again such a great history/nerdy vid! love!

[@darrencurd4462]

All I saw and to quote James May...a “geography of parts”..beautifully presented!

[@ro63rto]

You can see the carbon fibe texture. An F40 with a Tubi Style exhaust came to The Ace Cafe a while back. You could clearly see the texture of the weave all over not just on one or two places. Its what makes it for me, looks wise.

[@garethpepin6167]

I was fortunate to have seen a new F40 back in the Day, a friend of my Boss at Mocheck Clapham, he turned up, and as he parked up, he popped all the panels to let us see the internals. You COULD see the weave, underneath the paint, 100% remember at the time, and working with exotic motorcycles, I had an eye for these details and memories !

[@lookoutforchris]

I don’t think they understand what people mean by “seeing the weave.” No one is seeing black unpainted carbon fiber, it’s simply the texture of the weave still being perceptible in the top coat of paint. You can see the texture quite clearly e en in this video. People think it’s because the paint is thin, it’s simply because there no gel coat and it would take abnormally thick and very many coats of paint to try to hide the weave. That’s the myth, not the visibility of the weave pattern in the final finish.

[@ro63rto]

@@garethpepin6167 Mocheck, now that brings back memories. I remember it well next to that huge mansion style house. Last time I went by, there was a sad looking second hand car seller in its place.

[@pfammatterstefan6325]

Delighted to see you're also highlighting structural aspects in your clips! I believe the brown core material is not aluminium though, but rather based on aramid paper such as Nomex material.

[@kissumisha]

One of your best videos so far, thanks!

[@MrPooties]

Cheers to Ryan and Cheshire Prestige Paintworks. I'd repeat myself but it's just amazing the amount of passion and professional work that you guys put into this. ❤

[@gerrywatson261]

Thank you for sharing this video Iain! I never realised that the F40 had the underpinnings from the 308. I have worked with carbon and Kevlar in superyachts and it really is an amazing material.

[@gophler11]

I just love the videos Tyrrel. I love the nerdiness. As im getting on in lifte I'm not as agile as I used to be. When I pick something of the floor I suport my selv gettin up with putting my hand on my knee. Good to see I'm not the only one. Love the canal.

[@bulversteher]

Ryan has got the most contagious, cheerful laugh!

[@user-ud8jm8zj9u]

The best most beautifully filmed/explained garage series on the internet.

[@Mr.Higginbotham]

CRAZY! The door so light!

[@johndavey72]

Good evening lain . Well there's no doubt that Ryan's knowledge in his field is equal to your's . That has to be a compliment ! And it all akes perfect sense .....when you have thst knowledge ! Thankyou both .

[@dallenone]

Thank you for your detailed videos & really appreciate the master level quality of your knowledge & restorations. Truly amazing!!

[@JimmyFoxhound]

The F40 is one of those classic cars that just never ages in my eyes. I'd give anything to be able to own one of those beautiful machines, it's almost a work of art in my eyes.

[@Bumbaclot213]

It really is a work of art - quite possibly the most best looking car ever, in my opinion

[@ianwatson3315]

This channel, Iain, his knowledge, and his team is quite simply..perfect!

[@michaelguerin56]

Excellent educational video. Thank you Iain and Ryan.

[@drdesmo8489]

Great video, this makes perfect sense with the paint. Very deceiving on selling another the car, saying it’s original paint, meanwhile it’s just been painted a year or two before. Such a killer car either way, power to weight masterclass

[@e-type_driver]

Great video reveiling so many details. This shows that you actually do not own a historic car, but you are a preserver for the future.

[@Mike-1000]

*Loved the opening shot, gave a real perspective of the components*

[@ajax700]

I think ingegnere Materazzi would be happy to see one of his greatest creations so loved by car lovers like us. The best to you, "esperto calcolatore". Best wishes.

[@RingsAndSwoundabouts]

Your videos are always a joy, Iain. Thank you!

[@richardt8347]

The more I learn about the F40, the more I love the car. I've zero interest in hybrid drivetrain, launch control or torque vectoring, for me modern Ferrari's seem dull in comparison - this is a true classic and never to be beaten. Loving this series, thank you for the latest instalment.

[@quackman]

Yeah, this and the F50 were the last "old-school" supercars w/o trac/stab control, ABS, etc. along with being purposely raw. Along with the McLaren F1 (though not raw)

[@wareidav]

Wonderful techie nerdiness !!! Love love love it all... More please Iain

[@ianjones7486]

What a wonderful education piece. I had bought into the carbon weave legend but this makes so much more sense

[@fedwchoung5466]

Just amazing!!!! Just 6 hours ago this amazing video is pop up!!!

[@alangb2086]

Fabulous car the F40, preferred it to the F50.Great breakdown again so thanks Iain. Oh and by the way, easy on the donuts mate, you're still a young man😬

[@shoestringfarm]

Learning, always. Thank you for the attention to detail.

[@S-T-E-V-E]

Amazing video, thankyou guys for sharing your expertise!

[@markhodge7]

The best restoration blog on the Internet!

[@howardlake6178]

It looked a bit like a Transformer from the 1980s! A lot of myths exposed, but at least it’s never been crashed. Great video 😀

[@isalmankhan1]

YES the most awaited resto project😍 Thanks Sir Ian for such great work😍

[@richspjones]

Fascinating video once again, thanks Iain and Ryan

[@jamesh2515]

Wonderful.. looking forward to more. Thanks

[@mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm420]

How on earth was the F40 using Fiat Punto side repeaters when the Punto wasn't launched until five years after the F40?

[@caseytailfly]

The good news is if you own a Punto you can say it has F40 parts in it!

[@ranjanaluwihare1511]

This is unbelievable! Oh my gosh! What a great insight! 🙏🏽❤️🌹

[@iainmcglynn833]

Laying out an F40 What a joy Another epic video from TCW

[@chriskennard5920]

Cool facts and cool car...and fun to see the bottle opener swinging away on its own string behind you guys for most of the video - cheers!

[@ettenw]

They must have had a couple of beers before shooting.

[@CVOO7]

Abs a brilliant episode with clear and magnetic chemistry between you and Ryan. What an understated but potent combination. Well done to you both.

[@brianbob7514]

I don’t think people thought you could see the black weave but more that you could still see the texture

[@Bumbaclot213]

The beauty of this machine still overwhelms me as it did as a kid when I first saw a photo of one back in 1990 - it just doesn’t age. I love this car

[@taxus750]

Wonderful content: thank you both (I never knew you could figure out the source of a "heat bump" in a composite body shell, the things you learn). Re: 11:07 and your point about early turbo-charged engines, us lorry (truck) drivers had to do the same thing - let it idle for a minute or three before you shut the engine down, especially after prolonged hard work.

[@Steve-uf8pk]

As an aircraft structures engineer specialising in metal composite and carbon repairs. The bubbling delam is more likely just the upper skin adhesive failure. It’s just a straight forward core replacement and hot bond (250f) composite repair. Interesting though as aircraft at the time of the F40 are very similar!

[@smal1393]

Another great video, thank you so much!

[@boydannon7834]

Excellent nerdiness! Muchly appreciated.

[@RJN82]

Thanks so much for the effort of putting this great video series together! Much more entertaining and informative than the latest dance craze.

[@yorkshirewanderer9957]

Wonderful. Thanks Ian.

[@pawineepusri9111]

Just brilliant guys! Thank you! ❤

[@snakebitten6967]

My favorite Ferrari of all time. Love the facts you both shared. The info on the Fiat light is hilarious. Would have never thought a Ferrari used parts bin items. Doesn’t dent the magical mystique of this Uber icon in the least. Can’t wait to see it back together. Subbed.