Ex-Jenson Button 2004 Ferrari Enzo

When Jenson Button made his Formula One debut at the 2000 Australian Grand Prix, many people believed his talent would allow him to secure multiple World Titles. Unfortunately, the illustrious Mr. Button demonstrated the uncanny knack of being in the wrong place at the wrong time, driving for fledgling teams yet to hit their stride or some that failed to deliver on their potential promise. That changed in 2009 when he teamed with Ross Brawn to secure his solitary title. However, he proved himself a winner when he handed over his cash for this 2004 Ferrari Enzo. This was one of the most potent production cars available then, and they are still held in high regard over two decades after this one left the Maranello factory. It is ready for a new home, with the seller listing this Italian thoroughbred here at European Prestige in Orpington, Greater London, England. The price of admission to a classic of this caliber was never going to be cheap, but if you happen to have a spare £3,950,000 lying around, this fabulous Ferrari could be yours. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Mitchell G. for spotting this amazing vehicle.

Ferrari has always enjoyed a reputation for pushing the boundaries. The F40 was its attempt to crush the opposition by producing a road car that could top 200mph. The Enzo, released in 2002, was a limited-run vehicle that owed much to Formula One technology. Penned by Ken Okuyama, the design head at Pininfarina, its styling divides opinion. It is a model of aerodynamic efficiency that combines a slippery shape and the ability to generate downforce. Our feature car rolled out of the factory in 2004 and is one of the last of the 399 production examples built. A 400th car emerged later that year, which was donated to The Vatican and then sold to raise funds for charity work. It is unclear whether this survivor’s first owner was Jenson Button, and for how long it remained in his possession. It presents beautifully in iconic Rosso Corsa paint that shines as impressively as you would rightly expect from any classic with only 1,141 miles on the clock. There are no flaws visible in the paint or the carbon fiber panels, and with the car’s tub constructed from the same material, rust isn’t even a remote consideration. The glass is flawless, as are the beautiful lightweight 19″ wheels.

The beating heart of the Enzo is its mid-mounted 6.0-liter V12 engine. This motor is a model of sophistication, with Bosch Motronic fuel injection, four valves per cylinder, variable valve timing, and four camshafts. Each Enzo motor is handbuilt following a sophisticated casting process, making its ability to generate 651hp and 485 ft/lbs of torque unsurprising. The transaxle demonstrates the company’s decision to adopt as much F1 technology as possible. It is a six-speed that utilizes wheel-mounted paddles for the driver to perform shifting duties. The suspension is driver-adjustable four-wheel independent while stopping power is provided by enormous 15″ carbon fiber-reinforced silicon carbide (C/SiC) ceramic composite discs. The curb weight of 3,086 lbs is higher than most people might expect from a car that makes high use of composite technology. However, it can still cover the ¼-mile in 11 seconds. That figure is impressive, but it is the top speed that sets the Enzo apart from mere mortals. Given a long enough stretch of straight road, the V12 runs out of breath at 218mph. It might not be the fastest car on the planet today, but those figures still command respect. The Enzo has only covered 1,141 miles during its life, although breaking in the engine was never an issue since Ferrari performed that task on a dyno before bolting the V12 into place. The seller doesn’t provide a service or usage history, although it would be fair to expect any classic within this price range to be a turnkey proposition.

The Enzo’s interior continues the purposeful theme, with extensive use of “raw” carbon fiber and upholstery confined to the leather on the wheel and the body-hugging racing seats. Occupants are held in place during hard cornering by four-point Ferrari harnesses, with many of the basic controls mounted on the wheel. The company placed the most important dial, the tachometer, directly in front of the driver, while there are also graduated shift lights in the carbon section at the wheel top. It may be purposeful, but most potential buyers will welcome the dual airbags and climate-control air conditioning. As with the rest of the car, this interior looks perfect. There is no wear and no other shortcomings. The new owner won’t merely slip behind the wheel of one of the most desirable cars in automotive history but will receive a range of extras. These include the original Tool Kit, a Direct Line Service Directory, a Ferrari Suit Carrier, a Ferrari torch, a genuine Ferrari car cover, and verifying documentation.

The 2004 Ferrari Enzo pushed the boundaries of automotive design and engineering, demonstrating what was possible if designers and manufacturers showed enough determination. Although over two decades have passed since production ended and faster cars have been produced, the Enzo continues to command respect. This one is an exceptional example, but it needs to be at the price. Whether its ownership history adds to its value is debatable, but it is a factor that many will at least find interesting. I doubt it will find a new home quickly, but it will eventually. But will the seller achieve their asking price?