The 296 GTB-based SC40 is Maranello’s latest one-off and is inspired by the legendary F40, but does without a V8
Owning any Ferrari gives you plenty of bragging rights, but having Maranello build you a one-off elevates you to a different plane. An “exclusive” (the company’s words) client of the brand used their financial power to commission a modern supercar inspired by one of the greatest Prancing Horses ever made – the legendary F40.
The SC40 is part of the Special Projects Programme and will remain a one-off. It is based on the series production 296 GTB Berlinetta (aka Coupe) but features a bespoke exterior and custom interior details referencing one of the motoring world’s most famous icons. The Ferrari Styling Centre was responsible for the makeover, headed by Flavio Manzoni.
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At first glance, it is evident that the SC40 adopts a similarly design language with the new 849 Testarossa and the F80, blending boxy styling cues with sexy curves. The front end is characterized by the retro headlights which are connected with the bumper intakes hugging the sharp nose. The pop-up units have been replaced by slim DRLs, in line with modern safety regulations.
The profile has a modern reinterpretation of the F40’s NACA air ducts with carbon fiber garnish and a strong horizontal line on the base of the rear clamshell. The iconic fixed rear wing of the F40 couldn’t be missing, although here it is slightly smaller. Another reference to the original is the Lexan louvres on the engine cover sitting between the vented rear fenders.
The taillights are sourced from the 296 GTB, although the custom tail would probably look better with quad circular units like the good old days. Instead of a traditional red, the customer chose the custom Bianco SC40 shade for the exterior. This is nicely combined with the bi-tone five spoke alloy wheels and the yellow Ferrari emblems.
The interior looks familiar until you notice the special trim. The foot wells, center console, dashboard inserts, paddles, steering wheel, and rear part of the cabin are made of carbon-kevlar, which is a first for a modern-day Ferrari. The SC40-branded bucket seats are upholstered in red Jacquard technical fabric, combined with Charcoal Alcantara all around the cabin.
The Notable Omission
Unfortunately, the Prancing Horse doesn’t have a V8 engine and a gated manual gearbox like the F40. Instead, it retains the plug-in hybrid setup of the 296 GTB. This comprises a twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6 and a single electric motor, generating a combined 819 hp (611 kW / 830 PS). At least, Ferrari has added a heavy dose of carbon-kevlar under the rear clamshell, stealing the attention from the engine.
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The F40 was launched in 1987 and was the last car personally approved by Enzo Ferrari. This poster wall material of a vehicle served as a successor to the 288 GTO and gave way to the F50, Enzo, La Ferrari, and F80 flagships. In recent years, there have been rumors about a possible revival, although those were likely sparked by the SC40 one-off that was under development.
Ferrari didn’t reveal the cost of the unique supercar, but you can rest assured it was quite expensive. While the SC40 has probably been delivered to its owner and is already sitting in a climate-controlled garage, the styling buck used to shape its bodywork is being displayed at the Ferrari Museum in Maranello.
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Thanos Pappas, a product design engineer by trade, has been wading through automotive journalism for… Read full bio

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