Design: heritage reimagined
The exterior of the SC40 recalls the essential character of the F40 without attempting a retro reconstruction. Its low front section, compact proportions and fixed rear wing reference the sharp, purposeful language of late-1980s Ferrari design. Air intakes in exposed carbon fibre, mesh inserts and the tinted Lexan® louvers over the engine bay reinforce the connection to the original car’s functional aesthetic.
Under the direction of Flavio Manzoni, the Ferrari Styling Centre developed a form that blends historical cues with contemporary surface treatment. The result is a body that maintains the F40’s assertive stance while presenting a cleaner, more aerodynamically coherent execution.
Technical layout and powertrain
Beneath the bespoke exterior, the SC40 retains the mid-rear-engine layout and chassis architecture of the 296 GTB.
Its powertrain combines a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 with an electric motor as part of a plug-in hybrid system, delivering a combined output of around 819 hp. The dual-clutch transmission, energy deployment strategy and cooling architecture have been adapted to accommodate the car’s unique bodywork and airflow requirements.
The SC40’s engineering development focused on managing thermal loads, refining the aero balance and ensuring that the hybrid system integrates naturally within a car intended for spirited driving.
Interior: material expression and bespoke craftsmanship
Inside, the SC40 interprets the spirit of the F40 through a modern materials palette. Carbon-Kevlar is used in structural and contact areas, echoing the lightweight engineering philosophy of the earlier model. The cabin combines natural leather, Charcoal Alcantara® and technical Jacquard fabrics in a configuration developed specifically for this project.
Control placement, surface treatment and tactile elements communicate the bespoke nature of the build. As with all One-Off Ferraris, the client was involved in each stage of the process, from conceptual definition to physical prototyping and final execution.
Special Projects: the one-of-one approach
Ferrari’s Special Projects programme is centred on creating unique cars that express the personality of their commissioning clients while preserving the engineering integrity of the base platform.
The SC40 exemplifies this approach: not a reinterpretation of the F40, but a contemporary project shaped by its influence. The full-scale styling model used during development will be displayed at the Ferrari Museum in Maranello, offering insight into the creative and technical journey behind the car.
Conclusion
The Ferrari SC40 stands as a synthesis of heritage and modernity. It captures the essence of the F40 through proportion, attitude and material expression, yet it does so with a contemporary hybrid powertrain, advanced aerodynamics and a design process rooted in bespoke craftsmanship. It represents the ongoing evolution of Ferrari’s identity—one where tradition is not preserved, but re-imagined.
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