What’s old is new again in Maranello. After dusting off the Testarossa name for the SF90 Stradale’s replacement, Ferrari continues to celebrate its illustrious past. The SC40 isn’t a direct successor to the legendary F40, but it does borrow several design cues from the last car personally approved by Enzo Ferrari. It begins life as a 296 GTB, though you wouldn’t immediately know it since the body has been completely reimagined.
While the original F40 was penned by Pininfarina, the SC40 is an in-house creation from Ferrari’s Styling Centre, led by Flavio Manzoni. Side note: the Prancing Horse hasn’t sold a Pininfarina-designed model since 2017, when the 812 Superfast replaced the F12berlinetta. The visual link to Il Commendatore’s final project may not be obvious at first glance, but the subtle nods are there.
For instance, the “SC40” debossed on the side of the rear wing pays homage to the 1980s icon. Elsewhere, the side intakes echo the unmistakable NACA ducts of the F40. Some of the 296 GTB’s flowing curves have been swapped for sharper, more angular lines, recalling the design language of Leonardo Fioravanti’s team.
That said, Ferrari didn’t set out to recreate the F40. The SC40 is described as “a model with its own distinct personality.” Had it been a true homage, it would have featured pop-up headlights, a gated manual gearbox, and a twin-turbo V-8. Instead, it remains a 296 GTB underneath, hence the oversized “Charge” script on the aluminum fuel door behind the driver.
Beyond the bespoke bodywork, the white paint and wheels are exclusive to this car. Although it’s down two cylinders, the V-6 sits beneath smoked Lexan louvres that further strengthen the visual connection to the F40. The stark “stormtrooper” look won’t appeal to everyone, but the extent of the transformation over a standard 296 GTB is impressive.
Inside, the changes are minimal but meaningful. The extensive use of Kevlar channels the spirit of the F40, covering much of the interior, from the steering wheel and dashboard to the floor mats, footwells, and seats.
Ferrari hasn’t disclosed the price, but it’s safe to assume the SC40 cost well above the standard 296 GTB’s $346,950 base figure. Models created through Ferrari’s Special Projects program typically take around two years to complete, with the owner actively involved in both the design and validation stages.
32
Source: Ferrari
Only one SC40 will ever exist, but visitors to the Ferrari Museum in Maranello can already admire a full-size styling buck.
And perhaps this won’t be the last tribute. We might eventually see another if Lewis Hamilton has his way. The seven-time F1 champion has expressed interest in collaborating with Ferrari on a so-called “F44,” complete with a manual gearbox and styling inspired by the legendary F40.
