Ferrari SC40: A New One-Off Berlinetta Inspired by the Legendary F40

Ferrari unveiled its latest One-Off creation from the Special Projects programme: the Ferrari SC40, a bespoke, mid-rear-engined berlinetta derived from the 296 GTB. Designed under the direction of Flavio Manzoni at Ferrari’s Styling Centre, the SC40 represented the pinnacle of personalisation, built exclusively for a single client.

Design and Inspiration

The SC40 paid homage to the Ferrari F40, the iconic supercar launched in 1987. While the SC40 echoed the F40’s sharp, angular geometry, it introduced smoother transitions and modern surfacing to create a distinct identity. The “SC40” inscription, engraved in relief on the side of the wing, served as a deliberate tribute rather than a direct reinterpretation of its predecessor.

The car’s form was shaped by an industrial design philosophy, defined through precise geometries and muscular, squared volumes. A long, low front end balanced a short rear overhang and a high, fixed rear wing finished in SC40 White, a bespoke colour developed specifically for the project. This wing extended vertically from the engine cover, visually integrated by a black separator that highlighted the rear’s open mesh structure and revealed the car’s mechanical elements.

Distinctive smoked Lexan® louvres showcased the V6 engine and connected visually to the lower air intakes. Additional louvres on the rear wings reinforced the design’s muscularity. The central exhaust, produced using additive manufacturing, featured titanium and carbon-fibre tips, while taillights subtly referenced the 296 GTB.

Exterior Details

The side profile was dominated by large intercooler intakes—modern interpretations of classic NACA ducts—accentuated by triangular carbon-fibre plates. Vertical lines defined the crisp edges of the bodywork, from the front wings to the engine cover, lending rhythm and structure to the design.

At the front, the headlights were positioned at the extreme edges, integrated within black housings that extended downward into the wide lower air intake. The intake spanned the full width of the bumper, framed by rectangular elements surrounding the brake cooling inlets and flanked by slender daytime running lights.

The SC40 White exterior colour highlighted the car’s sculptural volumes under natural light, subtly recalling the tone of the carbon-Kevlar used inside. The SC40 logo appeared only on the right-hand side, while the fuel and charging caps were machined from brushed aluminium. The Ferrari script on the rear engine cover was laser-etched in negative, exposing the carbon fibre beneath. The bespoke wheels combined brushed metal and black spokes, reinforcing the geometric character of the design.

Interior and Materials

The interior design drew direct inspiration from the F40 through extensive use of Kevlar. The material was reinterpreted as carbon-Kevlar, used across the footwells, behind the seats, and within the floor mats. It also featured on the steering wheel, dashboard inserts, engine bay, and luggage compartment.

The cabin combined Charcoal Alcantara® and red Jacquard technical fabric upholstery, with embroidered Prancing Horse emblems on the headrests and woven SC40 logos. This created an atmosphere that blended heritage cues with contemporary craftsmanship.

Technical Foundation

The Ferrari SC40 was based on the 296 GTB platform and thus inherited its 120° twin-turbo V6 hybrid powertrain, delivering a total output of 830 cv (610 kW) and 740 Nm of torque. The car retained the 8-speed F1 DCT transmission and sophisticated eSSC control systems, including eTC, eDiff, SCM, FDE2.0, EPS, and ABS Evo.

The chassis measured 4700 mm in length, 1975 mm in width, and 1198 mm in height, with a 2600 mm wheelbase. The weight distribution stood at 41.5% front / 58.5% rear, and the dry weight-to-power ratio was 1.87 kg/cv. Performance matched Ferrari’s highest standards, with a top speed exceeding 330 km/h and 0–100 km/h acceleration in 2.9 seconds.

The Special Projects Programme

Ferrari’s Special Projects division was dedicated to creating unique “One-Off” cars for select clients. Each commission originated from a client’s concept and evolved in close collaboration with Ferrari’s designers. After proportion studies and styling bucks were completed, full-scale manufacturing followed. The entire process typically spanned two years, during which the client participated in every design and validation phase.

Every resulting car bore the Prancing Horse emblem and adhered to Ferrari’s uncompromising standards of engineering and craftsmanship.

Exhibition

A styling buck of the Ferrari SC40 was scheduled for public display at the Ferrari Museum in Maranello from 18 October 2025, offering enthusiasts a rare glimpse of this singular creation — a modern tribute to one of Ferrari’s greatest legends.