Ferrari has once again proven its mastery in the art of bespoke automotive design with the unveiling of the SC40, a one-off creation built through the company’s renowned Special Projects Programme. Based on the 296 GTB Berlinetta, the SC40 boasts a fully custom-made exterior and a reimagined interior that set it apart from any production model. The project was designed under the guidance of Flavio Manzoni and his team at the Ferrari Styling Centre, blending modern craftsmanship with nostalgic cues from one of Ferrari’s most iconic supercars — the legendary F40.
At first glance, the SC40 exudes the same futuristic-meets-retro aesthetic found in recent Ferrari specials like the 849 Testarossa and F80 concepts. Its bodywork features a mix of sharp geometric lines and smooth, flowing curves that bring both aggression and elegance to the car’s profile. The front end is dominated by retro-inspired headlights connected to deep bumper intakes that wrap around a sharply pointed nose. Unlike the F40’s famous pop-up headlights, the SC40 uses slim daytime running lights, which comply with modern safety standards while retaining the car’s classic spirit.
Moving along the sides, the SC40 pays tribute to the F40’s famous NACA ducts, but with a new twist—carbon-fiber detailing and a bold horizontal contour running along the base of the rear clamshell. The F40’s signature fixed rear wing makes a comeback in a slightly smaller but equally striking form. At the back, the SC40 incorporates 296 GTB-inspired taillights, though purists might have preferred traditional round lamps for a more nostalgic finish. The bespoke Bianco SC40 paintwork, chosen by the car’s owner, contrasts beautifully with two-tone five-spoke alloys and bright yellow Ferrari crests, creating a look that’s both modern and distinctly Ferrari.
Inside, the SC40 blends familiarity with innovation. The cabin retains the 296 GTB’s layout but introduces a unique mix of materials, including carbon-kevlar throughout the footwells, dashboard inserts, center console, paddles, and rear compartment—a first for any modern Ferrari. The SC40-branded bucket seats are trimmed in red Jacquard technical fabric and Charcoal Alcantara, adding a race-ready yet luxurious ambiance.
Underneath, the SC40 shares its powertrain with the 296 GTB, featuring a plug-in hybrid system that combines a twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6 with an electric motor to deliver 819 horsepower. Though it lacks the raw V8 and manual transmission of the original F40, Ferrari compensates with cutting-edge engineering and meticulous attention to material craftsmanship.
The Ferrari F40, launched in 1987 as the last model personally approved by Enzo Ferrari, remains a cultural icon. The SC40 serves as both a tribute and a modern reinterpretation of that legend. While Ferrari hasn’t revealed its price, it’s clear this masterpiece belongs in the realm of ultra-exclusive commissions. The SC40 now resides in its owner’s private collection, while the full-scale styling buck used for its development proudly sits on display at the Ferrari Museum in Maranello—a fitting homage to Ferrari’s timeless legacy of innovation and passion.