Ferrari Honors the Legendary F40 With a Striking One-Off

It's based on the 296 GTB but with an entirely different body.

Ferrari SC40

Photo by: Ferrari

Adrian Padeanu

By: Adrian Padeanu

Oct 20, 2025 at 2:42am ET

Add Motor1.com as a preferred source in Google

Comment

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.

Photos by: Ferrari

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.

Ferrari SC40

Source: Ferrari

What do you think?

View

Comments

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.

See Other Unique Ferrari Models:

Ferrari SP-8 Is A Roofless One-Off Supercar With F40-Inspired Wheels

Ferrari KC23 One-Off Revealed As Track Car With Moving Body Panels

Stay informed with our newsletter every weekday

back

Subscribe For more info, read our Privacy Policy & Terms of Use.

We want your opinion!

What would you like to see on Motor1.com?

Take our 3 minute survey.

- The Motor1.com Team

Share this Story

GO TO COMMENTS

(

)

Got a tip for us? Email: tips@motor1.com

View all comments ( )

Popular

12 Crossovers That Are Surprisingly Good At Off-Roading

Lucid's Sub-$50,000 SUV Comes Into Focus In New Teaser

They Spent Eight Years Building A Lancia Stratos. Now They Can Finally Drive It

Lamborghini Temerario Gets Even Louder With Official Titanium Akrapovič Exhaust

Holy Crap: The Ford Mustang Cobra Is Coming Back