Ferrari SC40 Special-Projects: Tribute to the F40 on the 296 GTB

The Ferrari SC40 is a one-off product in the Special-Projects program, created for a special customer to pay tribute to the legendary F40. The car uses the technical platform of the 296 GTB but has a completely new body, combining design details reminiscent of the F40 with contemporary aerodynamic and safety standards.

The SC40's highlight is how Ferrari blends heritage and technology: sharp shapes, NACA air ducts, fixed wings and Lexan vents evoke the F40; while the 296 GTB's plug-in hybrid powertrain delivers high performance by today's standards.

Unique Ferrari SC40 pays tribute to F40 in Special-Projects program

F40 Heritage Meets DNA 296 GTB

The SC40 was developed by the Ferrari Design Centre under the supervision of Flavio Manzoni. Based on the 296 GTB (coupe), Ferrari created a new body: a pointed nose, air intakes wrapped around the front bumper, sharp geometric surfaces and subtle curves – a style seen on recent creations such as the 849 Testarossa and the F80.

Ferrari ditched the old-style pop-up lights for slim daytime running lights to comply with modern safety regulations, but kept the nostalgic look. The sides recreate the signature NACA tubes, highlighted in carbon fiber. The rear features a Lexan vent on the engine cover and a slimmed-down fixed wing, along with taillights borrowed from the 296 GTB.

Retro-inspired front-end design with slim light strips instead of pop-up lights

NACA air ducts and muscle car sides on the SC40 — The NACA air duct and muscular rear haunches are F40-reminiscent hallmarks

F40 memories in a modern shell

The SC40's exterior is a blend of iconic and technologically real. The exclusive Bianco SC40 paint and two-tone five-spoke wheels contrast with the yellow Ferrari logo. Aerodynamic details are optimized for high-speed performance without losing the classic look.

The fixed wing – an icon of the F40 – returns on the SC40, but with a clean, streamlined look that fits the new aerodynamic flow. The rear combines Lexan vents with modern taillight graphics, taking the car to the intersection of nostalgia and performance.

The streamlined fixed spoiler is a recognizable highlight — The streamlined fixed wing is the defining feature of the SC40.

Pure handcrafted cabin

Inside, the SC40 exudes a distinctly Italian sporting vibe, with carbon-kevlar covering the dashboard, instrument panel, gearshift paddles, and footrests – a first for a modern Ferrari, according to Ferrari. The seats are upholstered in red Jacquard and dark grey Alcantara, both reminiscent of classic racing cars and in keeping with today’s luxury standards.

The treatment of materials and tones emphasizes the uniqueness of the project, placing craftsmanship at the forefront. The tactile feel, seating position and visibility are geared towards a driver-focused experience in line with Ferrari's philosophy.

Cockpit in carbon‑kevlar and Jacquard fabric — The cockpit uses carbon‑kevlar fiber and red Jacquard fabric, emphasizing craftsmanship

819 horsepower PHEV power, different experience than F40

The SC40 uses the 296 GTB's plug-in hybrid powertrain, with a twin-turbo V6 engine combined with an electric motor, for a total output of 819 hp (611 kW/830 PS). Automatic dual-clutch transmission (DCT). Ferrari did not release any specific performance figures for the SC40, but technically, the throttle response and torque distribution are likely to be similar to the 296 GTB.

The controversial point is that the SC40 does not use a turbocharged V8 engine and a gated manual transmission – two elements that are closely associated with the F40 memory – which makes the mechanical interaction difficult to fully recreate. Instead, hybrid technology offers instant performance, cleaner operation and the versatility of modern supercars.

The 296 GTB's PHEV powertrain is applied — The 296 GTB's PHEV powertrain is adopted for the SC40, optimizing performance according to modern standards.

Safety and technology according to modern standards

The lighting system, with daytime running lights instead of pop-up lights, shows the priority of compliance with current safety standards. Ferrari did not announce details of the driving assistance technologies on the SC40; the project's focus was on design and exclusivity. Therefore, specific amenities or ADAS were not mentioned.

Collection value and positioning

The SC40 is the only car ever built; the price and owner have not been announced. Positioned as a Special-Projects commissioned car, it stands apart from the commercial lines. With its own bodywork, unique materials, and tribute to the F40, the SC40 is more about collectability and iconicity than maximizing straight-line performance.

Technical summary table

Item	Information
Architecture	Based on the Ferrari 296 GTB (coupe)
Transmission system	Plug-in hybrid, twin-turbo V6 + 1 electric motor
Gear	Dual-clutch automatic (DCT)
System capacity	819 hp (611 kW/830 PS)
Drive	Not published
Body shell	Custom design, fixed spoiler, NACA tube, Lexan vent
Rear lights	Borrowed from 296 GTB
Paint	Bianco SC40 Exclusive
Tray	Five spoke, two tone
Interior materials	Carbon‑kevlar fiber, red Jacquard fabric, dark gray Alcantara
Quantity	1 piece (unique)
Price/owner	Not published

Conclusion: Unique work, incomplete memory

The Ferrari SC40 showcases Maranello's coachbuilding prowess: a brand-new bodyshell that pays homage to the F40 in a modern, handcrafted language using rare carbon-kevlar. Performance-wise, the 296 GTB's 819-horsepower PHEV system is a surefire winner.

But the absence of a V8 engine and a gated manual transmission—the F40’s emotional symbols—makes the experience less than a spiritual replica of the original. For collectors, it’s still worth it: a unique Ferrari that tells the F40 story in the language of the electric age.