NOVITEC has built a full carbon aero and wheel program for the Ferrari 12Cilindri Spider, the open-top version of Ferrari’s V12 front-engine flagship. As Maranello’s longtime refinement specialist, NOVITEC’s approach here follows its usual pattern: parts designed to change the car’s presence and its aerodynamics at the same time, rather than one at the expense of the other.

The Carbon Aero Package NOVITEC Built for the Ferrari 12Cilindri Spider

Up front, a NOVITEC lip spoiler and new surrounds for the side air intakes give the Ferrari 12Cilindri Spider a sharper face while also improving handling stability at high speed — the kind of pairing that separates functional aero from a styling exercise. The central air intake, the two vertical bars, and the panel between the headlights are all reworked in exposed carbon with a high-gloss sealer, and the treatment continues under the hood with carbon engine bay panels and air filter boxes.

Around back, a three-piece carbon rear lip spoiler pairs with a matching diffuser to add downforce at speed, while carbon rocker panels and mirror covers carry the same language down the car’s sides. It’s a comprehensive enough package that the Spider ends up looking like a distinct car rather than a 12Cilindri coupe with the roof removed.

NOVITEC’s New NF12 Wheel Debuts on the Ferrari 12Cilindri Spider

The centerpiece of the visual upgrade is the NF12, a new wheel design developed with American manufacturer Vossen and shown publicly for the first time on this car — continuing a partnership NOVITEC has leaned on before, including on the Lamborghini Revuelto. The NF12 uses a centerlock-style hub cover and five Y-shaped spokes that taper into the rim, with cutouts and forging and CNC work aimed at cutting weight without cutting stiffness. It’s available in multiple colors and buffed, brushed, or polished finishes, matching the other three wheel designs NOVITEC already offers for the Ferrari 12Cilindri.

The demo car runs a staggered setup — 10Jx21 wheels with 275/35 ZR21 tires up front, 12Jx22 wheels with 325/30 ZR22 tires at the rear — the kind of front-to-rear spread that visually reinforces the wedge shape Ferrari built into the 12Cilindri’s design language.

Suspension and Sound: NOVITEC’s Mechanical Upgrades for the 12Cilindri Spider

NOVITEC sport springs drop the Spider’s ride height by roughly 30 millimeters, lowering the center of gravity for sharper handling alongside the visual effect. The exhaust system is tuned specifically to the 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V12, with active butterfly valves that switch the car between a subdued note and a fully sporty one on demand.

Buyers can spec the system in stainless steel or in ultralight INCONEL — the same alloy used in Formula 1 exhaust systems — and NOVITEC offers that INCONEL version with an optional 999 fine gold plating, chosen for its heat dissipation properties rather than pure decoration, though it doesn’t hurt that a gold-plated exhaust is about as far as automotive flex goes. Sport catalysts and tailpipes finished in matte black or the same gold plating round out the mechanical package, available now through NOVITEC.

There is a short list of automotive weekends in the United States that are worth planning a calendar around. The Philadelphia Concours d’Elegance 2026 belongs on it. The June 6–7 edition at the Union League Liberty Hill carries the theme Amore per l’Italia — a frame that is doing real curatorial work rather than decorative labeling. Italian automotive culture represents one of the few traditions in which engineering ambition and design sensibility operated at equal intensity, and the field assembled here makes that argument in hardware rather than on paper.

Philadelphia Concours d’Elegance 2026: The Judged Field

The three classes anchor the judged exhibition around specific moments in the Italian tradition. Ferrari Competition Cars bring machines with direct lineage to the circuits that made the marque — endurance racing, Formula history, the road cars that carry that DNA into private hands. The Lamborghini Miura class is, by any honest reckoning, one of the most compelling single-model concentrations available in North American concours competition. The mid-engine supercar formula that defines the current performance car market runs through that car. Modern Hypercars close the field with the Italian manufacturers’ current answers to the same question the Miura asked in 1966: how much is possible?

The judging standard is marque-expert driven, evaluated against criteria of originality, mechanical condition, and historical correctness — not presentation-day preparation. A Miura that wins here wins on what it is, not how it was detailed the night before. That distinction separates a proper concours from a show-and-shine, and it is the reason the cars that appear at Phillip’s Hill tend to be worth examining closely rather than merely photographing from a distance.

Philadelphia Concours d’Elegance 2026: Saturday and Sunday Programming

Saturday opens with the Tour d’Elegance — a curated driving route through the city before the ceremonial arrival at Liberty Hill. The Sunset Motor Social follows: vehicles in the golden hour, conversation that tends to run long. The Gourmet Gala and Live Auction is the evening’s main event, one of the more serious social occasions on the Philadelphia calendar regardless of automotive context. Multi-course dinner, full open bar, live entertainment, and an auction that moves across luxury experiences, fine watches, and automotive art alongside the expected collector pieces.

Sunday is the Concours d’Elegance Exhibition itself — the judged field across the Liberty Hill grounds, open to all ticket holders. The Liberty Motor Court runs alongside as an open display of exceptional vehicles outside the competition classes, with enthusiast entry open to those who want to show rather than spectate.

Philadelphia Concours d’Elegance 2026: Cool Cars for Kids

The weekend runs on behalf of Cool Cars for Kids, a Philadelphia-based 501(c)(3) directing proceeds to research and care for children with rare genetic conditions at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Cohen Children’s Medical Center. The connection between a $300 million automotive field and pediatric rare disease research is not an obvious one, but the Philadelphia Concours d’Elegance has made it a genuine and sustained institutional commitment rather than a cause-marketing exercise.

The clinicians and researchers funded through the event are working on diagnosis, community, and treatment pathways for families who often have nowhere else to turn. A weekend that puts cars this significant on the field while routing its proceeds to that work is doing something most high-end automotive events do not — and it is one of the reasons the Philadelphia Concours d’Elegance 2026 belongs on a serious enthusiast’s calendar.

The Philadelphia Concours d’Elegance 2026 runs June 6–7 at the Union League Liberty Hill, Philadelphia. Gourmet Gala tickets and vehicle nominations are limited. Full details at philadelphiaconcours.com. Learn more at clubforman.com. Link to the full article is in the comments.

Images: Main Line Cars and Coffee

Ferrari took the wraps off a new One-Off this week at the Circuit of the Americas, and the Ferrari HC25 is one of those launches that’s worth slowing down for. It’s a roadster, derived from the F8 Spider, designed by Flavio Manzoni’s team in Maranello. But the more interesting story is what the car is positioned to do — close one chapter of Ferrari’s design and engineering history, and open another.

The F8 Spider was the last open-top Ferrari to carry the non-hybrid turbo V8 in a mid-rear position. The HC25 inherits that powertrain, chassis, and layout, then drapes it in a body that speaks the same visual vocabulary Ferrari has been developing on the F80 and 12Cilindri. Manzoni called the car an “ideal bridge” between those two eras — and the design genuinely does both jobs at once.

The Ferrari HC25 as a Design Bridge Between Two Eras

The F8 Spider mattered as a platform because of what it represented: the last mid-rear turbo V8 spider Ferrari would build before the entire flagship category went hybrid. That architecture defined a generation of open-top Ferraris — 458 Spider, 488 Spider, F8 Spider — and the HC25 deliberately echoes the muscular flank geometry that ran through all of them. The wheel arches are wide, the volumes are sensual rather than angular, and there’s a clear lineage to the silhouette.

What the Ferrari HC25 does differently is overlay the new design grammar Ferrari has been writing with the F80 and 12Cilindri. Sharp crests cut into the body, lines are carved with geometric discipline, and the proportions are compressed to minimise the visual weight of the glazing. The result reads as F8-era from the wheels out and F80-era from the surface treatment in — exactly the cross-fade Manzoni was reaching for.

Most Ferrari One-Offs are about indulging a single client’s taste. The Ferrari HC25 reads differently. It’s a deliberate hinge moment, executed for a single owner but stating a position about where Ferrari design is heading and what it’s choosing to leave behind in the process.

Inside the Ferrari HC25 Bodywork, Lighting, and Cabin

The defining graphic move on the Ferrari HC25 is the dual-volume body structure, separated by a wraparound central black ribbon. It functions as both visual divider and thermal-management system — air intakes for the radiators and heat extraction for the powertrain are integrated into the band, so cooling becomes part of the design rather than hidden beneath it. Matte Moonlight Grey body against glossy black band is the car’s loudest contrast.

The door handle isn’t a handle in any traditional sense. It’s a long blade, milled from a single piece of aluminium, stretching across the door like a bridge between the two sides of the body. From a distance it reads as architectural detail; up close it’s the functional opening mechanism. This kind of thinking — where a critical interaction surface hides inside what looks like pure styling — is the hallmark of Special Projects work that’s gone all the way through development.

The headlight modules on the Ferrari HC25 haven’t appeared on any previous Ferrari, giving Manzoni’s team a slim lens with a central indentation that mirrors the split design of the rear lights. The DRLs run vertically for the first time on a Ferrari, exploiting the leading edge of the front wings to create a distinctive boomerang shape.

The five-spoke wheels echo that geometry — diamond-finished outer rim, double recessed groove that visually enlarges the diameter. Yellow accents on the logos and brake calipers carry through to the cabin, where they answer the technical grey fabric on the seats.

What the Ferrari HC25 Says About the Special Projects Programme

Ferrari’s Special Projects programme is the part of Maranello where a single client commissions a single car. The process runs roughly two years, hand-in-glove with the Ferrari Design Studio — sketch phase, then proportional development, then a full styling buck, then manufacture. The same single-client-commissioning instinct produces the Bugatti Brouillard and a handful of other pieces from Europe’s most exclusive bespoke programmes. The Ferrari HC25 sits in that company.

What sets this particular One-Off apart from a typical Special Projects build is its dual mandate. It exists for one client. But it also serves as the public marker of a transition in the catalogue — the moment the non-hybrid mid-rear V8 spider gets a final, definitive statement before the rest of Ferrari’s flagship lineup moves fully into hybrid V6 territory and naturally-aspirated V12 grand-touring on the front-engine side.

Under the bodywork, the Ferrari HC25 carries the F8 Spider’s 3.9-litre V8 — 720 cv at 7,000 rpm, 770 Nm of torque, 0–100 in 2.9 seconds, top end at 340 km/h. The seven-speed dual-clutch F1 gearbox carries over, as do the electronics platform and the dry-sump architecture. Nothing here is reinvented mechanically; the entire point of the car is the body and what it says, not the spec sheet.

The HC25 isn’t asking to be the next Ferrari you buy. It’s asking to be the last sentence of one of Ferrari’s defining chapters, written in matte Moonlight Grey with a black ribbon running through it, parked at a circuit in Austin while the company moves on to the next era. That’s a lot to put on a one-off roadster. The Ferrari HC25 carries it without straining.

Take a deep breath. This one is special. The Ferrari Enzo Ferrari is, in my mind, the coolest road car Ferrari has ever made. It’s the car that took an already obsessive love for cars and somehow managed to make it exponentially more intense. It’s the first car I fell in love with as an individual model and not just because it belonged to a certain brand or category as a whole.

Hell, this is the car that made me become a lifelong subscriber to Car and Driver magazine! I can see the headlines now: “Irreverent magazine sees massive ROI thanks to advertising from small car company.” 

And while it would make no difference in any respect if the production numbers were higher, Ferrari made only 399 Enzos (or so they claim)… and then made one for the pope. That’s one hell of a popemobile, and it’s a shame we never had a chance to see John Paul II driving around in an Enzo! 

Ferrari Enzo Ferrari: What’s in a name?

The name, while easy to remember, is incredibly respectful and perfectly appropriate given its design and capabilities, did pose a few problems when it came to black and white systems like databases, through no fault of Ferrari’s. The official name of this masterpiece is Enzo Ferrari. However, to a computer, the brand would register as “Enzo” with the model name being “Ferrari.” Both of those are, of course, inaccurate. So you ran into a curious situation where models from Hot Wheels and the like had to sometimes market the car as the Ferrari Enzo Ferrari or the Ferrari Enzo, the latter of which is how I have always referred to the car for the sake of simplicity. 

Of course, naming quirks aside, this car was and still is a Ferrari through and through. Every bit of F1 knowledge and skill Ferrari had gained from their F1 dominance is so neatly integrated into the Enzo that you could just as easily have called it the “F2002 Stradale.” From the paddle shifters, to the carbon chassis, to the layout of the mid-engine powertrain, it screams (literally and figuratively) Formula 1.

Keep in mind, this was during one of the most dominant (and coolest – see F2004) eras in F1 history, with Michael Schumacher, et al., making the other teams look like they were in GT3. So naturally, this was the best time to make a car bearing the name of il Commendatore. After all, who better to help develop your crown jewel than Michael himself? Molto bene! 

Ferrari Enzo Ferrari Spawns the XX Program

Because of this $1000/horsepower beauty, Ferrari also began the XX program. As a refresher, that’s the program wherein owners don’t really own their car, but they can borrow it for a few hours a few times a year when Ferrari gives them permission to drive it on a track. Snarky comments aside, the program has allowed Ferrari to learn more about their cars and continue to create some of the wildest cars the world has seen.

To this day, I have yet to come across a more unhinged car than the FXX Evoluzione. It was so unhinged, in fact, that Ferrari only trusted Michael to drive the FXX (base, not Evo) for the Top Gear Power Lap. Car enthusiasts would be better served with more programs like this that are free from the constraints of regulations.

As time has passed, so too have modern cars surpassed the Ferrari Enzo Ferrari’s performance. In fact, just a few years later, another Schumacher special, the 430 Scuderia, beat the Enzo’s lap time around Fiorano, seemingly the only racetrack in the world where a Ferrari doesn’t feel like scoffing. 

The Legacy of the Ferrari Enzo Ferrari

While it is hard to listen to, “They don’t make ‘em like they used to,” while standing next to an SVJ at Cars and Coffee without walking away to talk to someone with an advanced mind instead, the Enzo has stood the test of time in many respects. Yes, the cars that are now faster than the Ferrari Enzo Ferrari do it with plenty of style and heritage, and it makes way more sense to buy something like a Senna, which provides superior performance, oodles of cool factor, and modern-day engineering. Still, in what world is a sub-11-second quarter-mile, 218-mph top speed, 651 bhp evocative V12, and F1 engineering not fast? 

It becomes a game of relativism, one in which everyone seeks the newest and greatest thing, yet no one actually enjoys the cool work of art that’s already in front of them. And those that do acquire these unicorns usually never do the one thing they should – drive them! Remember, kids – there’s always a bigger fish. Has your favorite supercar met the standards for being perpetually cool and fast in a vacuum with a soul that demands to be driven? If so, enjoy it, bond with it, and love it. 

Enzo gave a lot to the car world. So, it should be easy to remember it, especially given how eternally badass the photos are, thanks to both the Ferrari Enzo Ferrari and the era itself.

Ferrari Berlinetta Legends Arrive at Zoute Concours

Two of the rarest and most coveted Ferrari Berlinetta models ever built will take center stage at the inaugural Broad Arrow Zoute Concours Auction, scheduled for October 10, 2025. Held in collaboration with the luxurious Zoute Grand Prix Car Week in Belgium, this auction marks a new chapter for collectors and connoisseurs, especially those with an eye for Maranello’s most elegant grand tourers. On the block: a stunning 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 in rare Verde Pino and an ultra-scarce 1970 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona “Plexi” in Avorio—both expected to draw international attention.

Ferrari Berlinetta 275 GTB/4: The Pinnacle of Preservation

The 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 offered at this event is a collector’s dream in every sense. Wearing chassis number 10563, this matching-numbers Ferrari Berlinetta is one of just six cars delivered from the Maranello factory in Verde Pino—a deep, elegant pine green rarely seen in Ferrari’s color catalog. Its desirability goes beyond color: only 330 four-cam variants of the 275 GTB/4 were ever produced, and this example stands among the finest.

Fully Ferrari Classiche certified, this Berlinetta retains its original V12 four-cam engine, gearbox, and differential. Its factory-fresh Arancio leather interior has been lovingly preserved, never requiring a full restoration. Borrani wire wheels, Marchal headlights, and a period-correct Blaupunkt stereo complete the picture of refined, period-correct luxury. The car also includes its original toolkit, jack, and Ferrari Classiche “Red Book”—essential elements for the most discerning collectors seeking originality and pedigree.

Ferrari Berlinetta 365 GTB/4 Daytona: Racing Pedigree Meets Elegance

The 1970 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona “Plexi” also consigned to the auction is an equally important Berlinetta. Designed by Pininfarina’s Leonardo Fioravanti, the 365 GTB/4’s aggressive yet timeless styling made it an instant icon. Chassis number 13357 is especially rare—one of only two known to have left the factory finished in Avorio (Ivory). Underneath that elegant exterior lies a Colombo V12 engine that still carries its original B 262 stamp, further solidifying its authenticity.

This “Plexi” version is among only 400 Daytonas produced with the sleek Plexiglas headlight treatment, which was later replaced by retractable units due to U.S. regulations. Delivered new by Belgium’s iconic Garage Francorchamps, this Ferrari Berlinetta boasts royal provenance—its first owner was none other than Baron Hughes “Hugh” de Fierlant, a noted racing driver who competed at Le Mans and Spa-Francorchamps for the prestigious Écurie Francorchamps team.

Fully restored to its original factory configuration, including a beautifully finished Beige Scuro leather interior with Nero inserts, this Daytona is as concours-worthy as they come. Ferrari Classiche certification was awarded in 2011, verifying its mechanical and visual integrity. With its historical significance, rarity, and pristine restoration, it stands as one of the most collectible Berlinettas ever offered at public auction.

Ferrari Berlinetta Rarity Meets the Zoute Grand Prix Experience

Beyond the automobiles themselves, the setting of the Zoute Grand Prix Car Week offers an unmatched backdrop. Hosted in the sophisticated coastal town of Knokke-Heist, the event is a celebration of refined taste, featuring fine dining, art, lifestyle events, and of course, stunning vehicles. The Zoute Concours Auction will feature 70 exceptional collector cars, with the Ferrari Berlinetta duo among its star attractions.

Gregory Tuytens of Broad Arrow emphasized the significance of these consignments: “To have two iconic Ferrari Berlinettas with such incredible provenance and rarity already consigned is very exciting. These are top-tier examples that will resonate deeply with global collectors.”

Ferrari Berlinetta Icons Ready for New Custodians

For seasoned enthusiasts and serious collectors, the upcoming Zoute Concours Auction presents a rare opportunity to acquire not one, but two of the most exceptional Ferrari Berlinetta models ever offered. These cars are not merely machines—they are stories of design, performance, history, and elegance, each ready to continue their legacy with a new steward. Whether it’s the Verde Pino 275 GTB/4 or the Avorio Plexi Daytona, both are extraordinary representations of Ferrari’s golden era.

Ferrari F2004 – Opening Arguments

There are many opinions on what is considered to be the greatest car ever made. And who is to say the title of “Greatest Car” can ever be slapped on to just one in what is a world that has completely spoiled us silly? This discussion can be had at great length— OK, enough. Ferrari F2004. That’s it. That’s the one. 

Yes, I’ll concede it’s hard to pick. And yet, it is clear why the car I hold a deep admiration for is, in my mind, the greatest car ever.

No, you cannot legally drive it on the road (technically you could drive it once regardless). And perhaps there is a deeper discussion to be had wherein the greatest racecar is separated from the greatest road car. But from the perspective of a driver, enthusiast, and engineer, Formula 1 is the absolute pinnacle of automobiles, the Rosetta Stone from where all the know-how for supercars originates. So, reader, I make a case for the Ferrari F2004. 

Ferrari F2004 Pedigree

Let’s take a step back in time to the late 1990s. F1 has formally adopted the V10 as the standard powerplant to power every car on the grid—no hybrid systems. No batteries. Just unrestricted, screaming, beautiful internal combustion. Michael Schumacher has already won two world championships and has made a bold switch to Ferrari. The two develop a relationship that will propel both team and driver to legendary acclaim.

Fast forward a few years to 2004. Ferrari is testing the F2004 for the upcoming season. The team is puzzled because the car is way too fast. Something must be wrong with the instruments. No? Maybe the car is underweight. No? Michael – did you become a cyborg over the winter? Medical records confirm he’s 100% human.

So, maybe the last one did not happen. Ferrari, however, was thrilled with how well their latest entry turned out. Remember, Ferrari is first and foremost a racing team. This was their flagship model. And what a model it was. 

While the F2002 is the most successful car by podium and win percentages, the Ferrari F2004 is one of the fastest F1 cars to ever grace a racetrack. To this day, it holds a few lap records, the most prominent one being the race lap record at Shanghai. The combination of Michael Schumacher and the team he lovingly molded into one cohesive, unstoppable unit, destroyed the competition that year, leading Michael’s seventh world title and another constructors’ championship for Ferrari. True to Italian fashion, they did it in style. 

A beautiful 3.0L Ferrari V10 putting out 865hp (~940 for qualifying), electronics to aid Michael and Rubens, kickass sponsorships, and no active aero – just a big red go-kart with beautiful lines. What made their functions so appealing was the greater level of driver precision and skill when passing. I understand DRS exists to make inevitable passes happen sooner. However, DRS is countered by battery-based defenses and is often nullified by the rise of “DRS trains.”

So, at the end of the day, is all this complicated technology really solving a problem or inadvertently creating more irritating ones? I’d argue it’s the latter. The Ferrari F2004 relied on pure driver skill with electronic aids that worked with the drivers to smooth out their inputs rather than do a portion of the driving for them.

Keep in mind, that the cars from the V10 era ran grooved tires, effectively reducing the amount of surface area that remained in contact with the track. So, what could the cars really do, if they were allowed to run on slicks? Fernando Alonso, another modern-old-school driver who thrived in this era of pure racing, was not too far off the pace of the current set of cars back in 2020 when he was reunited with his championship-winning R25, another legendary car.

Despite being nearly two decades old and down on power compared to modern hybrids, the car held its own – a reminder that mechanical grip and raw skill still have a place in today’s world of computer-managed racing.

Global Influence of the Ferrari F2004

And the Ferrari F2004 has spawned some of the best videos on YouTube. Enter “F2004 pole lap” and sit back as you are both relaxed and awed by the aural and visual assault on the senses. Michael’s pole lap at Spain is my favorite. The car is fast, it sings, and it nimbly dances through corners with a lightness and balance you can feel through the screen. Small aside here – it has been proven that V10s are received as beautiful music by the brain. 

This was the most exciting and thrilling era of F1. To me, getting some quality laps in at Spa with this exquisite work of art is the purest definition of bliss.

As I write this, rumors of conversations and meetings have been circulating that the FIA is strongly considering bringing back the V10s. Whether that is true or not, we should celebrate the fact the FIA is finally realizing the V10 era was F1 at its finest. And while optics have prevented loud and simple engines from remaining on the grid, we are now nearing a time when they finally understand that the rise of synthetic fuels means we can finally return to what made F1 perfect. Put them on slicks this time. Let’s really see what these machines can do. And with 20 years of aero advancements, they’d be even more stable than before.

Standing on Business

For fans around the world, let’s keep focused on bringing back light, simple F1 cars. I often joke with a friend about turning F1 into a spec series – just slap halos on 20 F2004s and let them rip. But jokes aside, there’s some truth in the simplicity. And though I love the current grid (contrary to the perceived tone of this piece, Formula 1 is always exciting regardless of the era), everyone – engineers, mechanics, fans, drivers — would have a smile on their face to see and hear this legendary layout back on track. Bring back the Ferrari F2004. 

Ferrari 296 Speciale: Setting Standards for Hybrid Supercars

With the unveiling of the Ferrari 296 Speciale, Ferrari has added another storied chapter to its lineage of track-focused berlinettas. Following the revered footsteps of the Challenge Stradale, 430 Scuderia, 458 Speciale, and 488 Pista, the Ferrari 296 Speciale is a masterclass in race-bred refinement, making it not just the ultimate expression of the 296 GTB platform, but a benchmark for modern hybrid supercars. For those who crave visceral driving engagement wrapped in technical brilliance, this is the machine that rewrites expectations.

The Ferrari 296 Speciale harnesses a revolutionary plug-in hybrid powertrain that pairs a 120° twin-turbo V6 with an uprated electric motor to produce a staggering 880 horsepower. That’s 50 horses more than the standard 296 GTB, thanks to F1-derived tech like a new knock control system, titanium conrods, a lightened crankshaft, and a fine-tuned boost strategy borrowed from the 296 Challenge race car. Ferrari didn’t just add power—they dialed up emotion. The V6 roars with an amplified soundtrack, echoing through specially tuned ducts that deliver cabin-filling harmonics across the 3rd, 6th, and 9th combustion orders.

The Speciale’s electric motor now delivers 180 cv in Qualify “extra boost” mode— synced with an optimized 8-speed DCT that shifts harder and faster. The other three modes include eDrive, Hybrid, and Performance.

In eDrive, the internal combustion engine is off, relying solely on the MGU-K for up to 25 km, making it ideal for urban driving with a top speed of 135 km/h. The Hybrid mode serves as the default setting, optimizing energy flow by determining when to engage the internal combustion engine, with a top speed of 125 km/h, suitable for both urban and extra-urban environments. For those seeking an exhilarating ride, the Performance mode keeps the internal combustion engine running for immediate power delivery, perfect for spirited driving. This mode sharpens the already precise driving experience, achieving a remarkable 0-100 km/h time of just 2.8 seconds and a top speed exceeding 330 km/h. While the raw performance places the Speciale in elite company, it is the predictability and composure at the limit that truly differentiate this car from others.

Ferrari 296 Speciale: Aerodynamics, Agility, and Artistry Collide

While the powertrain headlines the spec sheet, it’s the chassis and aero package that define the Ferrari 296 Speciale’s road and track demeanor. With 435 kg of downforce at 250 km/h—20% more than the 296 GTB—the car sticks with authority. Innovations include an aero damper integrated into the front bonnet and sculpted rear fins that blend seamlessly with a revised active spoiler. A new Medium Downforce mode was also introduced to balance top-speed stability and track cornering prowess.

Weight has been obsessively trimmed by 60 kg compared to the GTB, resulting in a category-leading power-to-weight ratio of just 1.60 kg/cv. From the use of titanium bolts and carbon fiber panels to the stripped-down interior lined with Alcantara and bare carbon, everything about the Speciale is purposeful. Even the braking system received motorsport-inspired upgrades to handle the additional performance stress, with ducting improvements derived from the F80 and 296 Challenge.

Handling is sharpened with a stiffer suspension setup, 5 mm lower ride height, Multimatic dampers, and bespoke Michelin Pilot Sport Cup2 tires that push the lateral grip envelope. Ferrari’s ABS Evo system, tuned in harmony with a 6D sensor, ensures the braking feel is consistent and confidence-inspiring in any condition.

A specialized version of the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup2 tire was created for the 296 Speciale, using insights from the F80. The design utilized virtual simulation, cutting development time from 18 to 12 months. This tire has a specific casing structure for improved wall stiffness and lateral rigidity, along with a new tread compound that enhances grip.

Visually, the Ferrari 296 Speciale takes the GTB’s elegant form and injects it with aggressive motorsport DNA. Louvered fenders, a floating front splitter, side winglets, and a stripped rear deck give the car unmistakable purpose. Inside, the driver-focused layout now features carbon door panels, a raised shift-gate console, and race-ready minimalism. It’s Ferrari distilled—fewer distractions, more soul.

1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider Competizione up for Auction at Amelia

The 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider Competizione is one of the featured lots set to take center stage at Broad Arrow’s upcoming Amelia Auction, March 7th through 8th, held at the Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island. Estimated to command between $10 million and $14 million, this historically significant Ferrari is one of only 10 Competizione variants ever built.

Ahead of the highly anticipated event, Broad Arrow Auctions has released a video showcasing chassis no. 1451 GT in action. In the short film, Senior Car Specialist and Vice-President of Auctions, Barney Ruprecht, takes you through the intricate details that set this California Spider apart. From its competition-spec 3.0-liter V12 to its lightweight aluminum bodywork, every aspect of this Ferrari was engineered for endurance racing. Ruprecht then takes the wheel for a firsthand account of how the 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB delivers a proper driving experience.

The 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider Competizione was originally owned by American racer Bob Grossman, it made an indelible mark at the 1959 24 Hours of Le Mans, finishing 5th overall and securing a podium finish in the GT class. Following its success at Le Mans, Grossman continued to compete in various U.S. races throughout 1959 and 1960.

Chassis 1451 GT was designed to dominate on the track and the open road. It was the first California Spider to be equipped with Ferrari’s Type 128 F competition-spec engine, featuring outside-plug ignition, a long-range 36-gallon fuel tank, and stiffer suspension. Presented in its original silver metallic Le Mans livery, this particular example remains one of the finest Classiche-certified Ferraris in existence.

Ruprecht describes the driving experience as “dominated by one thing and one thing only—the engine.” He notes how the 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB feels dramatically different from a standard California Spider, emphasizing its roaring exhaust note, razor-sharp handling, and competition-tuned braking system.

The Broad Arrow Amelia Auction will feature a total of 166 collector cars, along with two tractors and a child’s go-kart, offering a diverse selection of pre-war classics, motorsport icons, and supercars. However, it is the 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider Competizione that has stolen the spotlight, as one of the most historically significant California Spiders ever offered at auction.

With three Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance appearances, impeccable provenance, and a storied competition pedigree, this Ferrari represents an unmissable opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts. To view the full auction catalog or register to bid, visit broadarrowauctions.com.

A 1948 Ferrari 166 Spyder Corsa will take center stage at Broad Arrow Auctions’ inaugural European auction during the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este on May 24-25, 2025. The Ferrari on the block, chassis number 004 C, is poised to fetch between €5.5 million and €7.5 million.

Originally crafted by Carrozzeria Ansaloni, the Ferrari 166 Spyder Corsa has an illustrious history steeped in racing glory. This model was one of two commissioned by the Besana brothers, Ferrari’s first customers. Its achievements include a sixth-place finish at the 1948 Targa Florio and entries in the 1948 and 1949 Mille Miglia races, as well as Formula Two and hill climb competitions.

Certified by the Ferrari Classiche White Book, this Spyder Corsa retains its original 2.0-liter V12 engine, five-speed racing gearbox, chassis, and body. The vehicle’s authenticity and historical importance are bolstered by a meticulous 50-year single-family ownership from 1965 to 2015.

The distinctions amassed by the Ferrari 166 Spyder Corsa are as impressive as its racing résumé. It earned a class award at the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in 2004 and graced Pebble Beach’s Casa Ferrari in both 2019 and 2022. Additional honors include Best of Show at the 2003 FCA National Meet, multiple Cavallino and FCA Platinum Awards, and a featured display at the 2006 Cavallino Classic.

Broad Arrow Auctions is pulling out all the stops to celebrate its first European auction, presenting 70 premium collector cars in partnership with BMW AG. The Ferrari 166 Spyder Corsa serves as the crown jewel of this landmark event, suited to the grandeur of the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este on the shores of Lake Como.

Broad Arrow’s Vice President of Auctions, Barney Ruprecht, summed it up best: “The 1948 Ferrari 166, with chassis 004 C, is undoubtedly one of the most significant examples of any early Ferrari built. Its outstanding provenance and long, well-documented history make it the ideal centerpiece for our first Italian auction.”

This exclusive event promises a premium experience for collectors and enthusiasts alike. Acclaimed auctioneer Thomas Forrester will helm the sale, bringing his decades of expertise to the podium. With a history of raising millions for prestigious causes worldwide, Forrester adds an extra layer of gravitas to this already monumental occasion.

For more information on the 1948 Ferrari 166 Spyder Corsa, the auction, and the stellar lineup of vehicles, visit broadarrowauctions.com.

Ferrari in America: Luigi Chinetti and the North American Racing Team, authored by Michael T. Lynch, dives into one of the most captivating chapters of motorsport and automotive history. This expertly crafted book chronicles Luigi Chinetti’s transformative role in introducing Ferrari to American soil and building the iconic North American Racing Team (NART), a fixture in international sports car racing during the Fifties, Sixties, and Seventies.

Chinetti’s story is one of ambition, ingenuity, and resilience. As the sole American importer of Ferrari, he bridged the gap between the Italian luxury marque and a burgeoning market of elite American clientele. From Wall Street financiers and Hollywood icons to political powerhouses and professional racers, Chinetti’s network was as eclectic as it was influential. This tale explores not only the high-performance machines he sold but also the colorful personalities he interacted with, weaving an intricate web of intrigue, glamour, and racing heritage.

Lynch’s account goes beyond the racetrack. Ferrari in America introduces readers to a cast of characters spanning Benito Mussolini to Paul Newman, Miles Davis to Zsa Zsa Gabor. Through anecdotes of espionage, romance, financial gambits, and artistic brilliance, Lynch captures the broader cultural impact of Chinetti’s Ferrari empire. The North American Racing Team itself played a pivotal role in motorsport, influencing technical innovations and showcasing Ferrari’s dominance on the global stage.

Beautifully presented as a hardcover with dust jacket, the book spans 420 pages and features over 300 photographs and illustrations. Readers are treated to a visual and narrative journey, showcasing not just the legendary cars, but also the lives and stories behind them.

For enthusiasts of Ferrari and motorsport history, Ferrari in America: Luigi Chinetti and the North American Racing Team (MSRP $135) offers a compelling look at the figures and events that shaped the brand’s legacy in the United States. Whether you’re a collector, a racing fan, or a lover of automotive storytelling, this book is a must-have addition to your library.