A one-off that reinterprets Ferrari’s heritage without nostalgia. Flavio Manzoni and his team describe a project that mixes up sculpture, graphics and technical discipline. A potential ambiguity underlay the SC40: evoking the F40 without becoming a replica of it. \u201cThere was no way we could pay tribute to an icon like the F40 for just one client\u201d, Flavio Manzoni says. \u201cIt would have looked like an exercise in nostalgia. Instead, we chose to work on a few evocative elements \u2013 the fixed wing, the embossed lettering, the kevlar \u2013 while building a totally new language\u201d.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
![\"Ferrari](\"https:\/\/autodesignmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/2026030602_FerrariSC40.jpg\")
<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Consistency with the brand<\/strong><\/span> Solids, voids and performance<\/strong><\/span> Intuition and simulation<\/strong><\/span>
\nAccording to Ferrari’s Chief Design Officer, the project does not consolidate a style, but challenges it. \u201cI am interested in creating a fusion between sculptural form and graphic elements. This contrast generates something fresh, almost disruptive\u201d.
\nJohann Lemercier, Head of One-Off Design Projects, sets out the role of custom-built cars: \u201cThe one-off is an outsider. It is not intended to preview the future lineup, but to explore a very personal vision together with the client\u201d. This freedom does not mean isolation: \u201cWe work with the same team at the Style Centre precisely because these cars must remain consistent with the brand\u201d.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\nIn formal terms, the SC40 works by subtraction. \u201cWe start with solid volumes, almost fused together, which we then hollow out\u201d, explains Riccardo Angelini, Exterior Lead Designer. \u201cThe air intakes, the side NACA ducts and the rear louvres are not decorative details: they arise from specific cooling and flow requirements\u201d.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\nThe most obvious compromise involves the rear wing. \u201cIn the early sketches, it was lower\u201d, says Manzoni. \u201cBut aerodynamics requires a certain distance from the car body to work best. These are compromises that we accept, because performance is part of Ferrari’s identity\u201d. On the relationship between intuition and simulation, Manzoni is uncompromising: “It is correct to say that a Ferrari is designed by aerodynamics, but that does not mean styling is sacrificed. Even on extreme projects such as the 499P, we have demonstrated that beauty and performance can go hand in hand\u201d.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>