Classic Ferraris are in high demand. The few that are around don’t change hands very often, and when they do it’s usually for exorbitant sums of money. For those who aren’t in the select club of owners there is the RML Short Wheelbase. The RML Group unveiled its new creation that is inspired by the Ferrari 250 GT SWB. Just 30 units will be built that go on sale later this year.

Follow Double Apex on Facebook and Instagram, where we share more car content.

Order from our online store and take advantage of free delivery in South Africa on orders over R349.

A nod to the past 

The RML Short Wheelbase is an homage to the driving purity of supercars from the past. While it looks like it belongs in a museum or a collection, the car features 21st-century comfort and convenience. UK-based RML has employed modern materials and systems to create a Grand Tourer that offers owners high levels of user-friendliness and practicality, turning it into a fast GT that outdoes the cars it aims to replicate.

Check out this restomod Ferrari 388 created by another British company.

Modern tech

The RML Short Wheelbase is better than a restomod (click here to see more restomods on our site) in some regards as it does not start within the confines of an existing classic car. RML builds the car from scratch which allows them to enlarge its dimensions. Those instantly recognisable proportions are fashioned from lightweight carbon-fibre. Classic features such as the stacked rear lights, exposed fuel filler, chip-cutter front grille and vents behind each wheel and on the hood have all been retained but given their own spin.

Inside, passengers are privy to modern conveniences such as electrically adjustable seats, satellite navigation, air conditioning, cupholders and smartphone connectivity, all of which have been discreetly integrated into a cabin that retains an old look.

V12 power

Under that long bonnet is a 5,5-litre Ferrari engine. The V12 develops 357 kW (exactly the same as the iconic Ferrari F40, which we drove) and 568 N.m of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a Ferrari six-speed manual gearbox. Inside, occupants are treated to the sight and sounds of an open-gated H-pattern shifter – NICE! RML claims the car will run the benchmark 0-100 km/h sprint in just over four seconds and that it’ll have a top speed in excess of 298 km/h.

In his own words

“The Short Wheelbase was never conceived to compete, Top Trumps-style, with a typical supercar’s acceleration or top speed,” said Michael Mallock, RML’s chief executive. “Our car takes a step back from that, and while it’s certainly rapid, our emphasis has always been on capturing a more organic driving experience, with less intervention and more usable performance, while still making it comfortable and convenient enough for people to enjoy regularly on modern roads.”

Learn more about RML Group and the RML Short Wheelbase in the video below: