Meet the Jaw-Dropping Ferrari 550 Restomod You've Been Waiting For
At the illustrious Monterey Car Week, an event that attracts automotive enthusiasts worldwide, the Italian design house Touring Superleggera is set to unveil its stunning new creation: the Veloce12, a restomod based on the iconic Ferrari 550 Maranello. From its breathtaking aesthetics to its powerful enhancements, the Veloce12 promises to take automotive excellence to new heights, captivating those who are lucky enough to witness it.
For those not familiar, restomods are vehicles that blend classic car styling with modern technology and performance enhancements. They bring old-school charm into today’s standards, and the Veloce12 does just that, beautifully marrying vintage aesthetics with contemporary performance standards.
The Heart of the Beast: Engineering the Veloce12
Touring Superleggera has taken the 550 Maranello framework and carefully dismantled it, infusing the chassis with additional rigidity, ensuring that it can handle the significant upgrades that follow. Central to the Veloce12 is its upgraded 5.5-liter V12 engine, now producing an impressive 503 horsepower and 419 pound-feet of torque—an enhancement of 25 horsepower over the standard model.
Power is delivered through a gated six-speed manual transmission, a must for any enthusiast who relishes the raw, tactile experience of driving. This powerhouse allows the Veloce12 to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in just 4.4 seconds, with a blistering top speed of 199 mph, ensuring that it doesn't just look the part but certainly drives it.
Performance and Handling Like No Other
The transformation doesn't stop at the engine. The Veloce12 is equipped with a bespoke TracTive suspension system featuring adjustable damping. This means that regardless of whether you're coasting down a scenic highway or tackling sharp turns on a mountain road, the handling will remain exceptional.
Stopping power comes courtesy of high-performance Brembo brakes, with massive 380-millimeter six-piston calipers in the front and four-piston in the rear, ensuring that this potent machine can halt as effectively as it accelerates. Completing the aggressive demeanor are custom wheels that encapsulate the stunning design of the Veloce12.
The Allure of Italian Craftsmanship
Stepping inside the Veloce12, one notices an exquisite hand-crafted leather interior that signifies the luxury and detail that comes from an Italian design house revered for its craftsmanship. There are no touchscreens to distract; instead, classic dials and easy-to-use controls take center stage, beautifully arranged across the dashboard. Touring Superleggera ensures that only premium materials sourced from Italy are used, making every element not only luxurious but also practical.
The design team has also prioritized comfort—a must for any grand tourer. Custom leather seats provide not only the visual appeal associated with opulence but also the support needed for extended journeys, reflecting the brand's commitment to creating a vehicle that embodies both beauty and functionality.
A Price Tag to Match Its Legacy
As is often the case with bespoke vehicles, exclusivity comes with a price. The Veloce12 is priced at approximately $758,000 (€690,000), independent of the cost of the donor Ferrari 550. Given that a well-preserved 550 Maranello fetches around $150,000, this is not an investment for the faint-hearted, but rather for the true connoisseur.
Touring Superleggera has announced plans to limit production to just 30 examples, ensuring that each piece remains uniquely special. The first units are expected to hit the road in early 2025, effectively sealing the Veloce12 as an immediate collector's item.
Experience the Future of Classic Cars
As we approach the unveiling at The Quail during Monterey Car Week, anticipation builds to see whether the Veloce12 lives up to the hype surrounding one of the most compelling restomods ever crafted. With its blend of heritage, modern performance, and stunning aesthetics, the Veloce12 stands poised to redefine what a restomod can be, captivating judges, collectors, and enthusiasts alike. This is not just a car; it’s a celebration of Italian artistry and automotive ingenuity.
Whether you’re an aficionado of the Ferrari legacy or simply an admirer of exceptional craftsmanship and performance, the Veloce12 promises to be a breathtaking addition to the rich tapestry of car history. Stay tuned as the automotive world collectively holds its breath in anticipation of this remarkable machine.