01 July 2022
The Ferrari SP48 Unica debuts as a one-off F8 Tributo without a rear window; you wouldn’t tell immediately since the body was extensively changed meant Ferrari had to re-work the airflows for cooling and downforce.
While the Unica sit on the F8’s platform, the SP48, the design feels more in line with Ferrari’s newest hybrid offering, the 296GTB.
The Unica is the latest in a long, fine line of ‘Special Projects’ cars: one-off, entirely bespoke creations built by Ferrari for their demanding owners, cars such as the Omologata and BR20.
The Omologata and BR20 were V12 powered, but the Unica will likely use the twin-turbo 3.9-litre V8 from the F8 Tributo.
The Special Projects programme creates unique Ferraris characterised by an exclusive design crafted around the requirements of each client to ensure each one becomes the owner of a genuine one-of-a-kind model; each project originates from an idea put forward by the client. The entire process lasts more than a year on average.
As a point of reference, the Tributo produces 710 bhp, hits 60mph in 2.9 seconds and 124mph in 7.8 seconds and tops out at 211mph.
The anonymous owner, who was deeply involved in every part of the design and build process, worked with Flavio Manzoni, the company’s chief design officer, making the car appear cast from a single piece of metal.
The price hasn’t been announced and probably never will be. But as the Tributo exceeds £200,000 there is likely to be a significant surcharge for the privilege of Ferrari’s virtuosity.
‘When a standard Ferrari just won’t do, you ask the Prancing Horse to build one just for you.’