Ferrari's one-off P80/C track car 25 | 03 | 2019
IF YOU’VE GOT the money to ask Ferrari to build you a one-off modern sports prototype, inspired by the likes of the 1966 Dino 206 S and 330 P3/P4, then why not? That’s exactly what one “connoisseur of the Ferrari world” requested. And the result is this P80/C, a one-off track car based on the 488 GT3. (Related: Exclusive interview with F1 boss Ross Brawn)
Created by the Ferrari Styling Centre, under the direction of Flavio Manzoni, and the engineering and aerodynamics team, the team worked hand-in-glove with the client, sharing principles and visions in order to create a new “Hero Car”.
Initial designs started in 2015, and as a result the P80/C project had the longest development time of any Ferrari one-off made to date. Using a Ferrari 488 GT3 — the track-only version of the 488 GTB — as a base, the design team immediately re-styled the bodywork. Out went the standard 488’s wings, aero package, nose-cone, engine cover and headlights; all replaced by redesigned and hand-finished updates. (Related: Ferrari launches new 710bhp F8 Tributo)
The innovative design also adopts what Ferrari call a ‘catamaran’ architecture. The jutting effect of the nose is underscored by its almost wing-like shape which the interplay of voids highlights very effectively. The large radiator air vents are located just behind this wing-like structure and these outlets over the front bonnet underline the powerfully muscular wings. (Related: Unique Scotland Blue Ferrari 812)
As a result there is almost no bodywork at the rear. This in turn leaves the car’s engine and transmission visible through the rear diffuser. The buyer also specified a louvred aluminium engine cover that pays tribute to the one fitted to the Ferrari 330 P3 Le Mans racer.
The fact the P80/C is homologated only for track use means the interior has been almost entirely stripped out. Essentially, all that remains is a pair of bright blue carbon fibre-backed Alcantara race seats and a digital instrument binnacle. Carbon fibre has been used on every visible interior trim panel, while the race-spec the steering wheel has been lifted straight from the 488 GT3.
At the client’s request, the car was designed with a dual soul: a racing set-up, which includes quite a showy carbon-fibre wing and 18in single-nut wheels, and an exhibition package complete with 21in wheels but devoid of aerodynamic appendages, to highlight the purity of its forms.
Ferrari hasn’t yet released performance figures, but it’s understood the P80/C is powered by the same 3.9-litre twin-turbocharged V8 found in the 488 GT3. That unit produces 661bhp. Nor has it revealed the cost of the one-off Ferrari.
Worth mentioning though that previous bespoke models have cost owners up to £9million. It’s unlikely the P80/C will be any less. By comparison, the standard 488 GT3 costs around £455,000.
Related: Ferrari unveils 488 Pista Spider
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Jim McGill