First, this is an Apple Ferrari-free zone. No talk of Luce here. So just take in this newly released beast. Roaring Dino V8 behind you, and all around a bespoke beauty that fairly screams proper Ferrari. Except it’s not fashioned in Maranello, but on an industrial estate in the Netherlands. And though the basis is a Ferrari 308 like that driven by Tom Selleck in ‘Magnum PI’, this is a hand built restomod, a take on a rally car that was said to have the approval of Enzo Ferrari: the legendary 1970s Ferrari 308 GTB Group 4 Michelotto. Not a battery in sight.
Build is by Dutch specialists Maturo, and they’re only making 10 so you might want to be quick. They’re taking Giuliano Michelotto's Group 4 rally car as the basis, hence the hugely widened wheel arches that give the 308 a new aggressive stance while retaining the elegance of Pininfarina’s 1975 design. There’s a full roll cage inside, too, just in case you’re keen to risk your one of ten restomods in competition. Well, you never know.
Maturo have excellent form in the rally-based restomod department. Founders Marco and son Zion Geeratz's Group A Lancia Delta Integrale recreation was rated a breathtaking success. Here - as on the Integrale - the real work is that which is unseen. There’s the 150 new welds to the body in order to strengthen it. Then there’s the 2.9 litre V8 engine: now producing 400 bhp against the standard car’s 255 bhp. There are new lighter crankshafts for example and bespoke valves plus a new air intake system to go with the Capristo exhaust system featuring two potent exits to the rear. A fresh ignition set-up brings the Ferrari further up to date.
A look inside
Interior features what’s become a Maturo trademark: carbon fibre and aluminium in place of the 1970s Ferrari plastics, mixed with new leather seating and alcantara just about everywhere else. Classic gated Ferrari gear shift is present and correct, controlling brand new five speed gearbox, with shorter ratios than the original and a limited slip differential. Suspension gurus Tractive have worked their magic to provide motor sport inspired handling. Maturo insist it’s ideal for tarmac, rather than the dirt tracks that were home to the Group 4 Michelotto.
We promised not to go on about proper Ferraris versus the new electric Luce. But there is the issue of price. Around £440,000 gets you an electric Luce. On the other hand there’s this delectable hand built restomod homage, that would surely give you pub bragging rights over anyone choosing an electric Maranello product. Maturo are asking £366,000 for their Stradale restomod, plus the cost of a donor Ferrari 308, which should set you back about £80,000. Neatly that means it’ll cost you just £6,000 more than its electric distant cousin. Which would be better for that Sunday drive? We’ll be waiting to hear the raucous noise as you drive up to that Michelin-starred country restaurant.
