Restomod From The 80s Costs Like The Most Expensive Hypercars Here Is Why
The Ferrari 412 was never considered one of the most desirable models to come out of Maranello. This discreet grand tourer from the late eighties lived for years in the shadow of famous sports cars with engines placed behind the driver. However, that very marginal position served as the perfect foundation for one of the most radical and expensive restomod projects in history. An American owner of this specific example decided to do what few can afford, which was to completely reinterpret the 412 without any financial limitations. The final bill exceeded 1.8 million dollars, and the realization was handled by the American studio Otsuka Maxwell Design, which spent more than 5000 hours on the project.
The heart of the car today is a naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12 taken from a Ferrari 812 Superfast. This engine develops more than 800 horsepower, but it has been visually adapted here to match the classic character of the 412. Special valve covers and the removal of direct injection return the mechanical aesthetic of older Ferrari V12 engines. Instead of modern systems, classic injection into the intake was installed alongside twelve individual throttle bodies and a carbon intake system. The result is a mechanical masterpiece that bridges the gap between eras.
A special story involves the transmission system chosen for this unique build. Since the 812 was never available with a manual transmission, the engineers took an automatic gearbox from the 599 GTB model and converted it into a six-speed manual. They included open metal guides, a detail that today symbolizes a true classic Ferrari driving experience. This significant engineering challenge required immense precision to ensure the modern power plant worked in harmony with an analog interface. Every gear shift now offers a tactile connection that modern hypercars often lack.
The exterior appearance combines modern aggression with restrained elegance and the aesthetics of the eighties. The body has been widened and the bumpers are visually tightened to give the car a more muscular stance. Classic pop-up headlights were replaced with fixed ones, giving the front end a distinctive look. The automobile features specially crafted 18-inch forged wheels, while a combination of gold and black colors further emphasizes its exclusive character.
The interior is just as extravagant as the engineering under the hood. In addition to new leather and Alcantara, the designers used Mongolian cashmere, a material found in vehicles like ‘Rolls-Royce’ and priced at around 1000 euros per meter. Digital instruments and modern infotainment are integrated unobtrusively without disrupting the classic atmosphere of the cabin. The result is a Ferrari 412 that never existed before, a unique automobile that is undoubtedly the most powerful and perfect example of that model ever made.
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