Ferrari SP38 revealed as latest 488 GTB-based one-off

The Ferrari SP38 has been revealed by Maranello as its most recent custom creation, with the road-legal one-off model being based on the 488 GTB. 

The dramatically styled car nods to the F40 in its rear wing and 308 GTB in its front-end design, said Ferrari, and it has been drastically altered at the front and rear. The changes run only to parts that do not need to be re-homologated, for time and cost reasons. 

The customer worked with Ferrari on the car from the outset, collaborating on its design and their individual needs. Each custom car takes around 18 months on average, although this can vary widely depending on the project. 

It’s part of a growing trend among high-end car makers, as the industry segment turns increasingly to bespoke operations to tailor-make products for ever more demanding customers. Rolls-Royce, for example, claims that every single one of its cars comes out of the factory featuring some bespoke element. A Ferrari spokesman could not confirm an equivalent figure for the brand, but said these projects are “extremely important” for Ferrari.

New headlights have been fitted and are as slim as possible for a more aggressive look, while the daytime running lights have been moved to the bumper lip. 

At the side, the 488 GTB’s air intake is replaced by bodywork at the SP38’s shoulder, which has moved next to the rear side window. Grey lower bodywork separates the aerodynamic additions closer to the ground from the red custom bodywork above it. 

The rear is all but unrecognisable from the 488 GTB; a small fixed wing extends out from the rear flanks, while louvred bodywork covers what would usually be the car’s rear glass. New lights, air outlets and higher-set, larger exhausts dominate the rear fascia. 

Under the skin, the mechanics are the same as the 488 GTB, with the same twin-turbo 3.9-litre V8 likely providing 661bhp and 561lb ft. Performance figures haven’t been revealed, but the 488 GTB’s 205mph top speed and 3.0sec 0-62mph time are likely closely matched. 

It’s the latest in a line of customer-commissioned one-off Ferraris, the number of which is uncertain because many customers prefer not to have their cars publicised. 

The 458 MM Speciale — another one-off, based on the 488’s 458 predecessor — was both revealed by Ferrari and showcased at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in 2016, although the owner’s identity was not disclosed.

The owner of the SP38 wished to remain anonymous and Ferrari would not disclose whether the car was that customer's first one-off. They chose the images and information released by Ferrari.