GTO Engineering, a skilled UK-based classic Ferrari restorer, recently tested the waters with its own sports cars that match the design and mechanics of some classic Ferraris, notably the 250 GT SWB and 250 Testa Rossa.
Although GTO Engineering’s classic Ferraris known as the Revival series cost around $ 1 million, still a bargain compared to the original, they were successful enough to lead the company on a more ambitious project. It’s another creation inspired by a 1960s Ferrari, this time the iconic 250 GTO.
Previously known as Project Moderna, in April GTO Engineering confirmed the car’s official name as Squalo, the Italian word for “shark”. The company also released new photos showing the final design of the car.
Unlike the 250 GT SWB (see below) and 250 Testa Rossa Revival models, which are based on a real Ferrari chassis, either from a 330 or 365 dispenser, the Squalo is built from the ground up with a custom-made tubular steel subframe and carbon fiber body panels. It will also have modern suspension, brakes and electronics to ensure modern safety and reliability.
GTO Engineering 250 GT SWB Revival
GTO Engineering’s target weight for the car is less than 2,200 pounds, which should make it extremely fast considering the company plans to put a quad-cam V-12 under the hood. The modern engine is developed in-house by GTO Engineering and combined with a manual transmission.
The V-12 used in GTO Engineering’s previous cars was available in 3.0, 3.5 and 4.0 liter versions, and all developed over 300 horsepower. The company confirmed that the Squalo will receive the 4.0-liter variant with more than 460 hp and a speed of 10,000 rpm.
GTO Engineering Squalo
GTO Engineering builds the first prototype chassis. One of the challenges is to maintain the classic proportions while taking modern weight distribution and ergonomic requirements into account. People are a little bigger today than they were in the 1960s.
GTO Engineering plans to offer a number of personalization options, including paintwork and fairing, as well as the ability to customize key components like the suspension and transmission. The company is also developing its own wheels, which will be available in sizes up to 18 inches.
GTO Engineering Squalo
Inside, the Squalo’s cabin will have a simple, minimalist design with luxurious accents. Instead of a touchscreen in the center of the dashboard, there are buttons and switches for controlling various vehicle functions.
GTO Engineering Squalo
The order books are currently open and GTO Engineering expects deliveries in 2023.
Interestingly, some of the earlier revival cars that GTO Engineering built went to the owners of the original Ferraris. At prices that are usually in the seven-digit range, it is not exactly stress-free to take an original and sell it.
