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The buzz on social media can either dampen or amplify the anticipation for a new project.
With a constant stream of updates and messages flooding your timeline, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Every day brings a new DM saying: ‘Have you checked out what X did to their project? It’s (amazing/terrible); it’s going to look (so cool/so awful) when it’s finished!’
Amidst the noise, it can be challenging to muster excitement for upcoming builds. However, one particular project has managed to break free from the ordinary chatter: Rich Colvill’s Ferrari 328 GTS. The knowledge that it would be showcased at The Drivers Collection’s recent event at Cromford Mills was the final nudge that pushed me to attend. Thankfully, it exceeded all expectations.
Rich has a history of creating remarkable vehicles, having worked on nearly every Porsche 911 model, from the early classics to the modern 991, with a 968 thrown in for good measure.
His previous air-cooled Porsche 911 project garnered multiple awards for its custom touches, including a raised floor, bespoke front chassis, and unique interior.
“I acquired the Ferrari as an upgrade from my Porsches and also to tackle a new project,” Rich reminisces. “As a car restoration enthusiast, I was looking for a challenging endeavor, and the [328] fit the bill perfectly.”
While the Ferrari appears flawless now, it had endured years of neglect, questionable modifications, and storage in an abandoned state. A previous owner attempted to mimic the styling of the 288 GTO, cutting vents into the rear quarters before dismantling the car for parts and leaving it to languish in a barn.
“After a three-year search, I stumbled upon it. It was destined for the scrapyard if not for its distinguishing yellow badge. The car had suffered significant damage to its front and rear ends,” Rich explains. “Originally black, my preferred color, and reportedly one of only 54 in this configuration.”
The exterior now gleams with a flawless black paint finish and bespoke rear arch flares that seamlessly integrate with the car’s original design.
With a background in design, Rich’s career as a creative director has profoundly influenced his approach to building. The unique mirrors are his own design, perfectly aligned with the slanted front wings to ground stance. “I opted for real carbon mirrors for their efficiency over Kevlar, not to mention they look more appealing than yellow ones,” he remarks.
The carbon fiber elements are exclusive to the Ferrari, with the remaining components made of carbon-Kevlar. Notably, the initial indication of the lightweight and durable composite material are the side air intakes, and the deeper you delve inside the vehicle, the more prominent the yellow pattern becomes.
The aspect I admire the most about this vehicle is its wheels: authentic magnesium BBS E19s sourced from a Ferrari F40 LM, finished in an elegant white gold satin coat. The original coarse finish of the magnesium is still visible, a detail that I particularly appreciate. These wheels make up one of four sets that Rich owns for this car.
Affirming the Italian lineage of the vehicle, Rich opted for a Gucci color scheme to enhance the project and introduce variation to the all-black theme. The seat belts, door handles, and fire extinguisher strap all sport Gucci’s iconic green and red hues.
The engine has been maintained in its original state, apart from a customized intake, a tune-up, and a Larini exhaust system to amplify the voice of the 3.2-liter V8.
“The car uses an air suspension system, allowing me to drive as low as desired, a level that always feels inadequate,” Rich mentions. Positioned behind the engine in the rear compartment is the air tank for the suspension system, tailored with ribbed black leather to match the seating.
Rich’s Ferrari may not be the most performance-oriented vehicle I’ve showcased, yet as an automotive object of desire, it is simply breathtaking. It’s a rarity to encounter fully customized builds from ‘visionaries’ in current times, and I’m captivated by the distinct thought process behind the end product.
“The car’s form is striking, yet its beauty eluded me initially. I barely captured its image due to its unattractive appearance; now it deserves a place on a wall,” remarked Rich.
Having secured the ‘Best in Show’ accolade at Cromford Mills, I am compelled to concur.
Mario Christou
Instagram: mcwpn
mariochristou.world
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