RML And GTO Engineering Both Drop News On Their Separate Ferrari 250-Inspired Restomod Projects

The Ferrari 250 is one of the most rare, expensive and iconic vehicles in the world so it is pretty natural to inspire restomod builds.

Currently, two British firms are working on similar projects set to combine retro looks, high-quality materials, and modern technology – RML, with the Short Wheelbase that pays tribute to the 250 GT SWB, and GTO Engineering with the 250 GTO-inspired Squalo. Although totally independent, they issued a press release on their progress at the same time!

RML: The Short Wheelbase inches closer to production

Starting with the RML, the news about the Short Wheelbase is that the first body-in-white is ready to accept the chassis. The Wellingborough-based company said the finished car will have a maximum 0.25mm tooling tolerance, delivering “exceptional fit and finish”.

The RML Short Wheelbase will feature a carbon-fiber body based on a Ferrari 550-derived chassis with a different suspension setup. Under the bonnet, the naturally aspirated 5.5-liter V12 produces 478 hp (356 kW / 485 PS) that are sent to the rear axle through a six-speed manual gearbox.

Production is scheduled to start by the end of 2021, following a two-year development period, while deliveries are expected to commence in early 2022. Each of the 30 cars will take six months to complete, with the capability of up to six builds in process at the same time in order to meet demand.

GTO Engineering: A scale model on display

Moving on to the next 250-inspired project, the Sqalo by GTO Engineering is showcased at Goodwood Revival in the form of a detailed 1:2 scale model. This is the first time the final design of the car is shown to the public and visitors will be able to see the Squalo from up close between September 17 and 19.

The Twyford-based company is developing a clean-sheet design, bearing a close resemblance to the classic Ferrari. The Squalo will be based on a tubular chassis with high-strength aluminum subframes allowing for a sub-1,000 kg (2,205 pounds) weight. It will be powered by a bespoke naturally aspirated quad-cam V12 producing 460 hp (343 kW / 466 PS). A transaxle five-speed gearbox from Hewland with a limited-slip differential will send power to the rear wheels.

While we don’t have a launch date for the real-life hand-built model, GTO Engineering has the credibility of building and maintaining Ferrari road cars and racecars since 1991, so the end result will likely meet high standards.

As you can see in the dedicated galleries below, both models look great and we can’t wait to learn more about them. RML’s Short Wheelbase will probably be the first to be completed, but it would be really cool to see a direct comparison between this and GTO Engineering’s Squalo.

RML Short Wheelbase