SP40 Restomod
ari da silva
30 minutes does not a proper supercar test-drive make. A legit evaluation takes place over time and includes street experience, parking, weather and getting in and out of the can unscathed unless you are a tiny, young human, which I am not.
And yet, the mission was clear.
“SP40 Restomod will be in Los Angeles May 18-22 offering drive impressions of their recently debuted SP40 Speedster,” read the email. “Paying tribute to the legendary 1934 Model 40, SP40 has designed every detail to echo Edsel Ford’s refined sophistication in taste and his belief that an automobile could be both a machine and a work of art.”
No, not that Edsel, thank you - not the grandson who laid the famous egg in 1958 by releasing the ill-fated vehicle bearing his name. The Edsel we’re talking about was Henry’s own boy, a successful businessman, designer and philanthropist who died in 1943.
SP$ Restomod
ari da silva
And furthermore:
“Designed with a focus on lightweight construction, balanced performance, and bespoke craftsmanship, the SP40 reflects a modern interpretation of classic automotive principles, where engineering supports both beauty and driving experience without compromise.”
I had a look at the photos. Someone will clobber me, but the first thing I thought of was Plymouth/Chrysler Prowler.
Plymouth Prowler was displayed in the opening Ceremony of Hong Kong's Premier Motor Celebration at Golden Coast Yacht and Country Club in Tuen Mun. 29SEP16 SCMP / Edward Wong (Photo by Edward Wong/South China Morning Post via Getty Images)
South China Morning Post via Getty Images
The difference stops there, of course. The Prowler was a $42,000 (at the time) toy, unfit for the track or rough roads, rain or snow. If you want an SP40, you’ll have to commit to the $560,000 they are asking, depending on trims and options. There will be only 40 made.
Challenge accepted, I arrived in a Malibu Starbucks parking lot and was greeted by the two guys who started the company, Argentinians Francisco Orden and Arturo Arrebillaga, who had been pals since early childhood.
“We didn't go to the same class, but we knew each other from age 6 or 7. We started just hanging together,” said Arturo. “We had the same interest in cars. That's where we started.” A degree in Industrial engineering and a masters in finance followed, but something was missing.
“We reconnected when we were both 35,” Fran said. “I mean, we saw each other sporadically through the years, but not frequently, you know? We met up at a barbecue with friends, we started chatting and we said, “Let's do this.”
There’s more to the story, of course, but the drive is the thing, no?
My first seat time took place as a passenger, my least favored spot, and my host downshifted and blasted us to the point of drowning conversation and me not wearing my seatbelt because I’d gotten fed up with the two men attempting to adjust the Sparco 4-point harness, using a tape measure.
SP$ Restomod
Manufacturer
Then it was my turn.
It seemed at first that we were “all over the road” until I realized that’s the way the unit handles, and you can control it and enjoy it immensely. The same goes for the steering which reminded me of some of the vintage Fords I’ve piloted with their fat wheels and direct-to-the-tires steering. I didn’t know I even had power steering until I asked Arturo, who said yes.
SP$ Restomod
ari da silva
I cruised, I swerved, I stopped with a heavy foot with my Brembo brakes and we rolled over a few miles, the Pacific ocean our guide. Here is where it became pure pleasure. This portion of the test reminded me of that buttery-purr motorcycles make where you do not need music and you certainly don’t want talk of any kind, just you and the road
Verdict? A stunning achievement - two thumbs-up. Will deep-pocket enthusiasts pay over 500K for it?
“We’ve got one customer so far,” Arturo said. “A Pagani owner.”
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