Crafted for Collectors: Behind the Wheel of Ferrari's 296 Speciale

"Powering the Ferrari 296 Speciale onto the straight of the company's Fiorano circuit in Italy, feeling the mad rush and mathematical precision of this 868-horsepower hybrid supercar, I'm reminded why collectors jostle for pole position when Ferrari announces a new Special Series model. Beginning in 2003 with the 360 Challenge Stradale, and continuing with modern classics such as the 458 Speciale, Ferrari has regularly dangled a faster, more race-bred version of the mid-engined coupes and convertibles that have forged the company's modern reputation."

"That 296 GTB turned out to be one of history's quickest rear-drive cars. The Speciale is faster, with a 2.5-second sprint to 60 mph, and a quarter-mile in roughly 9.5 seconds at 154 mph. It sparks a bold claim from company executives and engineers: the 296 Speciale was expressly designed to be the most fun-to-drive Ferrari, in objective metrics such as longitudinal-and-lateral acceleration, responsive braking and pure, unfiltered handling. It's a car these proud parents, including the company's revered test drivers, declare a favored child."

"Unsurprisingly, Ferrari is limiting face time with its talented baby. The company vetted only existing owners to presell an unspecified production run, with prices starting at around $475,000. Sources estimate Ferrari produced about 3,500 488 Pista cars, a previous Special Series, between 2018 and 2020. US buyers will see initial Speciale coupes in early 2026, followed by Speciale A convertibles, with US pricing not yet released."

The 296 Speciale is an 868-horsepower hybrid Special Series variant of the 296 GTB that combines a V6 engine with an electric motor located between the engine and dual-clutch transmission. The model follows a lineage of Ferrari Speciale cars dating back to the 360 Challenge Stradale and aims to deliver race-bred performance in a road car. Performance targets include a 2.5-second 0-60 mph time and a roughly 9.5-second quarter-mile at about 154 mph. Ferrari restricted sales to vetted existing owners, set starting prices near $475,000, and plans U.S. coupe deliveries in early 2026 with convertibles to follow.

Read at Elite Traveler