Ferrari 296 GTB: defining fun to drive - Ferrari.com
I like the 296 GTB but that fish mouth nose kind of it ruins it. Can't help but think of pulling the hook out of a trout's mouth while fishing. Another "Car Story" cartoon nose, and after the wonderful Monza SP1 and 2 and Roma noses that is surprising.
I've been reading all the design comments on the 296 in all the 296 threads. Talk about cheap entertainment. I love reading all the commentary, from fire Manzoni, to the 296 is the greatest Ferrari ever. Quite a spread.
My favorite was reading the comments in the "Little Brother" thread where certain people were criticizing the design while the camo was still on ! Overall I do like the 296.
Image Unavailable, Please Login Ferrari 296 Design Critique: Ferrari went conservative on this "small Ferrari. Here's my take from each angle. FRONT: Looks very wide on propose.No hint of chrome Surprisingly no hood vents of any kind to offer character, a la GTC/4. And no creases (take that--Corvette stylists!) Headlights have a half lidded "mystery" look, but fortunately don't try too hard to attract attention. hey resisted the temptation tom glitz up the grille mesh a la Lexus LC500 REAR: Taillights still look like some forgotten Chevy, but unusual is how high the exhaust pipes are--you wonder if all countries will approve this more in-your-face heighth? In publicity pictures rear deck center looks like different color than rest of body. Rear view is much more macho with much stronger masculine looking than the front. Rear undertray panels look very added-on-later by being gloss black. What's the vent for down there? SIDE: Again tame, and soft compared to many past Ferraris. I think it's a move away from sharp edged lines because those "date" a car quickly. A nod to their rich racing history is the big side scoop resembles the 1964 Ferrari 250LM.Too bad outside rear view mirrors can't be done away with (replaced by TV cameras) because they really intrude on beauty of the flwoing shape of the side view. Top bad there's a curve to the back that still allows the rear taillights to be glimpsed from side because that removes an opportunity to copy the 250LM rear half side view. OVERALL This is a smart move for Ferrari, going as conservative as the front-engined Roma, as too many of their previous mid-engine models had design cues (scoops, vents, etc.) which added that look-of-the-moment but date the design too fast (anybody remember the strakes on the side of the Testarossa? Even a Pininfarina family member admitted to me they shouldn't have gone there). This design, by being another in their hybrid future, represents a conservative direction in mid-engined but still manages to have some good old nostalgic design cues. I can't tell it if has a removable roof but cutlines hint it does. Love to hear differing opinions.... I'll post my first painting of it when I get it done... Image Unavailable, Please Login
It wouldn't hurt for him to consider his thoughts for a few days.... ' I haven't seen theses(tail lights) before'; hmmm...maybe think waaay back to Roma? 'I prefer the roof on the 458/488' but, I want to see those cool Dino buttresses '; hummm... maybe you can try and show us how that might happen? After all, you are the SKETCH monkey, no?? Personally, I think SKM has had his 15 minutes...
Nice analysis. As I mentioned I like the car overall. The fish nose is less attractive than the SP1 and 2 and Roma but still pretty well executed. Very sleek looking car. This is the 4th best car they have done in the last 15 years in my opinion. SP1/2 Monza is best followed by the Roma and then the La Ferrari FXX-K with the 458 5th.
Am I the only one who thinks this looks like an Italian Corvette rather than a Ferrari? The tech & performance sounds great, but I can't say I find the exterior design very interesting and, if anything, it feels a bit dated IMVHO. (with the exception of some details on the rear end)
I think you should have mentioned the car that inspired the 296, which is the LM 250. To not mention it says to me you may not be aware of the connection. Image Unavailable, Please Login
Also, to slightly contradict myself. It hit me that its called the 296 because its an homage to the 196. Now, the 196 and the LM 250 are very similar stylistically, and frankly i still see more 250 than 196. But i think Ferrari calling it the 296 says it all. https://www.*************/blog/1963-ferrari-196-sp/ Image Unavailable, Please Login
