Ares Design first came on our radar screens when they announced that they would be channeling the fantastically retro DeTomaso Pantera (they’ve called it the Panther) by fashioning it from a Lamborghini Huracan.
Based in Milan and helmed by former Lotus CEO Dany Bahar, Ares also dabbles in other less extreme homage projects, such as a bespoke Benz G-Class, a Corvette Stingray resto-mod, and a Targa version of the Porsche 911 GT3.
Now, the modern coachbuilder is turning its attention to Ferrari. Specifically, to resurrect the 412 from the 1980s. It’s one of the Italian marque’s most famous designs, having evolved from the 365 GT4 from 1972, with the 412 being the final iteration before the far more modern 456 was introduced.
If these sketches are to be believed as faithful representations of the future recreation, there’s much indeed to be excited about seeing. They’ve kept the basic proportions, classic five-spoke wheels, and circular tail lights (that the GTC4Lusso also has, incidentally). No pop-up headlights we can see, though, sadly.
The present-day equivalent of the 412 would be the GTC4Lusso, both being quite large V12-powered two-door four-seater grand tourers. Indeed, Ares does plan to use that car as a base upon which to place the hand built carbon fibre and aluminium 80s-inspired body.
Presumably, Ares will not choose to bother the car’s mechanicals if they can help it, even keeping the interior customisation to a minimum - we know how touchy Ferrari can be with their factory machines - which should mean that the 6.3-litre naturally V12 will remain with its 507kW and 700Nm. It’s also possible that Ares might offer the conversion for a V8-powered GTC4Lusso.
Either way, the classic looks will be paired to fittingly potent performance figures compared to the 412’s period 254kW. The car is also set to be quite a bit longer than the already lengthy GTC4Lusso with the addition of a proper boot over the donor car’s hatch design.
For more on Ferrari cars, check out our Showroom.
