With the aesthetics of a concept car and the heart of one of the marque’s most illustrious racecars, the Ferrari KC23 was created for a singular customer. Commissioned through the Special Projects programme, the track-only toy comes from the imagination of one of Ferrari’s most passionate collectors.
You’ll also enjoy:
The Ferrari Roma Spider Goes Topless
Porsche Lifts The Lid On the 718 RS With Spyder Version
This Lovingly Restored 1966 Ferrari 330 GTC Exudes Old-World Charm
Prioritising efficiency and performance over homologation, the track-only monolith is underpinned by classic racecar architecture. Under the skin, the KC23 borrows from the 488 GT3 Evo 2020; arguably the most successful car in the marque’s history, it’s racked up over 530 victories and 119 championship wins since its debut in 2016. The extreme chassis and suspension setup is driven by an equally dynamic mid-rear-mounted 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 with an output of 591 hp and 516 ft-lbs of torque.
Its layout and chassis are also informed by the 488 GT3 Evo 2020, with unique visual cues taking it into the future. Sophisticated bodywork is characterised by sinuous forms that contribute to a sleek, monolithic appearance. Offering a glimpse into the possibilities of supercars of the future, the KC23 also sees the glass surfaces, light clusters, and core lines of the 488 GT3 Evo 2020 redesigned. The reimagined rear lights are inspired by the Ferrari Vision Gran Turismo and feature methacrylate light blades and come to life when the engine is turned on.
On the track, the motorised air intakes and dramatic removable rear wing demand attention. The clamshell hood contributes to the KC23’s monolithic appearance, with the removal of just two pins allowing the front to be inspected. Vertically opening butterfly doors nod to the LeFerrari supercar, while the interior is racecar purism at its best; pared-back with the exception of door panels and a dashboard finish on the passenger side.
Naturally, the Ferrari KC23 features bespoke paintwork, in the form of a four-layer aluminium livery in Gold Mercury. The liquid metal paint responds to the sunlight, giving off a luminous gleam.
While Special Programme cars are not typically shown to the public, this passionate Ferrari collector was keen to share his creation with the world, with the KC23 displayed at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Words by John Deckard