Marking 30 years of the presence of the Prancing Horse In the Gulf, Ferrari releases six regionally themed 296 GTBs.
The cars pay homage to the Gulf Nations – United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman and share a unique livery and interior treatment, with each model boasting an individualised exterior colour
The cars were unveiled at the Casa Ferrari event in Abu Dhabi, coinciding with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, to mark the milestone anniversary of 30 years in the Middle East. Six special Maranello clutches have also been created, inspired by the six Ferrari 296 GTBs.
Giorgio Turri, General Manager of Ferrari Middle East, said: “As we celebrate three decades of our presence in the Middle East, the outstanding six one-of-a-kind, highly customised 296 GTBs pay homage to the Gulf Nations, where we are so very proud to have forged strong connections and garnered such appreciation and passion. Every element of these cars has been designed taking inspiration from the six Gulf Countries, appreciating their unique spirit and personality. This creation serves to strengthen our bond with clients in the region, fostering an emotional connection to those that call the Middle East home.”
The cars present a unique palette of highly distinctive metallic colours, with the livery incorporating an original matte colour never used before, Arabian Golden Sheen. The striking and original tone has been specially created to represent the reflection of sunlight on desert sands and extends to the model’s roof, rims and spoiler, as well as being used to gracefully depict the name of each country in Arabic calligraphy on the engine cover.
Bold, spectacular and visually arresting are the best words to describe the body colour palette. The UAE’s magnificent pearlescent white reflects its rich history and deep-rooted connection to the pearl diving tradition, meanwhile, the vibrant green of Saudi Arabia draws inspiration from the lush beauty of its oases, representing life, growth and resilience in the heart of the desert. Kuwait’s metallic brown celebrates its natural landscapes symbolising warmth, strength and timeless elegance. For Qatar, a deep, dark red captures the strength, pride and the enduring spirit of its people. Bahrain’s metallic black, flecked with gold, evokes the mystery and allure of its nightscape, a tribute to the elegance of starlit evenings. Finally, Oman’s deep, metallic blue mirrors the enchanting beauty of its seas and coastline, embodying tranquility, depth and natural allure.
The interior incorporates new materials inspired by and dedicated to the Middle East. Being fitted with Beige Honolulu leather coupled with Gold Metallic leather, the seats and lower door panels boast a diamond stitched design, showcasing a sporty and elegant combination. The Gold Metallic leather is characterised by a translucent surface that makes it glow and is used for the seat inserts and a part of the carpeting from the central tunnel, below the seats and onto the rear luggage shelf. For the first time on this model, the front luggage compartment is upholstered in leather.
In true Ferrari style, attention to detail remains paramount; the Prancing Horse depiction on the headrests and the logo have been embroidered using a special glossy gold thread with a metallic effect, elegant and striking finesse befitting a unique commemorative masterpiece. The addition of the Satin Gold plating of the H-shaped gearshift gate in the central tunnel is the ultimate reminder of the significance and uniqueness of six cars that mark this extraordinary anniversary with unedited exclusivity.
Giorgio Turri adds: “As the region continues to grow and prosper, we see a very bright future for Ferrari in the Middle East region. The attributes of technological advancement, imaginative innovation and a quest for excellence are common to the brand and the Gulf nations, and we look forward to a continued journey of prosperity and success as we embark on our fourth decade in this great area of opportunity and ambition.”
Such is the significance of these six exclusive 296 GTBs that they have inspired the creation of six one-of-a-kind Maranello clutches. These accessories are characterised by the iconic designs of the Ferrari car silhouettes – a symbol of Made in Italy craftsmanship, attention to detail and artisanal excellence.