The project to create a new version of the iconic Stratos has been delayed after Ferrari reportedly refused Pininfarina permission to create the proposed limited run of production cars.

Pininfarina designed and built a one-off version of the Stratos based on Ferrari mechanicals for German automotive parts company boss Michael Stoschek last year. The car was extremely well received – our own John Barker loved it – and even Ferrari’s president Luca di Montezemolo drove it. 

The prototype Stratos is based on a shortened version of the Ferrari 430 Scuderia’s chassis and powered by the same 4.3-litre V8 engine. Other mechanical components were also shared with the Ferrari, including the Manettino system, ceramic brakes and an F1-style paddle shift for the automated manual transmission.
 

However, despite considerable interest from potential buyers, a statement on the project’s website, www.new-stratos.com, reads that: 

‘Pininfarina has advised us that they will only carry out construction of a limited run  with the express permission of Ferrari. Despite Ferrari  president Luca di Montezemelo’s excellent assessment of the New Stratos after his test drive at Fiorano, Ferrari does not consent to construction of the planned limited run by either Pininfarina or any other Ferrari-dependent suppliers. Appropriate contacts are being made.’

Unless a new development partner is found – and one prepared to risk the wrath of Ferrari - the new Stratos could become one of the great ‘what if’ supercars.