Tastefully Modernised: the Touring Superleggera Veloce 12

To create it, Touring Superleggera took a Ferrari 550 Maranello, increased its power, retained the manual gearbox, and evolved the styling. The most significant changes have been made to the front end, now defined by a larger, more aggressive grille, a deeper air intake, and sharper headlights – although the clusters do remind me of the Porsche Taycan. You can still tell it’s based on a Ferrari, but it’s been modernised just enough. The DNA of the 550 is clearly visible among the reshaped carbon fibre panels. In my eyes, the Veloce 12 strikes the perfect balance between aggression and elegance.

Beneath the long bonnet sits a 5.5-litre naturally aspirated V12 producing 496bhp and 560lb ft (760Nm) of torque. It dispatches 0–60mph in 4.4 seconds and runs on to 199mph. The best part is what happens at the top of the rev range – instead of pulling a paddle, you get to operate a glorious six-speed gated manual with a clutch pedal.

Before any cars are built, Touring Superleggera ensures the donor engines receive a comprehensive overhaul. Components such as the gaskets, spark plugs, cooling system and alternator are all upgraded – but I’ve saved the best bit for last. To help liberate more from the V12, Touring collaborated with Supersprint Exhausts on a freer-flowing system that helps the engine sing through the rev range.

Despite the modest 25bhp power increase, outright pace isn’t the headline here. The torque is plentiful – and more importantly, it’s the sound and sensation that matter. It’s about engagement, not excess.

The carbon fibre body also conceals significant suspension and chassis upgrades. The original setup is gone, replaced by a bespoke arrangement from TracTive featuring adjustable dampers. Combined with a reinforced chassis, the Veloce 12’s underpinnings have been brought up to modern standards without compromising the grand touring ethos.

Happily, the current obsession with massive touchscreen dashboards has been avoided. Instead, the Veloce 12 showcases beautifully machined metal climate controls, a clean centre console, and of course, the iconic gated shifter. The rest of the cabin has been retrimmed in fresh leather. My favourite touch? The stitched silhouette of the car between the seats – subtle, but a true mark of class.

Naturally, there’s a cost. Excluding the donor 550, the Veloce 12 starts at £568,400 – rising to around £620,000 with the donor included. That’s considerably more than the 550’s spiritual successor, the new 12Cilindri. Normally, I find prices in this field difficult to justify.

In this case, though, if you already own a 550, the value proposition is surprisingly strong. Each Veloce 12 takes around 5,000 hours to build – and that level of craftsmanship makes a compelling case. Touring Superleggera plans to make just 30 cars.

More than a reimagining, this feels like Touring building the 550 Maranello as if it were designed today. There’s no mistaking the source material – the powertrain and chassis are unmistakably Ferrari – but the execution preserves everything that made the 550 great. For owners of the original, it’s a rare chance to reimagine a modern classic without erasing its soul.