Driving the RML SWB: A Tribute to the $8M Ferrari 250 GT SWB | Henry Catchpole - The Driver's Seat
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- čas přidán 5. 12. 2023
- The initials RML may not be very familiar, although the initials SWB no doubt will be. The former stand for Ray Mallock Limited while the latter, of course, stand for Short Wheelbase and are most commonly associated with a Ferrari 250 GT, which this restomod (if it is a restomod) takes its inspiration from. However, this car actually started life as a hypercar… let us explain.
Most of RML’s work over the last 40 years has been undertaken on behalf of other people: things like Aston Martin and Bizzarini continuation cars, some championship-winning World and British Touring Cars, the McLaren Senna GTR, the Nio EP9 and the Nissan ZEOD RC which was the Garage 56 entry at Le Mans in 2014 - all have emerged from the RML workshops. But Michael Mallock (Ray’s son, who now runs the company) wanted something for RML to really call its own.
The logical thing was to design a Top Trumps car with wild numbers. A hypercar to take on a Koenigsegg Jesko, McLaren Solus or Aston Martin Valkyrie. But after a while Mallock realised that wasn’t the sort of car that he wanted to create. He wanted something that was modern but beautiful like a ‘60s GT and something that was engaging to drive at any speed. Thus the RML SWB was born from the underpinnings of a Ferrari 550 Maranello.
Just 30 will be produced, each one costing £1.35million plus taxes, and each will be a tactile delight, with an open gate six-speed manual gearbox, a naturally aspirated V12 and a cabin full of beautifully wrought metal switchgear. Ohlins dampers underneath and carbon bodywork up top complete the picture.
Of course you won’t see a Ferrari badge on the outside or inside of the car, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t any heritage associated with the RML badges. You see the Mallock name has its own story and in this film we take a look at the fascinating life of Arthur Mallock, one of motor racing’s true unsung heroes. It’s a story that involves some Meccano, the official secrets act and Max Mosley.
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These negative comments make no sense. He critiques the company that afforded him the chance to drive it-lightly reprimanded the foolishness of £1.6m retromods, while celebrating the artistry that made them. Henry is integrous, clever, and a master wordsmith. This wasn’t an advert, it was a chance to create art and tell a story he felt needed telling. Much more Henry, we LOVE your work.
You sir have commented in the same vein as Henry portrayed this car.
I dont see any🤔
Yeah what are you talking about... what negative comments...
@jonathansemacedo158
If a bit beyond your time, try your best to read Chris Harris and Harris when they were a part of Harry Metcalfe’s EVO.
Some of the best automotive reading.
For me mainly the rims that are too big are weird looking.
Out of anybody in the world, I think Henry would be one of the few who would be qualified to straight up make that new classification for this car. Great review, as always.
Loved the idea and honesty of the ceo. Stepping away from hypercar project to something this amazing, earns him respect. Thank you so much
Modern brand New car with 60's styling is definition of perfection
The effort and passion you pour into your channel is evident in every video😀
Every time I see a video with Henry I already know it's going to be a good one! Love him❤
God Bless Arthur Mallock - fantastic video.
So beautiful… I had the chance to take that 550 platform in a 2001 Maranello back in 2002 up a highway in Colorado to 174mph (before fear kicked-in). Gated gearbox sounded just as good back then, too…
This was a fantastic bit of art and story telling. I am so very pleased to have found this channel.
This Reviwe, especially the end was just brilliant and inspiriring. Also filmed and skripted so nice. Thank you for those minutes to enjoy your Video-Work. Greets from Germany!
I’d rather have this than a modern super car. A track car is a different thing.
Barring a GMA car, I would agree.
But I would go for a similar one to this one, with more revs - It was a bit quiet and detuned too much.
@@barath4545 Ah. Yes on the GMA. Which essentially, is a 60’s car. Give me the T33.
Retro Rebuild. It just sounds better. Massive props to RML for rebuilding an iconic car and maintaining its spirit.
Literally thinking it sounded like my old E46 M3 and then 30 seconds later you said it too.
My question is: why part with an E46 M3? I’m considering getting one.
Henry, It's my opinion that you are the finest auto journalist of the CZcams era. As for your call for a new word to describe... this, I'm going to venture "Retromage."
Great comparison with the Fuji camera, retronod really works as well! Great content as always!
Thank you for that piece of history! There were a lot of moving parts to the automotive racing culture of yesterday that helped fuel the road cars for the masses of today. I look at the 2001 Miata sitting in my garage, which was a soul successor to the Lotus Elan, which in turn was designed to embody Colin Chapman's revered designed philosophy for the common-man, drenched in racing know-how. All these men and women who were inspired to drive, inspired to race, to build, inspired to teach and pass on. We have many to thank for the smiles we earn behind the wheel of our favourite sports cars.
Wow! the fit and finish of the cabin is just amazing! (not sure about the wheel choice) but other than that, well done RML...
Yea I'm trying to make up my mind on the wheels. Look a little too big but overall I think I dig em. At least its the wire look.
Actually, look at 1:58 on the driver door panel at the top, that leather is all warped and uneven. Hmmm
@@MattH-wg7ou yep its terrible.
@@JBOsurf Wheels and steering wheel are in bad taste , no bumpers make the car even more impractical
@@philreynolds6018 Practicality is not the design goal. Some sort of bumperettes could be added, as with the originals, but their protection would be minimal. In the day of the original 250 GTs there were no Federal bumper rules, you were expected to avoid accidents and mind where you parked. My first car was a 1963 Alfa Romeo Sprint, it had bumpers but they were lower than those on American cars, the grill took the hits more than once.
Really interesting video, and perfect conclusion.
Beautiful car and excellent film and review as always, thank you Henry.
Another awesome one Henry and crew!
This looks amazing. Those headlights and that grill. Wow
Absolutely lovely. And what a soundtrack!
Stunning! I love the contemporary-classic design philosophy.
Great film Henry. I remember the 550 once won the car of the decade or something in EVO. I always wondered how good one could be made with some contemporary upgrades and a good setup. Around 500bhp and manual gear box is the sweet spot for a road car.
Purest perfection. Perfect proportions up to the headlights. Technique, colors, wheels, sound. That's what real drivers capable of driving manual gearboxes want! Gordon Murray will like it, too ;).
GM would no doubt love the styling but you have to agree that 1700kg is far too heavy and messes up the proportions
Less of a Second it toke me to click & watch this visual “eye-gasm” presentation of skillful talented Mr. Catchpole !
Thank you & awaiting more to come ;)
Fantastic video, so great to see you local to me. RML group are incredible car builders👏👏😎😎😎😎
It is so cool to see so many of these really high-end drivers resto-mods being built! (I know this one isn't a resto-mod but you know what I mean...)
That is a stunning car. Very well done putting this sort of form and function before the raw numbers hype of the new super cars..
This has to be one of those cars that makes you step out of it and pinch yourself Henry. Honestly, it is completely stunning.
I'am simply amazed... Enyou watching and listening to this man's video...
I wish Ferrari would make a car just like this, with a manual gear box in its iconica series. It also seems like a very similiar approach to the one taken with the lancia stratos remake.
Yeah, like an old school analog Roma. It’s a great chassis with good potential if setup right with a manual transmission and aggressive springs/dampers.
But the poseurs who buy them won't be able to drive a manual Ferrari.
It'd be really nice, but if Ferrari actually reproduced the 250 SWB it would literally diminish the value of the entire brand. Ferrari is a brand steeped in history. If they reproduce a 250 SWB, the value of every single 250 SWB would plunge in value. It would destroy the company. They'd have to do something more akin to the SP3 to do it successfully, but that wouldn't have the character of a car like this.
It wouldn’t pass regulations
The T50 seems to pass new regulations with a manual box@@stevemiller1626
Absolutely stunning car and stunning video
Thanks for the RML history lesson. I truly love this car and brand that much more!
Just stunning...I would buy this over one of those, "hey look at me" hypercars any day!
Brilliant video!
Every time I see a classic car with updated parts and modification. It reminds me to be careful what I believe in and the lifestyle I live. Just because I'm getting older doesn't mean I have to get sick and physically weak.
You make great content, both video and text, I always follow and enjoy what you do with great pleasure. Thanks, currently reading ECOTY
This is my future car. I couldn't believe the title and thumbnail for this video! I have literally never heard anyone talk about this company or this car! I had decided several years ago that this car IS my bucket list. A car with a soul!
"Takes its inspiration" could be considered a mild understatement. You can say it - it's almost a direct style replication... and we LOVE it!!
I love the mechanical symphony of the gear shift and engine rumble
A classic from when Ferrari was really something special.👍👍
BEAUTIFULLY shot! 🙌
Subscribed, what a great presenter and production quality 😊
Absolutely stunning.
It’s sounds vintage ass well.
Suprised about the negative comments. Enjoyed the video as I have enjoyed all the Catchpole videos, can actually not think of a single one that disappointed. Henry is so gifted taking one with him on the ride, very enjoyable. Thank you for the excellent work Henry. Just surprised that Ferrari doesn't have a negative say about this, which to me would be more than understandable.
Great video fantastic car ...thanks 😊
I thought this was a very eloquent and informative review. The car is a dream.
Abosolute stunning creation 👍👍👍👍👍
The cars design specially the interior is beautiful. Its breathtaking
Ferrari 250 gto is my dream car , great vid.
Thank you Harry. A truly beautiful documentary. And your call for a top notch chassis for a mundane price especially touching. Would love to build up something lightweight for the road, but current offerings are both under performing and grossly overpriced.
Perfect car! You can use all the gears and it is set up for easier driving with the slightly softer suspension. That is a boutique car.
Lol, "Retro Nod" is cool, we need more "Retro Nod" designs perhaps, that is a real tasteful design and delivery upon that design, Winning!!!
Fantastic, love all of it. Nearly perfect, but seems way heavier than it should be.
Fantastic. Good business plan too. Wish RML all the best
Resto nod must be a thing!
Great video. Good job!
These are really cool, I found out about them around a year ago after seeing one on a Car Show Video in the background and going on a Google investigation!
That's a stunning car
Watching Henry describe the cars he drives is great. Starting watching Carfection a long time ago…my favourite video is the one where he drives the GT3 911 with the manual box
Very great looking car, such good lines and model.
Its not a car, its art
What a car! I love the 550 and knowing that’s what’s underneath makes it even more incredible. On your final point,Imagine they did something with mk1/2 mx5 chassis.
Hmmmm🧐👍😀
you don't need to do much to those, they're already amazing
"Modern-Legend" or perhaps "Hero-mod"?
What a fine machine, it has everything...who wouldn't want one.
A perfect Ferrari project!
1000 kg small v8 around 350 HP ,manual, pure raw driving pleasure 😊
RML is the GOAT.The car reviewed in this video is a true bargain.If ypu have that reasonable amount of cash for a hand taylored supercar..dont miss this chance!!
Absolute perfection as always with Henry C
Sounds pretty good💕
This car is beautiful wow
Beautiful!
I get that Alain de Cadenet Victory By Design vibe when I watch a Henry Catchpole video. Pure art.
I think "retronod" is a good term. It's something that could probably be applied well to less boutique cars as well that go for an older aesthetic or feel while still being modern and up-to-date.
"Retromod"...I like it
The RML is gorgeous!
The RML is also in the category of completely out of reach. Damn I want one.
Stunning!
Brilliant and Desirable!!!!
What a breathtaking thing!
It's a beautiful interpretation of a classic design, but the width and 1700kg seem like a letdown. I'm eager to see how the T.33 compares when released, as it's a compact >1100KG reference to the 60's with all the analog and tactile goodies.
I would honestly prefer the 250 revival by gto engineering. it is around 1100kg, looks slightly better imo, got an actually good interpretation of the interior and is also slightly cheaper at around 850,000 pounds
@@pranavp8709 Looks great!
Sometimes I wonder, my great grandfather was from the same era of the big ones like this, he lived in a small town in rural Brazil, a place where opportunities just dont exist especially at that time, if you werent a farmer, you were nothing, yet he was a huge gear head and literally built many cars on his own without any help, Im not even sure if that little town had any cars back then, but that never went anywhere, he inherited the familys sawmill and passed away at an young age. If a couple of things happened differently, or if he was born in a different place, he would be certainly a name remembered by many in this automotive world, he was insane. It's saddening to think that many stories like this, many amazing people never got a chance to shine because of unfortunate situations
If you park it across two parking spaces, you are a retronob. Fantastic car!
P.S.: Neo-classic is the word you are looking for, Henry. 8:26
Wouldnt that be for the newer generation of classic cars? Idk when I read neo-classic I think of something like the 90s jdm heros. Future classics
@@chonglers1513 Perhaps it's time to redefine that term then. It literally means "new classic," which is exactly what these designs are.
The word you're looking for is pastiche.
How about "Improved-classic"@@chonglers1513
As an owner of a very nice JDM classic, they are known as Modern Classics here in AUS@@chonglers1513
I like it. The moment I opened this video I thought “yes that’s a lovely looking body” if my next car budget would stretch to 500k I would be very tempted, (despite being very happy with my current eleven year old 1.0 Focus that is perfect for numerous daily school runs for my grand kids).
Fabulous, fabulous car.
Superior craftsmanship
thanks Henry!
Reminds me of the Dan Gurney story, maybe not as many race accolades but still a pioneer who reached back to bring others up as he climbed. Great video, and take on what’s still being cooked up by race car engineers.
And Dan Gurney invented the Champagne spraying after winning a race :)
Le Mans 1967, what a legend.
Brilliant and beautiful.
RML, DLS... they are the wet dreams of us car people who are obsessed with the joy of driving and connecting to every mechanical part of a car possible.
That car is beautiful!
That car is absolutely beautiful
Love your podcasts on these cars, the 50&60s English Jags and Ferrari’s shapes were the best just if you could ask Carrol Shelby, keep up the good work.😊🇨🇦
Love the DB4 GT Zagato like profile.
It’s a very pretty car in an uncommon colour
We can take a page out of motorcycles and call it a "Retro Classic"
now that's stunning
That's a gorgeous car...
That or a Veyron.....thats a nobrainer, absolutely stunning piece of work and its just sounds fantastic, imidiately hit the number one spot on my dream cars list.
The price is outrageous, but it is automotive perfection!
Love the X100 mention.
Stunning car.
Great looking car to my eye, so nearly 'right' considering it's wrapped around a 550, but I was out at that price. I don't doubt the thorough engineering that must be within (but that wasn't really discussed), but I could populate a very decent dream garage with those funds.