This reimagined 250 GT SWB is from England

Always wanted a Ferrari 250 GT SWB but haven’t got a) tens of millions of quid or b) legs or feet small enough to safely or comfortably operate Sixties pedals? Well step this way, towards the RML Short Wheelbase. The Northants-based creators of the bonkers Nissan Juke R have turned their hand to pretty restomods.

Underneath the skin – a modern interpretation of the 250 GT’s famously pretty lines – lies the 5.5-litre V12 engine and six-speed open-gate manual from a Nineties Ferrari 550 Maranello.

Its 478bhp and 419lb ft whisk the Short Wheelbase’s 1,470 kilos to 62mph in 4.1secs and onto a 185mph top speed. RML claims it wasn’t aiming for supercar performance, but we’d argue it’s got pretty close. This car slices half a second from the heavier 550’s 0-62 time, for instance.

“The Short Wheelbase was never conceived to compete, Top Trumps-style, with a typical supercar’s acceleration or top speed,” says RML chief exec Michael Mallock.

“Our car takes a step back from that, and while it’s certainly rapid, our emphasis has always been on capturing a more organic driving experience, with less intervention and more useable performance, while still making it comfortable and convenient enough for people to enjoy regularly on modern roads.”

The bodywork is carbonfibre and the seats are electric, showing this is no attempt at recreating the original 250 GT’s make-up, rather reimagining it for today. The upshot is anyone 6ft6 or below will apparently slot comfortably inside. If the taller amongst you attempted to drive an original you’d be inventing new yoga positions just to ensure both your hands and feet meet the vital controls. There’s also nav, air con, smartphone link-up and – the peak of in-car entertainment – actual cupholders.

Further details – such as the all-important price – haven’t yet been revealed. But the Short Wheelbase will have a short run, too, RML planning to build 30. Fancy one?