The automotive world often finds itself captivated by the allure of the past, a sentiment that has fueled the burgeoning "restomod" movement. This trend sees enthusiasts and manufacturers alike breathing new life into classic automotive icons, blending their timeless aesthetics with cutting-edge performance and modern comforts. The latest entrant to this prestigious arena is the Iconic Auto Sports SP40 Restomod, a vehicle that, while possessing a distinctly vintage appearance, is an entirely new creation, paying homage to a very specific and significant piece of automotive history. This meticulously crafted machine is not merely a revival; it is a sophisticated reinterpretation, a bridge between eras, and a testament to the enduring legacy of automotive design and engineering.
At first glance, the SP40 Restomod might evoke a sense of nostalgia, conjuring images of classic speedsters from a bygone era. However, its true marvel lies in its genesis. This is not a restored vintage car; it is a brand-new automobile built from the ground up, inspired by the legendary 1934 Edsel Special Speedster. This unique car was commissioned by Edsel Ford, the only son of Henry Ford, a man who possessed a keen eye for design and a passion for automotive aesthetics that often complemented his father’s more utilitarian engineering focus.
The story of the Edsel Ford Model 40 Special Speedster is deeply intertwined with the evolution of the Ford Motor Company itself. While Henry Ford is rightly celebrated for revolutionizing mass production with the Model T, it was Edsel Ford who recognized the need for style and design to elevate the brand. His influence was instrumental in transitioning Ford from the utilitarian Model T to the more stylish Model A, introduced in 1927, signaling a shift towards more aesthetically pleasing automobiles. This foresight paved the way for a more design-conscious automotive industry.
Edsel Ford’s personal passion for sports cars and racing reached its zenith in the early 1930s with the creation of the Model 40 Special Speedster. This bespoke vehicle was the brainchild of E.T. “Bob” Gregorie, Ford’s first chief designer, who collaborated closely with Edsel. The result was a strikingly elegant machine featuring an aluminum speedster body—characterized by its low windshield and open-cockpit design—powered by Ford’s innovative new Flathead V8 engine. This car was a personal statement, a fusion of performance and artistry that embodied Edsel Ford’s refined taste.
The journey of the original Model 40 Special Speedster after Edsel Ford’s untimely passing in 1943 is a story of survival and rediscovery. The car changed hands multiple times, undergoing modifications, including a repaint to red and an engine replacement at one point. It was eventually brought back into the public eye by Will Warner, the visionary founder of the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance. Under Warner’s stewardship, the Speedster was meticulously restored to its original gunmetal paint scheme and its original Flathead V8 engine. Its historical significance and exquisite restoration culminated in its auction in 2010 by RM Auctions, where it commanded an impressive hammer price of USD 1.76 million. Today, this iconic piece of automotive heritage resides in the esteemed collection of The Ford House in Grosse Pointe Shores, Michigan, the former residence of Edsel Ford himself.
Enter Iconic Auto Sports (IAS), a small-scale restoration specialist and manufacturer of hand-crafted recreation cars founded by Arturo Arrebillaga and Francisco Orden. Based in San Isidro, Argentina, near Buenos Aires, IAS has carved a niche for itself by producing exceptionally high-quality recreations of iconic classic automobiles. Their portfolio includes breathtaking renditions of the Mercedes-Benz SSK “Count Trossi” and the legendary Alfa Romeo 8C. The craftsmanship of IAS is so exceptional that their creations are often eligible for participation in prestigious classic car events and concours, albeit with the transparent acknowledgment that they are recreations.
The company’s dedication to excellence was evident from their early successes. At the prestigious Autoclásica event in 2016, IAS garnered an award for their very first project, the Mercedes-Benz SSK “Count Trossi” recreation. They continued their winning streak the following year with the Alfa Romeo Disco Volante Fianchi Stretti. In 2018, IAS presented a truly remarkable achievement: a one-to-one recreation of the 1934 Edsel Ford Model 40 Special Speedster, once again securing a coveted trophy. This triumph served as a catalyst, inspiring the company to elevate their work to a new level. The idea was to use the Model 40 Special Speedster as a foundation but to reimagine it with a more contemporary flair, a project that has now materialized as the SP40 Restomod.
The SP40 project distinguishes itself from many contemporary restomod initiatives by venturing significantly further back in automotive history. While many restomods focus on vehicles from the 1970s, 80s, and 90s, IAS has delved into the pre-war era, drawing inspiration from European sports cars, American hot rods, and early muscle cars. The SP40’s design language is a direct descendant of the 1934 Edsel Ford Model 40 Special Speedster, resulting in a vehicle that exudes purity, an analogue driving experience, and an undeniable sense of exhilaration, perfectly suited for spirited drives on winding country roads.
At its core, the SP40 features a robust tubular steel space frame chassis, providing a modern and rigid foundation. This is cloaked in a lightweight carbon fiber body, meticulously sculpted to replicate the iconic lines of the original Model 40 Special Speedster. While the homage is profound, IAS has made judicious and often necessary alterations to imbue the car with modern functionality and aesthetic appeal. The wheels are larger, providing a more assertive stance, and the lighting system has been upgraded with efficient LED headlights. The interior, in stark contrast to the original’s period-appropriate simplicity, is a sophisticated blend of vintage charm and contemporary technology. Crucially, IAS has maintained a commitment to Ford power, a decision that will undoubtedly resonate with purists and fans of the original, avoiding the common temptation to shoehorn in an LS V8.
The visual lineage of the SP40 to the original Edsel Ford Speedster is undeniable. The elongated profile, the distinctive vertical and horizontal grille elements, the cycle fenders that gracefully arc over the wheels, the louvers adorning the engine cover, the minimalist speedster windshield, and the elegant boattail rear section—all these characteristic features are faithfully preserved. Yet, the SP40 possesses a distinctly modern aura, almost as if it represents a temporal anomaly, a seamless fusion of past and present. The lines are subtly enhanced, the proportions refined, all while demonstrating profound respect for the original design. This approach shares a philosophical kinship with manufacturers like Morgan, who artfully blend vintage aesthetics with modern engineering to create vehicles that are both timeless and contemporary.
Beneath the strikingly long and sculpted hood lies the heart of the SP40: a potent 5.0-liter Ford Coyote V8 engine. This modern powerplant delivers approximately 480 horsepower, a significant leap from the original Flathead V8. This considerable power is channeled to the rear wheels through a precise 5-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential. Combined with a dry weight of just under 1,200 kilograms, the SP40 promises a formidable performance envelope. While official figures for top speed and acceleration are not yet released, it is reasonable to anticipate a top speed well exceeding 200 km/h and a 0-100 km/h sprint time in the vicinity of 5 seconds. Safety is paramount, and the SP40 is equipped with high-performance Brembo brakes on all four corners, ensuring confident stopping power. To further accentuate its aggressive aesthetic and auditory presence, the V8 engine exhales through exposed side pipes, a feature guaranteed to stir the passion of any true petrolhead.
The interior of the SP40 represents a significant departure from its 1934 predecessor, embracing a "new school" philosophy. It features a minimalist design centered around a sleek three-spoke steering wheel and a beautifully crafted wooden dashboard. A select array of essential gauges provides the driver with critical information. The leather-clad seats are designed for both comfort and support, and they can be folded forward to grant access to the luggage compartment cleverly integrated into the boattail rear section. This area showcases the most substantial advancements in design and amenities compared to the original. For enhanced safety during spirited driving, the SP40 incorporates a four-point racing harness. Modern conveniences are also present, including a contemporary handbrake, Bluetooth connectivity, a high-quality sound system, and a wireless phone charger, ensuring that the SP40 is not just a beautiful machine but also a highly functional one.
Iconic Auto Sports has announced that production of the SP40 will be strictly limited to just 40 units. The starting price for this bespoke automotive creation is USD 500,000. This figure, as is often the case with such exclusive vehicles, serves as a baseline, with bespoke options and customizations expected to further increase the final price. However, in return for this investment, owners will acquire something truly unique, built to the highest standards of craftsmanship using the finest materials available. The SP40 Restomod presents a compelling alternative to mainstream exotic cars, offering a rare blend of historical reverence, cutting-edge engineering, and unparalleled exclusivity for discerning automotive aficionados. For those seeking a vehicle that transcends the ordinary and makes a profound statement, the SP40 stands as a remarkable testament to automotive artistry and innovation.
For further information, interested parties are encouraged to visit the official websites: SP40Restomod.com and IconicAutoSports.com.
