Autoblog

click above image for new pics of the Vanderbrink 599 and 630 GTO

We're reported on the Vandenbrink 599 GTO before. Based on the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano, the 599 GTO is a coachbuilt bespoke beauty designed by Michiel van den Brink in the Netherlands. Response to van den Brink's original renderings of the car was so overwhelming, he eventually decided the car should be built. Though not officially blessed by Ferrari, the GTO does a great job of honoring its muse, the original 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO.

We already knew five copies of the 650-HP 599 GTO were set to be built and had, in fact, already be sold. Vandenbrink, however, revealed today that a new model called the 630 GTO would also be offered. The 630 GTO was developed with the help of well known exotic tuner EVO Competition and features an enlarged 6.3L engine producing 750 HP. The price for a fully optioned upgrade to the 630 GTO, not including the cost of the 599 GTB doner car, is €933,000. That is not a typo, and when converted to U.S. dollars equals $1,318,982. So what you have to ask yourself is whether or not the 630 GTO is over a million dollars more beautiful than a plain old Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano.

Check out the new gallery below that shows a more production ready 599 GTO in red and a 630 GTO in black. Though still renderings, they're extremely photorealistic.

[Source: Vandenbrink]

click above image for our entire gallery showing the Vandenbrink 599 GTO

With three of the planned five copies already spoken for, Michiel van den Brink's GTO homage is going fast. And it's not just because of the Enzo-derived powerplant under its elegant bonnet. We just talked about this limited run of vehicles last week, but a new image surfaced that we thought we'd share. While still not an actual photo, when it comes to GTO-inspired art, we'll take anything we can get. No word yet on whether or not anybody popped for the full carbon fiber body instead of the handcrafted aluminum, but with a car designed to emulate an automotive icon like the GTO, aluminum seems somehow more appropriate. Designed by Vandenbrink Design, the cars are being built on the 599 GTB Fiorano platform by Hietbrink Coachbuilding in the Netherlands. Purists always scoff at vehicles that aren't officially sanctioned by the factory, but we'll side with Top Gear on this and admit that it's one of the most beautiful designs we've ever seen. As long as the workmanship is as good as the design, it's a winner to us, though we suspect the five lucky buyers don't need our validation or anything. The only important thing is that THEY like it, and we're pretty sure they will.

[Source: Vandenbrink Design via Autoblog.nl]

What we wouldn't give to have a somewhat more affordable new Ferrari available in dealerships today. Something at maybe half the current price of an F430. Something that can get by with only 300 hp. Something that is lighter and more nimble but still has the style and visceral appeal of the legendary marque from Maranello. Something like a modern day Ferrari Dino. Mid-engine, smaller high-revving V-8, sexy bodywork. We've speculated a bit about it in the past and have offered up reasons why Ferrari should build it, even suggested platforms and design parameters, but so far no response from Luca.

(additional info and an alternative design concept after the jump)

[Source: AutoBild via Motor Authority]