Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: Ferrari Celebrates 30 Years In The Middle East With Custom 296 GTBs

Ferrari marked its 30-year milestone in the Middle East with a grand celebration, revealing six uniquely customized 296 GTBs during the Casa Ferrari event. This special occasion took place alongside the Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix weekend from 6-8 December. The unveiling showcased cars of unparalleled aesthetic appeal and design innovation, each tailored to honor the cultures of the Gulf countries.

The six uniquely coloured 296 GTBs were the result of meticulous craftsmanship by the Special Equipment team within Ferrari Personalisation and the Colour & Trim departments. These vehicles stood out with their distinctive liveries, each dedicated to a different Gulf country, demonstrating Ferrari's dedication to personalization and exclusivity.

The artisans at Ferrari introduced "Arabian Golden Sheen," a matte colour never before used, to adorn the liveries of these exclusive cars. This particular shade, designed to mimic the sunlight's reflection on desert sands, adorns the roof, rims, and spoiler of each vehicle. Additionally, the engine cover features the name of each Gulf country in Arabic calligraphy, further personalizing these masterpieces.

The interiors of these cars also reflect the essence of the Middle East through the incorporation of new materials. Seats and lower door panels are adorned in Beige Honolulu leather with Gold Metallic leather accents, featuring a diamond-stitched design that exudes sportiness and elegance. This is complemented by the innovative use of Gold Metallic leather that glows due to its translucent surface, enhancing the luxurious feel of the cabin.

The attention to detail extends to the embroidered Prancing Horse logos on the headrests, using a special glossy gold thread with a metallic effect, and the Satin Gold plating of the H-shaped gearshift gate. These elements underscore Ferrari's commitment to creating unique commemorative pieces that celebrate this significant anniversary with unparalleled exclusivity.

The selection of body colours for each 296 GTB represents the distinct characteristics and cultures of the Gulf countries. From the UAE's pearlescent white, symbolizing its pearl diving heritage, to Saudi Arabia's vibrant green, representing its oases, each colour tells a story. Kuwait's metallic brown celebrates its natural landscapes, while Qatar's dark red reflects the strength and spirit of its people. Bahrain's metallic black, with gold flecks, evokes the mystery of its nights, and Oman's deep metallic blue mirrors the beauty of its coastline.

The exclusive nature of the six 296 GTBs has also inspired the creation of unique Maranello clutches, each reflecting the iconic design and craftsmanship associated with Ferrari. These clutches, made in the Ferrari Maranello factory, showcase the same artisanal techniques and paint processes used for the cars, offering a piece of Ferrari's legacy in a distinctive accessory form.

Giorgio Turri, General Manager of Ferrari Middle East, expressed his pride in the achievement, stating, "As we celebrate three decades of our presence in the Middle East the outstanding six one-of-a-kind, highly customized 296 GTBs pay homage to the Gulf Nations, where we are so very proud to have forged strong connections and garnered such appreciation and passion. Every element of these cars has been designed taking inspiration from the six Gulf Countries, appreciating their unique spirit and personality. This creation serves to strengthen our bond with clients in the region, fostering an emotional connection to those that call the Middle East home."

On the theme of innovation and future prospects, Turri added, "As the region continues to grow and prosper, we see a very bright future for Ferrari in the Middle East region. The attributes of technological advancement, imaginative innovation and a quest for excellence are common to the brand and the Gulf nations, and we look forward to a continued journey of prosperity and success as we embark on our fourth decade in this great area of opportunity and ambition."