In the world of bespoke supercars, true singularity is rare. Yet, Ferrari has crafted just that: a one-of-one 296 GTS, masterfully specified as a modern tribute to a legendary car and its even more legendary driver. This unique vehicle is an homage to the iconic 365 P2, famously known as the “Green Jewel,” which was raced with fearless determination by the British privateer David Piper throughout the golden era of endurance racing.
While history remembers Ferrari’s dominance in a sea of factory-supported Rosso Corsa, a flash of green often challenged the status quo. That green belonged to David Piper, a true renegade of motorsport. In an era of powerhouse factory teams, Piper was a privateer in the purest sense, funding his own Ferrari race cars and pitting them against the might of official works entries—and often beating them.
From the high banks of Daytona to the sweeping corners of Le Mans and the grueling endurance tests at Kyalami and the Targa Florio, Piper’s name became synonymous with courage, independence, and sheer perseverance. His vibrant green Ferraris were not just a personal color choice; they were a symbol of his defiant spirit. They stood out for their rarity and for representing his refusal to conform to the established order. Piper’s skill was so respected that he was handpicked by Enzo Ferrari himself to serve as a technical consultant for Steve McQueen’s iconic 1971 film, Le Mans, cementing his status as a marque icon.
This remarkable 296 GTS is a factory-built homage to that maverick spirit. It captures Ferrari’s incredible modern performance and its classic motorsport ethos in a single, breathtaking package. The project was born from a deep appreciation for the marque’s history, translating the soul of the 365 P2 into the cutting-edge platform of the 296 GTS.
The exterior is finished in a custom shade of Verde David, a vibrant, deep green that meticulously recreates the signature color of Piper’s racers. The livery is a faithful, yet modern, interpretation of the original, creating an unbroken visual link to the glory days of 1960s endurance racing.
Beneath the bespoke paintwork lies the formidable heart of the 296 GTS. Its revolutionary V6 hybrid powertrain delivers a staggering 819 horsepower, offering blistering acceleration and a level of dynamic performance that was pure science fiction in the 365 P2’s era. Yet, in its precision, power, and track-focused engineering, it is the direct spiritual successor to the racers that Piper masterfully piloted.
This one-of-one creation is far more than just a custom-painted supercar. It is a rolling testament to a rich history, a celebration of a fearless driver, and a tribute to the enduring spirit of the privateer. In this “Green Jewel,” Ferrari has not only built a unique car but has also honored a legacy of passion and defiance that will forever be a part of its story.
