Ferrari has put a block on production of the stunning new Lancia Stratos - for now, at least.
The one-off Stratos redux was commissioned by wealthy German businessman Michael Stoschek and built by Pininfarina. It is based on the chassis of a Ferrari F430 and its design is a modern take on the iconic original supercar.
Its development was picked up early by the motoring media, with 'spy shots' of the development mule surfacing and fueling interest.
When the finished car finally did appear, complete with the F430's 4.3-litre V8 engine, it created such a stir that a limited production run was considered.
Pininfarina said it would get involved - but only with Ferrari's permission; the Italian styling house has a long-standing history with Ferrari, having designed some of its most iconic models.
Ferrari will not give its permission, however - despite Ferrari boss Luca di Montezemolo driving the new car around his company's Fiorano test track and giving it an “excellent assessment”.
A statement by the New Stratos company said: “Pininfarina has advised us that they will only carry out construction of a limited run with the express permission of Ferrari.
“Despite Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo's excellent assessment of the New Stratos after his test drive at Fiorano, Ferrari does not consent to construction of the planned limited run by either Pininfarina or any other Ferrari-dependent suppliers."
But all is not lost, as the company has confirmed it is already looking for potential partners not involved in the Ferrari supply chain. Ferrari's veto makes production more difficult - but not impossible.
