Manifattura Automobili Torino’s (MAT) stunning, Ferrari F430-based Stratos will make its UK debut at Salon Privé this September. Organisers confirmed last month that they intend to continue with world-famous event, held annually at Blenheim Palace - and are again offering tickets for sale, backed by the guarantee of a full refund if the worse happens. MAT’s 532hp V8 Stratos homage, which drapes bespoke carbonfibre bodywork over a shortened aluminium F430 chassis, went on sale back in 2018, but no example has been displayed in Britain. Salon Privé reckons restrictions will have lifted sufficiently ahead of the three-day event for it to go ahead in late September so it will be the first to present the Stratos to the public.
This is good because the MAT Stratos is quite a thing. It's a design and engineering marvel that just so happens to be rather good on the road thanks to its use of a retuned Maranello-V8, which produces its peak output at 8,200rpm. The car weighs 1,350kg, sports a panoramic windscreen just like the original, and has a carbon-integrated roll cage and adjustable Bilstein suspension to complete the rally-esque makeover. As PH discovered on the continent two years ago, it’s darty, frenetic and absolutely fabulous to drive. And just look at it.
Back in 2018 the price for each of the 25 cars to be produced was £487,000, excluding the price of an F430 donor car, which can be had for under £70k if you shop on PH. But on the lawns of Blenheim Palace that will not place it anywhere near top of the pile. It’s a Concours d'Elégance, after all, so expect the usual supply of ultra-rare, exotica, including Aston Martins and Ferraris with seven-figure sticker prices.
Salon Privé chairman Andrew Bagley said of the autumn event” “Safety comes first, and we have the well-being of our guests, exhibitors and sponsors to consider first and foremost. The beauty of Salon Privé lies in its size and intimacy and in that respect, the show can go on. Our event will remain relaxing, with plenty of space for guests to enjoy themselves, of course while practising social distancing. We have a raft of safety measures to announce over time, to ensure we will be Covid-19 Secure and I am confident that guests will enjoy Salon Privé as they do each and every year.”
Riccardo Garella, Sales and Marketing Manager at MAT, commented: "We are happy and proud to showcase our New Stratos for the first time in the UK in such an iconic landmark. Salon Privè is the perfect fit for our cars and for the kind of experience we always try to offer to our clients: we look forward to presenting the new Stratos in September in Blenheim Palace!"
1 / 3