Driving the RML SWB: A Tribute to the $8M Ferrari 250 GT SWB | Henry Catchpole - The Driver's Seat

[@jonathandemacedo158]

These negative comments make no sense. He critiques the company that afforded him the chance to drive it-lightly reprimanded the foolishness of £1.6m retromods, while celebrating the artistry that made them. Henry is integrous, clever, and a master wordsmith. This wasn’t an advert, it was a chance to create art and tell a story he felt needed telling. Much more Henry, we LOVE your work.

[@joecotter9014]

You sir have commented in the same vein as Henry portrayed this car.

[@miklu26]

I dont see any🤔

[@tylerandersenandthegang]

Yeah what are you talking about... what negative comments...

[@ramyalani]

@jonathansemacedo158 If a bit beyond your time, try your best to read Chris Harris and Harris when they were a part of Harry Metcalfe’s EVO. Some of the best automotive reading.

[@hagestad]

For me mainly the rims that are too big are weird looking.

[@DonFather]

Out of anybody in the world, I think Henry would be one of the few who would be qualified to straight up make that new classification for this car. Great review, as always.

[@huayrarevo]

Loved the idea and honesty of the ceo. Stepping away from hypercar project to something this amazing, earns him respect. Thank you so much

[@MegaRetr]

The effort and passion you pour into your channel is evident in every video😀

[@harpersneil]

God Bless Arthur Mallock - fantastic video.

[@ThePilotGear]

Thank you for that piece of history! There were a lot of moving parts to the automotive racing culture of yesterday that helped fuel the road cars for the masses of today. I look at the 2001 Miata sitting in my garage, which was a soul successor to the Lotus Elan, which in turn was designed to embody Colin Chapman's revered designed philosophy for the common-man, drenched in racing know-how. All these men and women who were inspired to drive, inspired to race, to build, inspired to teach and pass on. We have many to thank for the smiles we earn behind the wheel of our favourite sports cars.

[@jamesdellaneve9005]

I’d rather have this than a modern super car. A track car is a different thing.

[@barath4545]

Barring a GMA car, I would agree. But I would go for a similar one to this one, with more revs - It was a bit quiet and detuned too much.

[@jamesdellaneve9005]

@@barath4545 Ah. Yes on the GMA. Which essentially, is a 60’s car. Give me the T33.

[@ELXABER]

Retro Rebuild. It just sounds better. Massive props to RML for rebuilding an iconic car and maintaining its spirit.

[@mikeydangerous8808]

So beautiful… I had the chance to take that 550 platform in a 2001 Maranello back in 2002 up a highway in Colorado to 174mph (before fear kicked-in). Gated gearbox sounded just as good back then, too…

[@steventilley2064]

Literally thinking it sounded like my old E46 M3 and then 30 seconds later you said it too.

[@ilmanhadi4120]

Modern brand New car with 60's styling is definition of perfection

[@gouldnj]

This has to be one of those cars that makes you step out of it and pinch yourself Henry. Honestly, it is completely stunning.

[@christopherodonoghue3858]

I wish Ferrari would make a car just like this, with a manual gear box in its iconica series. It also seems like a very similiar approach to the one taken with the lancia stratos remake.

[@bobk3432]

Yeah, like an old school analog Roma. It’s a great chassis with good potential if setup right with a manual transmission and aggressive springs/dampers.

[@pb5x5]

But the poseurs who buy them won't be able to drive a manual Ferrari.

[@Fpvpilot928]

It'd be really nice, but if Ferrari actually reproduced the 250 SWB it would literally diminish the value of the entire brand. Ferrari is a brand steeped in history. If they reproduce a 250 SWB, the value of every single 250 SWB would plunge in value. It would destroy the company. They'd have to do something more akin to the SP3 to do it successfully, but that wouldn't have the character of a car like this.

[@stevemiller1626]

It wouldn’t pass regulations

[@pb5x5]

The T50 seems to pass new regulations with a manual box@@stevemiller1626

[@NCR_Ranger]

This was a fantastic bit of art and story telling. I am so very pleased to have found this channel.

[@gp1683]

Wow! the fit and finish of the cabin is just amazing! (not sure about the wheel choice) but other than that, well done RML...

[@MattH-wg7ou]

Yea I'm trying to make up my mind on the wheels. Look a little too big but overall I think I dig em. At least its the wire look.

[@MattH-wg7ou]

Actually, look at 1:58 on the driver door panel at the top, that leather is all warped and uneven. Hmmm

[@JBOsurf]

@@MattH-wg7ou yep its terrible.

[@philreynolds6018]

@@JBOsurf Wheels and steering wheel are in bad taste , no bumpers make the car even more impractical

[@3ducs]

@@philreynolds6018 Practicality is not the design goal. Some sort of bumperettes could be added, as with the originals, but their protection would be minimal. In the day of the original 250 GTs there were no Federal bumper rules, you were expected to avoid accidents and mind where you parked. My first car was a 1963 Alfa Romeo Sprint, it had bumpers but they were lower than those on American cars, the grill took the hits more than once.

[@BespokeMotorWorksOfficial]

Every time I see a video with Henry I already know it's going to be a good one! Love him❤

[@pantaAR156.1.8TS.]

I'am simply amazed... Enyou watching and listening to this man's video...

[@andreasprokscha6357]

This Reviwe, especially the end was just brilliant and inspiriring. Also filmed and skripted so nice. Thank you for those minutes to enjoy your Video-Work. Greets from Germany!

[@CharlieBeveridge]

Great film Henry. I remember the 550 once won the car of the decade or something in EVO. I always wondered how good one could be made with some contemporary upgrades and a good setup. Around 500bhp and manual gear box is the sweet spot for a road car.

[@briandouglas5552]

Henry, It's my opinion that you are the finest auto journalist of the KZbin era. As for your call for a new word to describe... this, I'm going to venture "Retromage."

[@ARPorganics]

Every time I see a classic car with updated parts and modification. It reminds me to be careful what I believe in and the lifestyle I live. Just because I'm getting older doesn't mean I have to get sick and physically weak.

[@cudak888]

P.S.: Neo-classic is the word you are looking for, Henry. 8:26

[@chonglers1513]

Wouldnt that be for the newer generation of classic cars? Idk when I read neo-classic I think of something like the 90s jdm heros. Future classics

[@cudak888]

@@chonglers1513 Perhaps it's time to redefine that term then. It literally means "new classic," which is exactly what these designs are.

[@who_stole_my_username]

The word you're looking for is pastiche.

[@GM-fh5jp]

How about "Improved-classic"@@chonglers1513

[@GM-fh5jp]

As an owner of a very nice JDM classic, they are known as Modern Classics here in AUS@@chonglers1513

[@27rs49]

Purest perfection. Perfect proportions up to the headlights. Technique, colors, wheels, sound. That's what real drivers capable of driving manual gearboxes want! Gordon Murray will like it, too ;).

[@markrichards9934]

GM would no doubt love the styling but you have to agree that 1700kg is far too heavy and messes up the proportions

[@ServantofServants777]

This is my future car. I couldn't believe the title and thumbnail for this video! I have literally never heard anyone talk about this company or this car! I had decided several years ago that this car IS my bucket list. A car with a soul!

[@avmelidor]

I love the mechanical symphony of the gear shift and engine rumble

[@deldridg]

"Takes its inspiration" could be considered a mild understatement. You can say it - it's almost a direct style replication... and we LOVE it!!

[@donjuan150]

Just stunning...I would buy this over one of those, "hey look at me" hypercars any day!

[@h4x0y]

It's a beautiful interpretation of a classic design, but the width and 1700kg seem like a letdown. I'm eager to see how the T.33 compares when released, as it's a compact >1100KG reference to the 60's with all the analog and tactile goodies.

[@pranavp8709]

I would honestly prefer the 250 revival by gto engineering. it is around 1100kg, looks slightly better imo, got an actually good interpretation of the interior and is also slightly cheaper at around 850,000 pounds

[@h4x0y]

@@pranavp8709 Looks great!

[@maxlvv]

Its not a car, its art

[@allYou.Be1]

Less of a Second it toke me to click & watch this visual “eye-gasm” presentation of skillful talented Mr. Catchpole ! Thank you & awaiting more to come ;)

[@frazervsful]

Watching Henry describe the cars he drives is great. Starting watching Carfection a long time ago…my favourite video is the one where he drives the GT3 911 with the manual box

[@rorzf1butler781]

What a car! I love the 550 and knowing that’s what’s underneath makes it even more incredible. On your final point,Imagine they did something with mk1/2 mx5 chassis.

[@davidford3073]

Hmmmm🧐👍😀

[@teklife]

you don't need to do much to those, they're already amazing

[@NealeSmith76]

Great comparison with the Fuji camera, retronod really works as well! Great content as always!

[@firststep7750]

Stunning! I love the contemporary-classic design philosophy.

[@AeZothesh]

The cars design specially the interior is beautiful. Its breathtaking

[@DavidAnderson-vt8iq]

That is a stunning car. Very well done putting this sort of form and function before the raw numbers hype of the new super cars..

[@iainf6]

Fantastic video, so great to see you local to me. RML group are incredible car builders👏👏😎😎😎😎

[@hack2crash]

Thanks for the RML history lesson. I truly love this car and brand that much more!

[@noonehere1793]

A classic from when Ferrari was really something special.👍👍

[@rjs2005]

I get that Alain de Cadenet Victory By Design vibe when I watch a Henry Catchpole video. Pure art.

[@aspen9102]

Sometimes I wonder, my great grandfather was from the same era of the big ones like this, he lived in a small town in rural Brazil, a place where opportunities just dont exist especially at that time, if you werent a farmer, you were nothing, yet he was a huge gear head and literally built many cars on his own without any help, Im not even sure if that little town had any cars back then, but that never went anywhere, he inherited the familys sawmill and passed away at an young age. If a couple of things happened differently, or if he was born in a different place, he would be certainly a name remembered by many in this automotive world, he was insane. It's saddening to think that many stories like this, many amazing people never got a chance to shine because of unfortunate situations

[@blueisbetter1381]

Suprised about the negative comments. Enjoyed the video as I have enjoyed all the Catchpole videos, can actually not think of a single one that disappointed. Henry is so gifted taking one with him on the ride, very enjoyable. Thank you for the excellent work Henry. Just surprised that Ferrari doesn't have a negative say about this, which to me would be more than understandable.

[@BThings]

I think "retronod" is a good term. It's something that could probably be applied well to less boutique cars as well that go for an older aesthetic or feel while still being modern and up-to-date.

[@alidaraie]

"Retromod"...I like it

[@markd1810]

Perfect car! You can use all the gears and it is set up for easier driving with the slightly softer suspension. That is a boutique car.

[@mrmatthewpaul]

This looks amazing. Those headlights and that grill. Wow

[@S-T-E-V-E]

These are really cool, I found out about them around a year ago after seeing one on a Car Show Video in the background and going on a Google investigation!

[@TraneFrancks]

Absolutely lovely. And what a soundtrack!

[@liecht]

RML is the GOAT.The car reviewed in this video is a true bargain.If ypu have that reasonable amount of cash for a hand taylored supercar..dont miss this chance!!

[@mitchellsteindler]

Really interesting video, and perfect conclusion.

[@violinmiata]

The RML is gorgeous! The RML is also in the category of completely out of reach. Damn I want one.

[@neilcollins3701]

I thought this was a very eloquent and informative review. The car is a dream.

[@gusv8601]

A perfect Ferrari project! 1000 kg small v8 around 350 HP ,manual, pure raw driving pleasure 😊

[@brembopollypor9965]

Thank you Harry. A truly beautiful documentary. And your call for a top notch chassis for a mundane price especially touching. Would love to build up something lightweight for the road, but current offerings are both under performing and grossly overpriced.

[@EE9Civic]

Fantastic, love all of it. Nearly perfect, but seems way heavier than it should be.

[@tonyfastboy]

Absolutely stunning. It’s sounds vintage ass well.

[@angeloah]

Reminds me of the Dan Gurney story, maybe not as many race accolades but still a pioneer who reached back to bring others up as he climbed. Great video, and take on what’s still being cooked up by race car engineers.

[@barath4545]

And Dan Gurney invented the Champagne spraying after winning a race :) Le Mans 1967, what a legend.

[@arefinlabib4630]

RML, DLS... they are the wet dreams of us car people who are obsessed with the joy of driving and connecting to every mechanical part of a car possible.

[@AleksandrHalas]

You make great content, both video and text, I always follow and enjoy what you do with great pleasure. Thanks, currently reading ECOTY

[@shubhromu]

We can take a page out of motorcycles and call it a "Retro Classic"

[@robinpratt1541]

Beautiful car and excellent film and review as always, thank you Henry.

[@sickjohnson]

Another awesome one Henry and crew!

[@joshscott3271]

Lol, "Retro Nod" is cool, we need more "Retro Nod" designs perhaps, that is a real tasteful design and delivery upon that design, Winning!!!

[@cudak888]

Beautiful interpretation. Also less awkward than similar attempts (e.g., the Equus Bass 770), even though the proportions are a bit squished, which hurts it a bit at the beltline, where the fenders arch. Nevertheless, that's only when drawing comparisons with the 250. Welcome to the 21st century, where all the legendary products of the past are done better by the "other" folks rather than the originators. P.S.: Something is up with that shifter. The "clack" sounds normal, but the squeak beforehand? Nope.

[@cudak888]

@jonathancarson1974 Perhaps, but the trick of these designs is to ensure the new interpretation remains true to the original, even if a bit different (and even then, one could argue Pininfarina often applied the same design language on other manufacturers' chassis, and that this is no different than an interpretation of what the studio would have done in the 1960's). For whatever minor flaws it has, the RML car does it to a T - plus the interior is flawless (it honestly looks like a dream that Jonathan Ward from Icon 4X4 might have, given his design language of machined aluminum and stainless). The Walsh Aston is just pathetic - proportions by someone with no understanding of the Golden Ratio. Reminds me of one of those hideous C1 Corvette kits people put on C5s.

[@jordanmascarenhas7974]

Couldn’t agree more. I’m assuming it’s a 550 Maranello gear box and that box does not make sharp, loud squeaking noises like that. Something is wrong

[@philtucker1224]

I like it. The moment I opened this video I thought “yes that’s a lovely looking body” if my next car budget would stretch to 500k I would be very tempted, (despite being very happy with my current eleven year old 1.0 Focus that is perfect for numerous daily school runs for my grand kids).

[@alastairwinner]

What a stunning car. A Ferrari, well sort of, that has been improved by the British and that I would actually like to own!

[@rjnation5042]

Good luck affording one though, Rj in Oz

[@jakeringer3153]

Too bad it's 30 for $1.35M instead of 300 for $135K...

[@testing6753]

even 350k would've been reasonable

[@davidford3073]

Yes more people can get , then build other models off tha platform ore money in long run like Japan does

[@GoesSlow]

I'd absolutely have put in an order at$100-350k, and would not feel guilty about putting a lot of miles on it. At $1.35m it's just going to get stuffed into collections, to slow rot. Such a shame.

[@MuppetsSh0w]

@@testing6753 I doubt they break even anywhere below 800k. Custom work like that is ridicoulously expensive. The engine alone likely more than 150k.

[@metronemy]

You wouldn't even get the base 550 for $135k.

[@Boterberg]

If you park it across two parking spaces, you are a retronob. Fantastic car!

[@jimnielsen9299]

That or a Veyron.....thats a nobrainer, absolutely stunning piece of work and its just sounds fantastic, imidiately hit the number one spot on my dream cars list.

[@joecotter9014]

Before we judge this car lets have a step back and think - pretty sure everyone of of us would be more than thrilled to own/drive and enjoy it. Yes it's expensive and there's better road cars out there but of those that exist, for me this is what a car should make u feel and in a few years time when everything has an electric motor you'll be pining for something half as good as this.

[@jamie3731]

Subscribed, what a great presenter and production quality 😊

[@suavesmithy]

Ferrari 250 gto is my dream car , great vid.

[@GM-fh5jp]

"Modern-Legend" or perhaps "Hero-mod"? What a fine machine, it has everything...who wouldn't want one.

[@hubie3111]

This car is beautiful wow

[@CrazyCatGaming35]

I would love to see more of these "retromods" in the future!!! I could totally imagine a rebodied C7/C6 corvette to look like a C2 or an RX-7 to look like a Cosmo

[@jamesmisener3006]

Money talks so for now the Miata will remain the entry to road sport along with a few others. It could be done easily using this platform. Nice Review Henry I feel as though I know a car somewhat when your reviews come out. Cheers 🇨🇦

[@CarlWithACamera]

To me there has never been such a perfect balance of classic road sport and modernity than what Mazda has done with the Miata for about 40 years, and counting.

[@barath4545]

Imagine a Miata with a full carbon monocoque and a 1800cc inline-6 made from a Hayabusa design that had two extra cylinders slapped on but the rest is the same. 900 kg and 240-250 hp, revving to 12-13k rpm, lets go!

[@fredmercury1314]

@@barath4545I'd prefer a V8 were squeezed into it. Which can be done.

[@thetruth1862]

Wow what a gorgeous car , kinda looks like a Maserati from thr 50's

[@Mr.Higginbotham]

That may be the most gorgeous car car I've ever laid eyes on. The sound is not my thing, I think it's the exhaust.

[@ALT3REDB3AST]

The price is outrageous, but it is automotive perfection!

[@stevenfoon2194]

Fantastic. Good business plan too. Wish RML all the best

[@stevesmith2155]

Love your podcasts on these cars, the 50&60s English Jags and Ferrari’s shapes were the best just if you could ask Carrol Shelby, keep up the good work.😊🇨🇦

[@shankarbalan3813]

It’s a very pretty car in an uncommon colour

[@ARMY-ep6fz]

This is a beautiful car. I am a classic car person. American classic, European, doesn't matter there all better than today cars as far style. Driving you can't beat modern tech. But this is the best of both worlds. Beautiful. But definitely out of reach for most people with that price tag. I ll have to keep dreaming.

[@mndlessdrwer]

I would honestly love it if more companies just re-released modern upfits of their retro cars. Like, the exterior is entirely retro, maybe with some slightly bigger wheels and lower profile tires. The interior is retro-inspired at all the major touch-points, but still features modern seat sculpting, safety belts, airbags, etc. and they find a way to integrate modern electronics into the mix for convenience. The drivetrain should be modern. The pillars should be made of a different material than just the stamped steel of most cars so that they can be kept as thin and accurate to the original as possible while still offering roll-over protection. The body would also need to be strengthened similarly to provide better crash-worthiness. One of the things I dislike the most about kit cars that try to replicate vintage cars in this way is that they almost always make up for the lack of strength in the body by just using a tubular chassis with a roll-cage. If the original car featured this, then that's fine. But most didn't and it makes them look either ugly or try-hard when you add one for what is ostensibly a road car. I would love the chance to own a modern replica of a Toyota 2000GT or a Eunos Cosmo. Like, find an example of one that's going into a shop for a full disassembly restoration and scan all of the parts. Make as much as you can out of carbon fiber or some other composite, make the chassis out of better quality steel, modify the structure as necessary to get it to pass crash tests in simulations.

[@drivingjunk7630]

That's a stunning car

[@Straightleg55]

This thing will look incredible next to my Singer Porsche...

[@wotwott2319]

I wish modern cars look like this

[@grantatkinson4570]

That car is absolutely beautiful

[@talesofanasphaltjockey]

Superior craftsmanship

[@AlipioJorge]

Resto nod must be a thing! Great video. Good job!

[@Soli2deYT]

That side profile, gives me Weissman vibes. That car was beautiful! too bad the company went under. I Love these "resto-mod" type cars, that combine modern technology, but have the beauty of a older car.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I'd rather drive a vintage car any day!!

[@jimmypratt6450]

Abosolute stunning creation 👍👍👍👍👍

[@Miggy2j]

Brilliant video!

[@chrisslater3174]

Great looking car to my eye, so nearly 'right' considering it's wrapped around a 550, but I was out at that price. I don't doubt the thorough engineering that must be within (but that wasn't really discussed), but I could populate a very decent dream garage with those funds.

[@Kwhopperfan]

Absolutely beautiful design❤️

[@ekim000]

What a breathtaking thing!

[@kingjaf]

Seems like a good term for this kind of car is "re-imagined" like Singer does for its cars. It has a chassis from the same manufacturer, but a mix of modern-ish tech and history inspired looks.

[@i.c.d.-videos1901]

Great & entertaining video as always 👏🏻. How about the term "Back to the Future"? Probably got a bazzilion copyrights on it but does kind of explain like the car in the movies what has been done to the vehicle 🤷🏼‍♂️.

[@MRVSKIN]

Absolutely stunning car and stunning video

[@yougestube]

There are Tribute watches that honour classic watches, so in my view this is a Tribute car.