The very first RML Short Wheelbase customer car is set to be delivered to its new owner next month, after eight months in production. To help the world understand how why it takes so long to build, the English company shared some details from the production line.
Taking its first three customer cars, as well as its completed pre-production prototype, the company shows how the car moves from a bare shell to a completed car. In the end, it becomes a hand-built restomod inspired by the Ferrari 250 GT SWB that also has modern comforts and conveniences.
The car furthest from the camera (in black) is the one at the earliest stage of production. Already, it has had a lot of work completed, including a full chassis restoration that includes a powder coating. That is then topped with a two-piece carbon-fiber body that weighs just 93.6 lbs (42.5 kg).
Read: RML’s Pre-Production Ferrari 250 GT SWB Restomod Looks Amazing
The new body is made so that 99 percent of its dimensions are built to tolerances of 0.09 inches (2.5 mm). For the most important 60 percent, the tolerances are even tighter, at just 0.03 inches (1 mm) or less.
After everything is in place, the body can be primed with a special paint designed for carbon fiber – as can be seen in the middle example. RML applies several layers of primer, as well as a silver base coat, to help the final color really pop.
The third car in this lineup is the closest to production, with its paintwork finished. RML says its technicians are now in the process of installing its wiring harness and cabin insulation. After that, the interior and exterior trim will be installed.
Finally, the most exciting part of the car can be put in place. The 5.5-liter V12 engine makes 479 hp (357 kW/486 PS) and is hooked up to a six-speed manual transmission that sends power to the rear wheels through a limited slip differential.
“Each Short Wheelbase is hand-built,” said Michael Mallock, RML’s CEO. “But we also use the most advanced technology to make sure that the quality of its build meets the very highest levels”
