Check Out The First Complete Carbon Fiber Body Of RML’s Upcoming Short Wheelbase

RML has released photos of its very first Short Wheelbase, which is on the final stretch and is set to be finished before the end of the year.

The company says that the bodywork has all been dry-fitted to the car’s modified chassis for the first time today. Its carbon fiber composite sections were scanned and measured after their dry fit, and 99 percent of the structure fell between 2.5 mm (0.09-inch) tolerance, while 60 percent fell within a 1 mm (0.03-inch) tolerance.

“We’re very pleased with this result,” said Ben Amos, Manufacturing Engineer for the Short Wheelbase program. “To see the first production car’s bodywork in this complete state, fixed to the chassis, with sound deadening and heat insulation in place, is quite special after only viewing it virtually up until now. We even have the door seals fitted and ready for bonding.”

Read More: The Gorgeous RML Short Wheelbase Is Based On A Ferrari 550 Maranello Chassis

Made up of just two main ‘clam’ pieces, the body is affixed to the seam-sealed, powder- and electro-coated chassis. That makes the whole structure immensely rigid, improving on-road dynamics. It’s also light. Coming in at just 40 kg (88 lbs), the rear clam weighs a full 30 kg (66 lbs) less than the body sections that came off the donor car.

Based on a Ferrari 550 Maranello chassis, the body has been replaced to look like a 250 GT SWB from the ’60s. It’s powered by a naturally aspirated 5.5-liter V12 producing 478 hp (356 kW / 485 PS) and 570 Nm (420 lb-ft) of torque that is sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox.

Next, the SWB’s doors and trunk lid will be fitted, with a stringent “gap and flush” process in place to ensure that the fit and finish for those parts lives up to the rest of the car. Next month, RML will paint the bodywork, though it plans to leave the carbon weave visible in some areas.

“We just want to remind owners of the high-end materials that go into this car,” said Amos. “And while we’ve chosen a 60 percent gloss for these exposed parts, it will be clear that they are the real deal.”

This Short Wheelbase, known as Car Zero, is now entering the final build stages with the powertrain, exterior trim, wiring harnesses, and brake lines all expected to make their way into or onto the car in the coming weeks.

“RML’s Short Wheelbase team have been working incredibly hard to deliver a fully productionized car that meets our exceptionally high standards. And now, we’re very nearly there,” said RML’s CEO, Michael Mallock. “Finished quality will be no different to that expected from our OEM clients; in other words, among the very best in the industry.”