Niel van Roji will create the contemporary Ferrari 250 GT Breadvan

Few Ferrari models are more iconic than the Ferrari 250 GT Breadvan, a one-off with a truly charismatic history. However, someone with the same passion as Count Giovanni Volpi has commissioned Niel van Roji to reinterpret the Breadvan, a project that is practically finished thanks to the generous donation of a Ferrari 550 Maranello serving as the base for the build, owing to its front-mounted V12 and rear-wheel-drive layout, as well as the extra space at the rear, which is ideal for fitting the Breadvan bodywork.

But before going into detail, it is worth getting acquainted with the history of the Ferrari 250 GT Breadvan. It was 1962 when Count Giovanni Volpi wanted to commission a Ferrari 250 GTO but, faced with Enzo’s refusal, decided to look for an alternative. Volpi teamed up with Giotto Bizzarrini, a former Ferrari engineer who had worked on the development of the GTO.

Using a Ferrari 250 GT SWB as the base, the Breadvan was created, a variant that became famous around the world. Now, bodybuilder Niel van Roji is set to repeat the feat with this 550 Maranello, a model whose rear end has been removed and reshaped to take on that characteristic Breadvan form.

The project is at a considerably advanced stage, allowing us to appreciate the synergy between both models. The rear section is already attached to the 550, featuring twin vertical taillights and, of course, the distinctive rear space that earned it the Breadvan nickname. The characteristic rear side vents also stand out and, although no changes are expected at the front, new wheels will be seen.

The mechanical side is also expected to remain untouched, so the Ferrari 550 Maranello’s V12 will be kept intact. In other words, this modern Breadvan will produce 485 CV and 570 Nm of torque thanks to a 5.5-litre naturally aspirated V12, with power sent exclusively to the rear axle.

It was two years ago that Niel van Roji embarked on this bold automotive adventure. Currently, thanks to images shared by Niel himself on his social media, we can see that the modern 250 GT Breadvan is practically finished, and that we will soon see it on the road sporting this “new” bodywork.