Franco Sbarro's uniqueness continued into the GT12 of the 2000s

ONE-OFF When Franco Sbarro presented the GT1 in 1999, he let it be understood that this model would be developed further. Very soon the idea to install a more refined motor than the V8 became a reality. Within a year he was showing the next version at the Geneva Motor Show 2000 ie the Sbarro GT12, a V12 refined metamorphosis version of the GT1.

Here's a V12 refined metamorphosis version of the GT1 by Franco Sbarro called the Sbarro GT12 unveiled for the first time at the Geneva Motor Show 2000. (Picture from: Wikipedia)

It much like its predecessor GT1, as you can see here the GT12 uses a very similar body mounted on top of the Sbarro's dual-frame as well. But for the drivetrain, the GT12 is powered by the Mercedes S-Class V12 engine, delivering 500 bhp at 3,800 rpm. Sbarro claims the GT12's 0–62 mph performance figure can be achieved in just 4.5 seconds with a top speed of 187 mph. One would expect less from such a car!

The Sbarro GT12 uses a very similar body of GT1 mounted on top with the Sbarro's dual-frame, and finished in silver-grey colors. (Picture from: CarStyling.ru)

However, from the outside there is still a slight difference between the GT1 and GT12. As we can see that the Sbarro GT12 is silver-grey in color, has another model of Antera alloy wheels, coupled with slightly boxed unique taillights (very similar to those of the S-Class), and not covered as in the GT1.

As we can see that the Sbarro GT12 is silver-grey in color, has another model of Antera alloy wheels. (Picture from: MotorLegend)

Then the rear wing of the GT12 also has a different shape and can be moved up to 15 degrees to adapt different circuit conditions. While in the cabin there are a pair of seats covered in red Alcantara leather. While the doors are the same as the GT1, hinged horizontally at the front and lifting upwards.

While in the cabin of the Sbarro GT12, there are a pair of seats covered in red Alcantara leather. (Picture from: MotorLegend)

"Its extremeness is the logical conclusion of two fundamental directions. The first is the creation of maximum comfort for the driver, the second is the homologation of the car for use on public roads," as Franco Sbarro himself explains about his GT12 car creation.

"This is not just a transplant. To increase the power and maximum torque of the engine, I used the MoTes8 electronic control system, which allowed me to meet the tough emission standard and maintain the supercar temperament," says Sbarro further.

The Sbarro GT12 is powered by the Mercedes S-Class V12 engine, delivering 500 bhp at 3,800 rpm. (Picture from: MotorLegend)

Although the GT12 has been exhibited for many years at the Geneva Motor Show on the Sbarro stand (which only proves the passion and hopes of its designer). As quoted from CarStyling.ru, the first GT12 was made to order, followed by two more which are on the way. This is an impossible number to meet racing homologation requirements. As information, one of Sbarro's dreams is to bring his car to the famous 24-Hours of Le Mans racing event for the GT1 class.

Well, all-those Sbarro efforts have not yielded results as expected, and seems to be patient when he had to accept the fact that this GT12 is still not much in demand. So that Sbarro's long-standing dream of producing his own supercar (even if it is a small-scale one), as well as his Le Mans racing wishes, still has to wait even longer. Due to have you ever seen one of these cars run on the streets or a racing circuit lately? *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SBARRO.PHCALVET.FR | CARANDDRIVER | CARSSTYLING.RU | MOTORLEGEND | CARSANDRACINGSTUFF | MOTOR.RU ]

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