RML Hits The Road

There is, at this point, no way the RML Short Wheelbase has passed you by. Both literally and figuratively. Firstly, it’s not a road-going car… yet, and given its none-too-subtle visual similarity to a certain classic Italian, everyone has been talking about it. The RML Short Wheelbase isn’t, however, a dream or something that will never be (looking at you, ‘new’ TVR), it’s done and the first car is ready to hit the road. A vision in yellow and blue, this V12 animal is here and it looks and presumably sounds nothing short of glorious. Just look at it. Rolling art or what?

The RML, it should be noted, is not a BMW Z3 or MX5 with a wonky body kit that apes the Italian. No, this is a full, ground up, bespoke build. And the engine is the real deal – a 5.5 litre Ferrari V12 with a whopping 479bhp, all being shot to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. The Short Wheelbase has the minerals, let’s put it that way. It’s not a pastiche, it’s an homage. It’ll hit 60mph in 4.1s and it tops out at a blistering 180mph. It has earned the right to look how it does.

RML Short Wheelbase number one is destined for a new home in the US, but not before it receives a very special preview. RML’s CEO, Michael Mallock, will be joining the car in California for Monterey Car Week (August 11-20), providing a perfect opportunity to showcase the first production Short Wheelbase in its natural environment.

Like all other cars that will follow from RML’s SWB production hall, this first car has been hand-built over a nine month period to the very highest standards. Specified with a vivid triple-layer yellow and deep metallic blue exterior paintwork, the car looks quite stunning. Satin chrome highlights have been specified in the cabin, along with blue Alcantara and leather trim and contrasting yellow stitching.

“Car One really does look incredible and is testament to the hard work and effort that has been put in by the entire RML team, from engineering through to procurement through to build,” said Michael Mallock. “The uptick in quality and attention to detail from our early prototype Car Zero to the production cars is unbelievable. I can’t wait to show Car One off in California next week.” 

Each Short Wheelbase is hand-built, using the most advanced technology to guarantee the best quality levels. All parts are laser-cut to minimise deviation from specification, and the jig used in the SWB’s manufacture only allows a maximum 0.25mm tolerance, meaning that all cars are produced to a consistently high standard. And it’s been engineered for modern life, given the cabin has plenty of modernity such as satellite navigation, air-conditioning and Apple CarPlay should you, understandably, feel the need to listen to Matt Monroe (yes, that was a Lamborghini, but tell us you wouldn’t?).

If you’re going to take inspiration from, and try to capture the magic of the legendary 250 SWB, you need to do it right. RML Group knows how to do just that, and has proved it with aplomb with the RML Short Wheelbase. Just 30 are being built, with cars number two and three just weeks away from going to their respective, deep pocketed (£1.35m a pop, these) owners. But don’t dwell on the money, instead celebrate what’s been done here. A new car, built with cutting edge technology, that somehow still packs the soul of a classic. And there are no battery packs, no range anxiety and no dull electric whine – instead, there’s spirit, excitement and the howl of a legit Ferrari V12. Glorious.