Ferrari Mythos

The Ferrari Mythos, a masterpiece crafted by Pininfarina, stands as a testament to the Italian design house’s prowess in creating awe-inspiring concept cars. Unveiled at the 1989 Tokyo Motor Show, this mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive marvel is firmly rooted in the mechanical foundations of the Ferrari Testarossa, showcasing the fusion of Pininfarina’s creativity and Ferrari’s engineering excellence. Pietro Camardella, the visionary designer at Pininfarina, brought the Mythos to life, its distinct wedge shape and a sizable air intake ahead of the rear wheels dictated by the Testarossa platform. This iconic design would later metamorphose into the Ferrari F50, the successor to the legendary Ferrari F40. The original show car now resides at the Pininfarina style center in Cambiano, Italy, a symbol of automotive innovation. Under the Mythos’ hood lies a formidable 4.9 L Tipo F113 B Ferrari flat-12 engine, borrowed from the Testarossa lineage. With a power output of 390 hp at 6,300 rpm and 354 N⋅m of torque at 4,500 rpm, the Mythos boasts a power-to-weight ratio of 308 hp per tonne. The 5-speed manual transmission, sourced from the Testarossa, channels this power to the rear wheels, offering a thrilling driving experience. While acceleration figures remain elusive, projections hint at a top speed of around 290 km/h (180 mph). Despite its extraordinary capabilities, the Mythos was not intended for public sale. The original 1989 Tokyo Motor Show Mythos (chassis EAG026) was sold to Japanese collector Shiro Kosaka, owner of the Gallery Abarth collection in Yamanakako. Kosaka, who had acquired several Pininfarina show cars throughout the 1970s and 1980s, secured the Mythos after two years of negotiations. Following this, three additional examples were produced (+ the one at Pininfarina Museum) at the request of the Brunei Royal Family, long-time patrons of Pininfarina, particularly during the 1990s. These Brunei-bound cars—chassis EFH089, EFH103, and EFH118—were finished in red, blue, and black respectively. All were configured with right-hand drive, retractable canvas roofs, and functional side windows. Despite the Mythos being considered a one-off concept, the Sultan of Brunei’s family commissioned at least four examples, challenging that notion. Precise details of ownership within the Brunei collection remain unclear due to a lack of official records. Notably, a rejected design proposal for the Mythos project—the Ferrari F90 by Enrico Fumia—was ultimately realized in a small production run for Prince Jefri of Brunei, adding yet another intriguing chapter to the story of these rare and extraordinary automobiles.