Ælla-60: The Ferrari 360 Modena Restomod - Art Machines by Anthony Jannarelly
The world of restomods has been dominated by Porsche 911s for years, with companies like Singer and Gunther Werks creating reimagined versions of the classic sports car. However, for those looking for something different—something that blends classic supercar charm with modern engineering—there’s now an intriguing new entry: the Ælla-60. This latest creation is the work of Anthony Jannarelly, a name that has become synonymous with lightweight, driver-focused sports cars. As the chief designer at Caterham and the visionary behind the Jannarelly Design-1, Jannarelly has a deep understanding of what makes a car engaging to drive. Now, through his new venture, Art Machines, he has turned his attention to Ferrari’s iconic 360 Modena, transforming it into something entirely new while preserving its essential character.
A New Take on the Restomod Philosophy
Unlike previous projects, the Ælla-60 isn’t an all-new car. Instead, it takes an already proven platform—the Ferrari 360 Modena—and reimagines it with a modernized, lightweight philosophy. Jannarelly and his team carefully strip away any unnecessary bulk, enhance the powertrain, and infuse the car with a unique design language that blends elements of the past and future. The name itself, Ælla-60, is a nod to history. Ælla was a medieval King of Northumbria, a name chosen to evoke a sense of timeless strength and character. The ‘60’ in the name could be an homage to the golden era of grand touring cars, aligning with Jannarelly’s vision of recapturing the spirit of classic gentleman drivers.
Design: Retro-Futurism in Motion
The design of the Ælla-60 is striking, instantly setting it apart from a standard Ferrari 360 Modena. While the original 360 was an early-2000s supercar with smooth curves and subtle aggression, the Ælla-60 reinterprets those shapes with a more purposeful, muscular stance. The ‘retro-futuristic’ styling borrows cues from Jannarelly’s own previous works, particularly the Project V concept and the Jannarelly Design-1. Notably, the bodywork is extensively modified, featuring sharp creases, sculpted air intakes, and a cleaner, more aerodynamic silhouette. The front fascia has been completely redesigned, with aggressive headlights and a low, wide stance that gives the car a distinct identity. At the rear, the taillights and diffuser have been modernized to enhance both aesthetics and aerodynamics. Crucially, Art Machines has made extensive use of lightweight materials. Carbon fiber replaces many of the original aluminum components, shaving off unnecessary weight and reinforcing the car’s performance-oriented ethos.
Performance Upgrades: More Power, Less Weight
At the heart of the Ælla-60 lies a reworked version of Ferrari’s legendary 3.6-liter, naturally aspirated V8 engine. The standard Ferrari 360 Modena produced 400bhp, but through careful tuning and engineering refinements, the Ælla-60 now boasts 473bhp. This increase in power, combined with significant weight reduction, results in a vastly improved power-to-weight ratio. The car’s dry weight has been reduced to just 1,130kg, down from the 1,290kg of the original 360 Modena. That’s an impressive reduction, bringing the Ælla-60 closer to the lightweight ethos of classic Ferraris from the 1960s and 1970s. The result? A blistering 0-62mph time of just 3.5 seconds—putting it firmly in modern supercar territory. Jannarelly’s philosophy has always been about purity in driving experience, so the Ælla-60 retains a six-speed manual gearbox. In an era where dual-clutch transmissions dominate, the decision to keep a traditional gated manual adds to the car’s appeal, reinforcing the analog driving experience that many enthusiasts crave.
A Supercar for the Gentleman Driver
Beyond just performance, Jannarelly envisions the Ælla-60 as a car that embodies the spirit of vintage grand tourers. He describes it as a machine for enthusiasts who long for the emotions of classic driving but in a package that remains usable and reliable. “Our idea is simply to take an already homologated and proven base and turn it into the ultimate original supercar, created without any compromise on design or driving experience,” Jannarelly explains. This vision recalls the era when drivers would take their cars straight from the road to the track, racing at Le Mans before driving home again. The Ælla-60 embraces this duality, offering both high performance and daily usability. Unlike some stripped-down track specials, the Ælla-60 doesn’t completely abandon modern conveniences. Features such as air conditioning and smartphone connectivity remain, ensuring that the car isn’t a hardship to live with. However, the emphasis remains firmly on driver engagement, with minimal electronic interference and a chassis tuned for responsiveness.
How the Ælla-60 Stands Out in the Restomod Scene
The restomod scene has exploded in recent years, with numerous companies offering updated versions of classic sports cars. Singer and Gunther Werks have revolutionized the Porsche 911 world, while companies like Automobili Amos have applied similar principles to the Lancia Delta Integrale. However, Ferrari-based restomods are far less common. Unlike Porsche, Ferrari has been more protective of its heritage, and the brand’s purists often resist modifications to the iconic Prancing Horse badge. The Ælla-60, however, presents a compelling case: it doesn’t claim to be a Ferrari, nor does it attempt to overshadow the original. Instead, it reinterprets the 360 Modena with a fresh perspective, offering something unique in the supercar market. It also fills an interesting niche. While the 360 Modena is now considered an entry-level modern classic, it has yet to achieve the stratospheric values of older Ferraris. This makes it an ideal candidate for a high-end restomod treatment—retaining the soul of a classic Ferrari while enhancing its performance and usability.
What’s Next for Art Machines?
Jannarelly has made it clear that the Ælla-60 is just the beginning. He envisions Art Machines as a brand that will continue to produce limited-run, highly exclusive supercars, each built on a different platform but following the same philosophy of lightweight design and emotional driving experience. “Other limited series with a different design will follow,” Jannarelly teases, hinting that the Ælla-60 is just the first in a line of reimagined supercars. Given his track record, it’s likely that future projects will build upon the same principles: taking an already homologated and proven sports car and transforming it into something even more special.
Final Thoughts
The Ælla-60 represents an exciting evolution in the world of restomods. By taking the Ferrari 360 Modena and enhancing it with a lightweight philosophy, modern materials, and a driver-focused ethos, Jannarelly and Art Machines have created something truly unique. In an era where supercars are becoming increasingly digital and detached, the Ælla-60 offers a refreshing return to analog purity. It captures the spirit of classic grand tourers while delivering the performance expected of a modern supercar. For those who appreciate the blend of art, engineering, and driving passion, the Ælla-60 might just be the perfect machine. As the restomod movement continues to evolve, it’s exciting to see a name like Jannarelly bringing a fresh perspective to the Ferrari world. And if the Ælla-60 is anything to go by, Art Machines has a very bright future ahead.
