The automotive tuner Mansory leaves no one indifferent. For more than twenty years, the German company has been transforming Ferrari, Lamborghini, Rolls-Royce, and even Bugatti—all spectacular creations that divide opinion as much as they fascinate. But behind the carbon-fiber bodies and multi-million-euro projects lies a lesser-known reality: some automakers have already tried to slow its rise.
In a recent interview with British dealer Tom Hartley, founder Kourosh Mansory acknowledged that several automakers had sued him over the years. And Ferrari appears to be among them.
«Some copy us, others attack us»
When asked about the relationship between Mansory and automakers, Kourosh Mansory did not shy away from the subject. According to him, some brands appreciate his work, others are jealous, and some even go so far as to take legal action. «Some copy us, others sue us,» he explains with a smile, before adding that, in the end, Mansory usually comes out on top.
When the reporter asks him directly which brands have sued him, the founder remains cautious. He does not explicitly name any brands but hints that Ferrari and Lamborghini are among the manufacturers with whom relations have at times been strained. When asked whether Ferrari had ever sued him, his response is particularly revealing: he refuses to comment further, while the interviewer points out that Mansory continues to produce kits for Ferraris despite everything.
An activity that upsets manufacturers
It must be said that Mansory operates in a gray area that has never been particularly appreciated by luxury brands. The tuner doesn’t just modify a few aesthetic elements. On some projects, the bodywork is completely redesigned, the panels are replaced with carbon fiber, and the model’s visual identity is profoundly transformed. These creations can sometimes stray considerably from the original vision of Ferrari or Lamborghini’s designers.
However, Kourosh Mansory believes that his business also benefits automakers. According to him, those who don’t like his modifications turn to the stock models, while customers seeking greater exclusivity choose his creations. In both cases, the automakers continue to sell cars.
Mansory: A Business Model That Works Despite the Criticism
There has never been a shortage of criticism. On social media, Mansory’s designs are often mocked for their style, which is considered excessive. Yet the company continues to thrive. Kourosh Mansory says he doesn’t worry about negative comments. According to him, everyone has different tastes, and his role isn’t to please everyone. He also points out that many trends now offered directly by automakers were already available at Mansory several years ago, particularly extensive customization programs and custom colors.
According to him, luxury brands eventually developed their own customization departments because customers were demanding ever greater exclusivity. It was a market that Mansory had identified long before anyone else. The icing on the cake is that, Mansory is reportedly already working on a Ferrari F80.
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