This Japanese designer designed the Ferrari Enzo for Pininfarina... and then created his own supercar based on a Ferrari, produced in 5 examples.

In the history of Ferrari, Some designers have left an indelible mark. Among them is a Japanese designer: Ken Okuyama. A former design director at Pininfarina, he was involved in the creation of several iconic models... including the Ferrari Enzo.

But a few years later, he decided to go even further: to design his own supercar, inspired by the most legendary racing Ferraris, and based technically on a modern Ferrari. The result was the Kode57, an extremely rare model produced in just five examples.

The designer behind the Ferrari Enzo

Before launching his own car, Ken Okuyama had already built up an impressive reputation in the automotive industry. During his career at Pininfarina, he was involved in the design of numerous landmark cars: the Ferrari Enzo (2002), the Ferrari 612 Scagliettithe Maserati Quattroporte V, He also designed the Porsche Boxster, Porsche 996 and Chevrolet Corvette C5. After leaving the famous Italian studio in 2006, he returned to Japan and founded his own studio, Kiyoyuki Okuyama Design, in his hometown of Yamagata. It was here that he began to develop his own automotive projects.

Unveiled at Pebble Beach

His most spectacular creation appeared in 2016 at Monterey Car Week, one of the world's most prestigious automotive events.

The Kode57 is presented at the famous Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in California. In a setting reserved for the rarest cars on the planet, the Japanese designer's creation immediately attracts attention. The model's name is no coincidence. The number 57 refers to 1957, a mythical period for Ferrari, notably marked by the Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa.

A converted Ferrari 599

Beneath its spectacular bodywork, the Kode57 is actually based on a well-known model: the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano. The aluminum chassis and Ferrari V12 are retained, but everything else changes. The all-new body is made of carbon fiber and aluminum, with very different proportions from the 599.

The result is a car with radical lines, featuring a long hood, a very open barchetta-style cockpit, and two imposing bosses behind the seats. The front end is clearly reminiscent of the Ferrari Enzo, while the overall look pays homage to the racing Ferraris of the 1950s and 1960s, notably the Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa and the Ferrari 330 P4. A number of details further enhance its spectacular character, such as the elytra opening doors and the large openings in the hood revealing the mechanics.

V12 Ferrari engine reworked by Novitec

The Kode57 features Ferrari's famous 6.0-liter V12, derived from the 599 GTB. This naturally-aspirated engine has been reworked by German specialist Novitec, accustomed to preparing the most powerful Ferraris.

Depending on version and preparation, power is in the region of 700 hp, transmitted to the rear wheels via a six-speed sequential gearbox. Suspension is also electrically adjustable, and the front axle can be raised from the cockpit to avoid spoiler damage on uneven roads. Despite its radical styling, the interior remains relatively comfortable, with electrically adjustable bucket seats, air conditioning and a mix of leather, Alcantara and aluminum.

Production limited to just five units

The Kode57 is an extremely rare car. Each one is handcrafted in Yamagata, Japan. It takes a team of around twenty people between six months and a year to build.

In the end, only five cars will be produced, each largely customized for its owner. The price is estimated at around 2.5 million dollars, and some famous collectors have already acquired their copy.

With this Kode57, Ken Okuyama has come full circle: after designing some of the most famous Ferraris in history, he has created his own vision of a supercar... based on Maranello's technical DNA, but with a totally personal stylistic signature.