Formula One took a radical turn in 1989. Replacing the turbo-charged formula was a new 3.5-litre formula that leveled the playing field for every team. Ferrari had a trick up their sleeves, however: a semi-automatic gearbox. The system, a first in Formula One, was complex but lightning fast! Once the drivers got used to the paddle-shifter arrangement the technology prooved to be a valuable asset to the Scuderia.
 
Enrique Scalabroni and Steve Nichols turned the Ferrari Tipo 640, which they inherited from Englishman John Barnard, into the 641. The 640 began life on a high-note with Mansell taking victory in Brazil, but the new team turned that car into a true competitor that might have won the 1990 World Championship had Ayrton Senna not crashed into Prost at the season finale in Japan.
 
The 641/2 retained the basic compact and slippery body design of its forebearers, though subtle differences made it an enormously attractive car. The most visible change from the 641 is the hump above each side pod air intake that tapers back into the beautiful teardrop-shaped bodywork. Nicely sculpted ducts on the flanks draw air through the radiators.
 
The Ferrari 641/2 is without a doubt one of the most beautiful shapes Formula One has ever seen. Exoto celebrates this World Championship contender that propelled drivers Alain Prost and Nigel Mansell to six victories with this special polished aluminum collectible.