New SP40 Restomod Speedster Revives Edsel Ford’s Iconic Classic

The SP40 Restomod Speedster borrows its soul from Edsel Ford's 1934 Special Speedster, a one-off built on a Model 40 chassis with a custom aluminum body and a flathead V8.

Rather than copying that car, Iconic Auto Sports has distilled its character: streamlined proportions, flowing fenders, and an unmistakable Art Deco sensibility, reinterpreted with contemporary materials and engineering.

The result is a low-volume roadster that reads like a piece of automotive theatre.

Every surface, from the long bonnet to the tapered tail, is designed to echo the elegance of the 1930s while delivering modern drivability and safety standards.

Heart and mechanics: the Coyote V8 speaks plainly

Under the long nose sits Ford's proven 5.0-litre Coyote V8, tuned to produce in excess of 480 horsepower, a serious figure for a car that tips the scales at just 1,190 kg.

That power flows through a traditional five-speed manual gearbox, a choice that reinforces the SP40's analogue charm and driver-focused intent.

The chassis is a tubular spaceframe that keeps the structure rigid while allowing ultra-light bodywork.

The suspension is independent with double wishbones all around, and stopping power is supplied by Brembo callipers and rotors, hardware chosen to match the car's performance envelope and provide confidence-inspiring control.

Key technical highlights

Craftsmanship: carbon fibre meets walnut and machined aluminum

Iconic Auto Sports has gone full bespoke.

The SP40's bodywork is made from carbon fibre and hand-finished by artisans; nothing is mass-produced. Inside, walnut trim and hand-machined aluminum contrast with visible carbon-fibre structure, creating a cabin that is both tactile and modern.

That combination of classic natural materials juxtaposed with aerospace composites is precisely what separates a faithful restomod from a simple retro copy.

The SP40 presents vintage cues but feels alive and purposeful behind the wheel.

Built-to-order and utterly individual

Unlike Edsel Ford's solitary Special Speedster, the SP40 will be offered to a limited number of clients — but Iconic Auto Sports promises individuality:

"No two examples will ever be the same."

Each car will be customised to a client's taste, meaning paint, trim, and even mechanical spec can be tailored.

Price was not disclosed at reveal, though the combination of hand-crafted, low-volume production and bespoke finishes places the SP40 firmly in rarefied territory.

Expect a figure that reflects both the material costs and the labour intensity of a truly customised build.

How the SP40 fits the market — and why it matters

The SP40 Restomod Speedster occupies a small but growing niche: high-art restomods that offer modern performance without erasing their inspiration.

For collectors and enthusiasts who value style, sound and mechanical engagement, a car like the SP40 delivers an emotional ownership experience that mainstream performance cars rarely attempt.

Because it uses a familiar and well-supported engine, the Coyote V8 will require easier maintenance and parts support than a bespoke powerplant, making the SP40 a more practical collectible for owners who intend to drive their cars, not just display them.

Conclusion — a modern heir to Edsel Ford's daring

The Iconic Auto Sports SP40 Restomod Speedster is not nostalgia in amber; it's nostalgia remade with modern engineering and uncompromising craftsmanship.

With a 480+ hp Coyote V8, a lightweight spaceframe and fully bespoke interiors, it promises a driving experience that respects the past while thrilling in the present.

For enthusiasts seeking character, handcrafted and honest performance, the SP40 offers a rare proposition: a driveable sculpture that remembers where it came from and refuses to be a museum piece.