Eight V12 Manual Supercars Keeping the Breed Alive

Modern supercars with V12 engines and manual transmissions are exceedingly rare in this day and age. Most high-end marques have shifted to automatic gearboxes and hybrid assists. As a result, that old-school combination of a roaring V12 and a stick-shift is a unicorn in today’s motoring world. Yet a handful of upcoming models – from boutique hypercars to coachbuilt restomods – are keeping the manual V12 spirit alive. Below we list a few limited-production V12 manual supercars every enthusiast should know about.

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Aston Martin Valour

The Aston Martin Valour is a retro-inspired, limited-edition V12 manual sports car built to celebrate the marque’s 110th anniversary. Under the long bonnet lies a 5,2-litre twin-turbocharged V12 (from the DBS) delivering 526 kW and 753 N·m. Uniquely, this engine is mated to a six-speed manual transmission – the first time Aston has paired its 5,2 V12 with a stick shift. Power goes to the rear in this front-mid engined coupé. With a curb weight around 1 780 kg, the Valour isn’t light, but it makes up for it with old-school charm and brute force. Only 110 units will be produced, each featuring bespoke carbon-fibre bodywork that evokes Aston’s classic V8 Vantage.

Garagisti & Co. GP1

The GP1 is a new entrant from British boutique manufacturer Garagisti & Co., aimed squarely at the analog hypercar niche. It features an all-new 6,6-litre naturally aspirated V12 (developed by Italtecnica) cranking out 596 kW at 9 000 r/min. No hybrid or turbos here – just a big rev-happy V12 feeding a six-speed manual gearbox and rear-wheel drive. The GP1 manages a weight of around 1 000 kg, extremely light for an 800 hp machine. Design-wise it channels classic wedge supercars of the 1970s, and the driving experience is intended to be equally old-school and visceral. Production is strictly limited to 25 units worldwide. For those fortunate few, the Garagisti GP1 offers modern hypercar performance with the delightfully analogue twist of a clutch pedal and manual shifter.

Gordon Murray Automotive T.50

The GMA T.50 is a ultra-lightweight, three-seat hypercar conceived by McLaren F1 designer Gordon Murray. It packs a bespoke 3,9-litre Cosworth V12 that screams to over 11 500 r/min and produces 488 kW. Power goes to the rear wheels via a six-speed H-pattern manual gearbox. Thanks to fan-assisted aerodynamics and extreme weight-saving (just 997 kg), the T.50 offers an unrivaled pure driving experience. Only 100 units of the T.50 will be built, making this central-seat V12 manual one of the most exclusive modern supercars.

Gordon Murray Automotive T.33

The GMA T.33 is a slightly more road-focused sibling to the T.50. It uses the same Cosworth-derived 3,9-litre naturally aspirated V12 re-tuned for 453 kW and 451 N·m. A six-speed manual transmission is standard and drives the rear wheels. Extensive use of carbon-fibre keeps the weight under 1 100 kg, ensuring lively performance despite the T.33’s grand-tourer positioning. Production is limited to 100 units worldwide. With its pared-back design and analog driving ethos, the T.33 delivers classic V12/manual thrills in a slightly more refined package than its track-honed T.50 stablemate.

GTO Engineering Squalo

Pagani Utopia

Pagani’s all-new hypercar bucks industry trends by offering a proper manual option. The Utopia is powered by a mid-mounted 6,0-litre twin-turbo AMG V12 pumping out 635 kW and 1 100 N·m of torque. Buyers can choose between a seven-speed manual or an automated transmission. It is reported that buyers have overwhelmingly opted for the former. Carbon-titanium construction means the Utopia weighs 1 280 kg. Layout is traditional hypercar fare: rear-wheel drive with mid-engine placement. Production is limited to 99 coupés (all already allocated), with roadster variants to follow. The Pagani Utopia stands out as a V12 manual-transmission machine in an era of silent EVs and automatics. Click here to watch our Pagani BC Huayra video.

RML Short Wheelbase

The RML Short Wheelbase is a coachbuilt grand tourer that reinterprets the 1959 Ferrari 250 GT SWB using modern mechanicals. Each starts life as a Ferrari 550 Maranello donor car, retaining the 5,5-litre naturally aspirated Ferrari V12 and six-speed manual transmission. The V12 is refreshed to ensure it makes the full original output of 362 kW. RML then clothes the car in a custom carbon-composite body evoking the 250 SWB’s design. Weight comes down to roughly 1 520 kg (a reduction of ~150 kg from the 550’s original mass) thanks to the lighter body and stripped-out interior. The layout remains front-engine, rear-wheel drive, with an improved weight distribution and modernized suspension/brakes for better handling. RML will only build 30 examples, each costing in the seven figures. The Short Wheelbase delivers classic Ferrari V12/manual thrills with a dose of modern usability and exquisite craftsmanship.

Touring Superleggera Veloce12

Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera’s Veloce12 is another low-volume special marrying a vintage V12 and manual with updated design. The Veloce12 is essentially a Ferrari 550 Maranello reborn – it uses the 550’s 5,5-litre naturally aspirated V12 and six-speed manual gearbox, but wrapped in bespoke carbon-fibre bodywork. The tuned V12 now produces 369 kW, a bump over the original. As a result it allows for 0–100 km/h in ~4.4 seconds and a 320 km/h top speed.

Rear-wheel drive and a front-mid engine layout are retained, enhanced by modern adaptive dampers for sharper dynamics. Furthermore, interior and exterior styling pay homage to 1990s Ferrari cues while incorporating contemporary touches. Touring Superleggera will only build 30 units of the Veloce12 each requiring an astonishing 5 000 man hours of work. With its blend of Italian coachbuilt elegance and manual shifter V12 excitement, the Veloce12 revives the golden era of analogue grand tourers.