Playing by Maranello’s Rules
By now, Ferrari’s strict ownership policies are widely known; violating them can reportedly land owners on the brand’s so-called “blacklist.” Still, for various reasons, some choose to go against the guidelines and do things their own way. One of them is Mat Armstrong, who claimed he was blocked from ordering parts directly from Ferrari and that his chances of getting his 296 GTB repaired through official channels were significantly reduced.
Armstrong runs a YouTube channel with over 6.2 million subscribers, so it’s perhaps no surprise that he tends to do things his own way in the name of content. It may be entertaining for enthusiasts, but the financial implications could be another matter. He previously documented a DIY rebuild of a Ferrari 812 Superfast and even claimed that Bugatti owners could simply 3D-print replacement parts for their hypercars – a statement that Bugatti CEO Mate Rimac later challenged.
Dead in the Garage
Not to digress, Armstrong’s issue with the Ferrari 296 GTB – which he purchased in wrecked condition – was that it wouldn’t start, displaying the message: “Hybrid system failure. Go to dealer.” He made several attempts to resolve it, including installing curtain airbags, but without success. As such, he committed to fully rebuilding the car in hopes of eventually securing Ferrari’s assistance.
Midway through the rebuild, however, Armstrong decided to order genuine 296 Challenge parts with the goal of transforming his plug-in hybrid Ferrari into a race car. While some of the components initially arrived, Ferrari later blocked further orders. According to Armstrong, a representative told him the company wanted to ensure that every part it produces goes to the correct vehicle.
Nevertheless, Armstrong pressed on with the build. He modified some of the genuine 296 Challenge components to retain basic road-use functionality, including adjusting the license plate mounting and reinstalling necessary sensors.
Ferrari later instructed him to have the 296 GTB inspected at a certified body shop before it would work on the car. However, by that point, the YouTuber knew the car had already been fitted with several parts intended for the track-only version – leaving him less optimistic about receiving official assistance.
Waiting for the Green Light
In the end, Armstrong said he sent an email to Ferrari, hoping the company would reconsider and help resolve the issue. The situation highlights how Ferrari ownership may not be as glamorous as it appears from the outside, a sentiment echoed in the past by collectors such as Jay Leno, who has spoken critically about the brand's dealer experience. It also underscores a wider takeaway: while modern technology has enhanced performance and safety, it has also made today’s vehicles far more complex.
He claimed to have bought the wrecked 296 GTB for £100,000 (about $135,000 at current exchange rates), and if he’s unable to get it back on the road, the project could quickly become a six-figure gamble that doesn’t pay off.
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