Mat Armstrong’s attempt to rebuild his wrecked Ferrari 296 GTB has hit a major obstacle after Ferrari blocked the sale of crucial parts.
A few months ago, the YouTuber bought the damaged supercar and has been trying to get it running ever since. Despite replacing airbags and searching for a pyrofuse, the car has never started.
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The team suspects the issue lies in the hybrid battery. The battery management system, which controls all operations inside the battery, may be preventing the car from powering up.
“We think the reason why this car doesn’t start is something to do with this in the hybrid battery,” Armstrong explains.
“This is the computer which controls everything that goes on inside that battery. If this is telling the battery not to power up, then we’ve got a problem.”
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Armstrong sent the module to an airbag team to check for crash data that might be preventing the car from starting. The team’s review, however, did not resolve the issue.
In addition to the battery complications, Armstrong had previously tried to purchase parts for a Ferrari GT3 race car to assist with the rebuild. Ferrari has since blocked the sale of these parts, limiting the options for repairs or modifications.
The combination of an unresponsive hybrid system and restricted parts access has left Armstrong in a difficult position.
The rebuild remains on hold while he seeks alternative solutions, highlighting the challenges faced when attempting to restore or modify modern Ferrari models without manufacturer support.
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