Superformance Boss Shifts Gears: Colin Sowter’s F355 Journey in the High-Stakes World of Classic Ferrari Racing
The vibrant roar of a naturally aspirated V8 slicing through the British air is a sound instantly recognizable to any motorsport enthusiast. In June 2025, at the Thruxton Retro race meeting, that symphony was led by an exceptional car, and an even more exceptional driver. Among a grid of closed-top contenders in the Superformance Ferrari Club Classic Series, one machine stood out – an immaculate F355 Spider, its open cockpit a striking anomaly, piloted by none other than Colin Sowter.
For many within the global Ferrari community, Colin Sowter is a familiar name. He’s the driving force behind Superformance, a leading worldwide supplier of Ferrari parts and the title sponsor of the very series in which he competes. It’s a compelling blend of passion and business, where track performance directly showcases the quality and availability of the performance auto parts Superformance champions. As Sowter, 66, amiably puts it, “Two birds with one stone,” a sentiment reflecting his dual commitment to the sport and the legacy of the Prancing Horse.
A Legacy Forged in Restoration and Racing
Sowter’s journey into the high-octane world of classic Ferrari racing is deeply rooted in his family’s business. His father specialized in repairing accident-damaged vehicles, a skill set that would prove invaluable for future ventures. He recounts the early days of Superformance with a nostalgic smile: “Superformance was founded 43 years ago, back in 1982, by a chap named Mike Elliott, who operated out of a small lock-up garage behind his house.”
The connection between Sowter’s family business and Elliott’s Superformance was immediate and vital. “We handled all of Mike’s bodywork and paintwork for his Ferraris and Fiat Dinos, so our connection goes back decades,” Sowter explains. When both his father and Elliott approached retirement around the same time, Sowter saw an opportunity. “I acquired Superformance 20 years ago, in 2005. I’ve since transformed it into what it is today, which is truly a global enterprise, vastly different from its origins.”
Today, Superformance is a robust operation, employing 15 dedicated professionals and managing three expansive warehouses stocked with an unparalleled inventory of Ferrari restoration parts. Their clientele spans the globe, often supplying official Ferrari dealerships that require components for older models no longer available directly from the factory in Maranello.
The United States market, in particular, holds significant importance for Superformance. “The U.S. market is a cornerstone of our business,” Sowter emphasizes. “We cater to a vast network of private collectors and trade customers. We consistently stock an extensive range of Ferrari Challenge parts and general components that can be difficult to source from American aftermarket sellers. In this digital age, with advanced worldwide shipping, the need for international agents has largely diminished, allowing us to connect directly with our customers.” This direct-to-consumer model, leveraging efficient logistics, has been crucial to Superformance’s sustained growth and prominence in the niche market of elite motorsport parts supply.
From Motocross to Maranello: Colin Sowter’s Racing Pedigree
Sowter’s personal connection to Ferrari runs deep, tracing back to his youth. Like many aspiring enthusiasts, his bedroom wall proudly displayed a poster of his dream Prancing Horse – a 308 GTB. He would later fulfill that dream, acquiring a fiberglass 308 GTB, a car he still cherishes today. But before indulging in ownership, Sowter first honed his competitive spirit on the track.
His racing career began early, at 14, in the grueling world of motocross. This continued until age 30, when a string of broken bones prompted a shift to karting, where he achieved a high level in national competitions. However, a severe rollover crash, resulting in a broken back, led him to seek something more substantial, and crucially, with a roof. He transitioned to circuit racing in a Porsche 924 for three years, before taking a 15-year hiatus to focus on building his newly acquired Superformance business.
The call of Ferrari racing proved irresistible. “In 2018, I reignited my passion, stepping into a 348 Challenge car for the Ferrari Owners’ Club Historic Series,” Sowter recalls. “I campaigned that 348 for seven intense seasons, racking up numerous class victories along the way. In fact, if it had been an official championship, I would have secured the Class 4 title five times over. But my ambition grew. I yearned for a car with the potential for overall victory, and that’s when I set my sights on building an F355.”
The F355 Project: Rebirth of a Racer
The genesis of Sowter’s F355 race car is a testament to resourceful engineering and a keen eye for potential. Superformance happened to have an F355 Spider in its inventory, a salvage vehicle imported from Japan after a significant crash. Initially slated for dismantling, friendly advice from peers inspired Sowter to transform it into a track weapon. What followed was a meticulous two-year build process, meticulously resurrecting the Ferrari from a bare chassis, engine, and gearbox into a meticulously prepared race machine.
Central to this ambitious project was Lewis Sharman, Superformance’s dedicated in-house engineer and master car builder. “We stripped the car to its bare shell and even acid-dipped it to truly assess the damage,” Sowter explains. “Thankfully, it was primarily panel damage. We then meticulously repaired the structure and integrated a very substantial roll cage. It’s quite ironic, given my history of accidents and my stated need for a roof, that I ended up racing a convertible!” This highlights the critical emphasis on racing safety equipment in competitive motorsport, especially when dealing with open-top vehicles.
The regulations for Sowter’s class are specific: most major components, beyond standard safety gear like racing seats, harnesses, fire extinguishers, and electrical cut-off switches, must remain stock or be aftermarket equivalents of the original item. This includes the heart of the beast – the engine and gearbox. Sowter was delighted to discover, after a thorough inspection, that the F355’s original 3.5-liter V8 and six-speed transaxle were in excellent condition, requiring simple reinstallation rather than a costly rebuild. This speaks volumes about the inherent durability of Ferrari’s engineering, even decades later.
When it comes to upgrades, creativity within the rules is key. “The original shock absorbers are no longer manufactured, so we’re permitted to change them,” Sowter notes. “However, they must be single-adjustable shocks, mirroring the original Challenge car specification. Multi-adjustable units or remote reservoirs are strictly forbidden.” The braking system also offers an avenue for improvement. “You can upgrade the brakes to Challenge specification or a comparable aftermarket manufacturer, as the original Brembos are also unavailable. I’ve opted for AP Racing brakes, enhanced with specialized race pads. While brake upgrades are always beneficial, the real constraint lies in the mandated tires – we have to run on treaded track day-type tires, no slicks are allowed, which limits the ultimate braking advantage.” This constraint on racing suspension upgrades and tires creates a level playing field, emphasizing driver skill.
Sowter’s F355 rides on Yokohama AO52 rubber, a popular choice within the series and listed on the approved tire roster. Original Ferrari Challenge OZ wheels are exceedingly rare, so Sowter utilizes either stock 360 wheels or aftermarket Braid wheels, demonstrating clever adaptation to component availability.
The cockpit of Sowter’s F355 is a blend of vintage charm and modern efficiency. “We’ve installed a Motec display, and since we had to build an entirely new wiring loom from scratch, we seized the opportunity to create a custom wiring harness tailored precisely to our specifications,” he elaborates. “We’ve integrated key functions directly onto buttons on the quick-release steering wheel – indicators, pit lane speed limiter, various dash functions. These controls are redundantly available on a control panel beside me, offering dual access. I also find the Tillett carbon-fiber race seat exceptionally comfortable; its shape is much more ergonomic than many of the flat-bottomed race seats out there.” The use of carbon fiber auto parts like the seat and custom loom showcases a commitment to lightweight performance and tailored ergonomics.
Performance balancing is achieved through a minimum weight requirement of 1,340 kilograms (2,954 pounds). To meet this, lead weights are securely fastened under the passenger-side floor. Furthermore, a success ballast system is in place for the top three finishers in each race: 65 kg (143 lbs.) for first, 25 kg (55 lbs.) for second, and 10 kg (22 lbs.) for third, ensuring competitive parity and challenging the fastest drivers.
Finally, the F355, originally a classic Rosso Corsa, underwent a dramatic aesthetic transformation. Resprayed in brilliant white with a striking black carbon-fiber hood, it was primed and ready to hit the track.
Trials, Triumphs, and the Thrill of the Chase
The F355’s inaugural test run at Brands Hatch in April 2023 was anything but smooth. “It was an utterly dreadful day,” Sowter recounts with a wince, “and on a greasy, rain-soaked track, I had one of the biggest accidents of my racing career. I T-boned the Armco barrier, necessitating a second full strip-down, repair, and complete rebuild of the car.” This monumental setback, requiring extensive Ferrari accident repair, underscored the challenges inherent in motorsport.
To symbolize this fresh start, Sowter opted for a new color scheme for the rebuilt F355: the elegant silver-grey the Ferrari proudly sports today. The F355 made its competitive return in July 2024 at Oulton Park. Then, at the same track in early 2025, a skirmish with another competitor resulted in some fresh body damage. When asked about the ease of such repairs, Sowter offers an expert’s perspective:
“As a road car, no, they are far from easy to fix. Finding original metal body panels for these classic Ferrari models is incredibly difficult. However, as a race car, we utilize bolt-on replacement carbon-fiber panels, which are relatively straightforward to swap out. For more substantial accident damage, the chassis is placed on a specialized jig to guarantee 100-percent alignment and structural integrity.”
So, how does the F355 perform on track, and how does it compare to its predecessor, the 348?
“It is absolutely glorious to drive,” Sowter enthuses. “It represents such a monumental leap forward from the 348. The F355 feels significantly smoother, and its ‘on-the-limit’ handling provides far more feedback. The 348 had a tendency to suddenly bite and snap into a spin, whereas the 355 telegraphs its intentions much more effectively. It communicates what’s happening before you reach the limit, allowing you to drive right up to that edge without the fear of a sudden, unpredictable spin.”
Sowter continues, “While the 355 is technically just the next generation of car, its on-track feel is so profoundly different that it almost feels two generations ahead rather than just one. The 348’s gearbox was cable-operated, while the 355 employs a rod setup, delivering a much more positive and precise feel. The 355 gearbox is simply a joy to use. I’ve retained the power steering, though it’s not mandatory. Some drivers prefer less assistance for more direct feedback, but I appreciate how it makes the car feel lighter and easier to maneuver during a long race.”
He also points out a critical aspect of the stock Ferrari transmission in a racing context: “The standard gearing is optimized for top speed, which frankly isn’t relevant in this series. You’re not hitting 200 mph on these circuits; perhaps 140 mph on the fastest sections. Consequently, you generally utilize only the first four gears, maybe fifth occasionally. Sixth gear speeds are rarely, if ever, achieved.”
During the F355’s development, Sowter sought feedback from none other than 2024 British Touring Car champion Jake Hill. “We were continuously seeking improvements,” Sowter explains. “Considering the sheer volume of high-level racing Hill competes in, his assessment was invaluable. His exact words after driving it at his home track, Brands Hatch, were, ‘That’s the best-balanced race car I’ve ever driven in my life; don’t change anything.’ That, coming from a champion, is incredibly high praise indeed.” This endorsement underscores the quality of the F355 build and the nuanced track dynamics achieved.
Dispelling the Myth: The Cost of Ferrari Racing
Many enthusiasts often harbor the misconception that racing a Ferrari is an exorbitantly expensive pursuit, accessible only to a select few. Colin Sowter offers a refreshing counter-narrative.
“It’s a real misconception to assume that racing a Ferrari is inherently cost-prohibitive,” he asserts. “The primary barrier is the initial cost of acquiring the car itself. However, even there, you can enter the world of classic Ferrari racing with models like a 308 GT4 for under £50,000 – roughly $65,000 USD. Once you own the car, the running costs are surprisingly low. These classic Ferrari models are incredibly reliable. In all my years racing the 348, we experienced only a single mechanical failure, which required a gearbox rebuild. Beyond that, it needed two cambelt services, and that was it. Based on my extensive experience in other racing series, the Ferrari Club Classic Series is, by far, the most economical series we compete in.” This makes investing in classic Ferrari racing surprisingly approachable.
This isn’t to suggest that catastrophic failures are cheap. An engine rebuild, for instance, would indeed cost a small fortune. Does this lead Ferrari Club Classic drivers to race conservatively?
“Absolutely not!” Sowter emphatically replies. “Some younger competitors have entered the series, perhaps thinking, ‘We’ll dominate this, it’s just a bunch of wealthy old boys playing with their Ferraris.’ But the reality is, this series attracts some seriously quick drivers in an incredibly competitive environment. They race very, very hard, pushing to 100-percent effort every single lap.”
Sowter’s firsthand experience undoubtedly validates this assertion. As for his own racing ambitions, he remains fully committed. “I’ve now completed a season and a half in the F355, achieving several class wins. That elusive overall victory, however, continues to motivate me,” he admits. “But I’ve been incredibly close, and I assure you, I will keep on trying.”
The Superformance Ferrari Club Classic: A Vibrant Community
The Ferrari Owners’ Club of Great Britain, established in 1967, has a rich history of promoting Ferrari motorsport. Its inaugural all-Ferrari race took place in 1982 at Donington Park, famously won by Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason in his 512 S. This ignited a passion that led to the formation of the club’s first championship in 1986, the Maranello Ferrari Challenge, largely driven by the enthusiasm of Colonel Ronnie Hoare.
The 1990s marked a golden era, with booming entries, iconic cars, and a roster of talented drivers attracting major sponsors like Michelin and Goodyear. For decades, Pirelli held the headline sponsorship until 2022. It was then that Superformance stepped up, taking on the title sponsorship from 2023.
“We saw the opportunity and stepped in when Pirelli’s tenure concluded three years ago,” explains Colin Sowter of his decision to throw Superformance’s weight behind the series. “The Ferrari Owners’ Club, which boasts around 2,500 members, generates significant attendance at race meetings. Crucially, a large number of racers also own Ferrari road cars, placing us directly in touch with our target customers for Ferrari parts online. Moreover, I personally adore and am deeply passionate about this series. I’m a long-term Ferrari owner, a fan long before I could afford one – my FOC membership number is 580, making me a very early member. All these factors combined made it a clear decision.”
In its current form, the Superformance Ferrari Club Classic operates as a series, rather than a formal championship, with class winners awarded prizes on a race-by-race basis. The 2025 calendar featured 12 races across five iconic British circuits: the historic Donington Park, the lightning-fast Thruxton, the picturesque Oulton Park, the undulating and technically demanding Brands Hatch, and the season-closer, the daunting Castle Combe. This showcases a commitment to vintage racing series at premier venues.
The series welcomes road-legal and lightly modified Ferraris introduced by the factory before 1999, with the F355 being the newest eligible model. To ensure fair competition, cars are categorized into six groups, primarily based on engine size and modification level. Turbocharged vehicles are excluded. Sowter’s F355 competes in Group 5 (unmodified cars over 3.4 liters), while his previous 348 Challenge ran in Group 4.
Further balancing the performance differentials, various models are subject to minimum weight requirements: 308s at 1,215 kg, 348s at 1,270 kg, F355s at 1,340 kg, and 456s and 550s at 1,470 kg. Combined with the success ballast system and the mandatory lightly treaded track-day tires, the series fosters intense, driver-focused competition, making it a compelling spectacle for fans of luxury car racing.
While Sowter races in other series with other high-performance machines – including a 488 Challenge Evo, a 458 GT3, and even a Ford Mustang – the FOC series is the only one where he contests every single round.
“The social aspect is fantastic, and there’s a genuine camaraderie among the drivers,” he reflects. “After a season or two, everyone becomes your friend. We now have a Superformance-sponsored driver’s club, providing food, drinks, and a comfortable space for drivers to relax and socialize throughout the day. Our current sponsorship contract with the FOC concludes this year, 2025, and I am very much looking forward to continuing our partnership.” The investment in motorsport sponsorship clearly goes beyond just brand visibility for Superformance; it’s about nurturing a community.
Drive Your Passion: Explore the World of Classic Ferrari Excellence
Whether you’re looking to rekindle a childhood dream on the track, meticulously restore a Prancing Horse to its former glory, or simply maintain the pinnacle of Italian engineering, the journey begins with expertise and authenticity. Superformance stands as your trusted partner, offering an unparalleled selection of original and high-quality aftermarket Ferrari parts, backed by decades of industry experience and a passion that runs as deep as the asphalt on the world’s most fabled circuits.
Don’t let your Ferrari vision remain a dream. Connect with the experts at Superformance today and elevate your automotive passion to new heights.
