Hedley Studios Commissioned The Lucybelle II With Ferrari Atelier, Creating Just Three Examples Globally – A Handcrafted, Weathered Tribute to Ferrari’s 1958 Le Mans Icon
Hedley Studios, creators of the world’s finest driveable automotive art, has revealed the Ferrari Testa Rossa J ‘Lucybelle II’. This hand-built masterpiece – just one of three examples to be produced – pays tribute to one of Ferrari’s most storied privateer entries: the No.22 ‘Lucybelle II’ Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa (chassis 0732TR), which competed at the 1958 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Following the success of the 2022 Pebble Beach Edition – a pristine, one-of-one tribute to ‘Lucybelle II’ – this new version revisits the story with fresh perspective. Rather than recreating the car at the start line, Hedley Studios now captures ‘Lucybelle II’ as she would have looked at the finish line: worn, weathered and magnificent.
Driven by Americans Ed Hugus and Ray “Ernie” Erickson, ‘Lucybelle II’ was a rare privateer entry that stood apart from the factory teams, finished in Bianco Cervino with striking blue stripes and hand-painted detailing. It became an instant cult icon, remembered for its character as much as its competition pedigree.
To recreate that spirit, Hedley Studios embarked on a 12-month build process involving extensive research, historic imagery, and close consultation with Centro Stile Ferrari. The result is a car that tells a complete story, from the original livery to the post-race patina.
Each of the three ‘Lucybelle II’ editions features the authentic white-and-blue paint scheme, adorned with No.22 roundels, US flag, Ferrari shields, and the ‘Lucybelle II’ name; all applied using traditional masking techniques and hand-sprayed paint.
Before the patina process begins, the car’s livery is first recreated with remarkable accuracy. Using original Ferrari colour codes and CAD modelling, the design team maps the layout in digital form, allowing each element to be scaled and positioned precisely. Multiple layers of paint are then hand-applied to build depth and authenticity, creating a pristine base finish true to the 1958 original.
With the clean livery complete, the car then undergoes a transformative 100-hour, hand-applied weathering process, led by Hedley Studios’ in-house artist. Using a specially mixed water-based paint formula and fine brushes, the artist recreates the track dirt, scuffs, and racewear ‘Lucybelle II’ would have carried after 24 hours of endurance. Subtle paint bleed, flowing grime, and worn panel joints are all recreated with intention. Even hidden areas, from the tyres to the underside of the bodywork, are treated to the same level of craftsmanship. To preserve the tactile and lived-in finish, the car is left un-lacquered.
The Testa Rossa J ‘Lucybelle II’ is more than a showpiece. As with all models in the series, it’s a fully driveable 75% scale recreation, built entirely by hand using aluminium bodywork and Ferrari’s original archive drawings. Key details include:
• 12-inch wire wheels, inspired by Borrani, shod in Pirelli Cinturato tyres
• Working headlights, taillights and horn, plus period-correct racing lights
• Red leather interior with white piping, from the same tanneries used by Ferrari
• Nardi steering wheel with quick-release hub for ease of entry
• Remastered dials, repurposed for EV use while maintaining original fonts and layout
• Ferrari 812-inspired Manettino offering four drive modes:
o Novice – 1kW / 24 km/h
o Comfort – 4kW / 40 km/h
o Sport – 10kW / 80 km/h
o Race – 12kW / 80 km/h
Suspension comes courtesy of Bilstein coilover dampers and custom springs, signed off by Ferrari test drivers at Fiorano. The three front-mounted batteries provide a range of up to 90km and can be charged via the original-style fuel cap, which has been repurposed for charging.
Ben Hedley, Founder and CEO of Hedley Studios, commented: “Lucybelle II’ is a true part of Ferrari folklore. It was a privateer car that stood out not just for how it looked, but for the story it told. Some cars win races, others win hearts — ‘Lucybelle II’ did both. With this edition, we wanted to bring that character to life as authentically as possible. From the blue stripes to the hand-applied patina and every race-worn detail, nothing has been added for effect. Every mark is there for a reason. It’s a tribute to endurance, individuality, and the spirit of racing.”
For further information on the strictly limited-edition Ferrari Testa Rossa J, or to configure your very own, please visit: https://www.testarossaj.com/
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