The changes made for the Ferrari 296 GTS further emphasize the clean, sophisticated lines of the 296 GTB. When the top is down, it is the peerlessly elegant epitome of the open-air hybrid concept. Its unprecedented architecture for a spider, in fact, opens a whole new chapter in the marque’s story. The designers’ goal of retaining the 296 GTB’s main characteristics required a period of meticulous analysis of the dimensions of its technical components. There was a clear focus on minimizing the impact of any modifications on the exterior bodywork and also on introducing a clear, instantly recognizable theme that would encapsulate the complexity of the design whilst translating it into accomplished linear forms.