458 [2009-2015] Eric Clapton's special 458 Italia

[hoffmeister_fan]

Did Ferrari build Eric Clapton a one-off 458 Italia?

Ferrari has been known to produce one-off vehicles for customers, most notably the F430-based SP1 created for a wealthy Japanese collector in 2008 as well as the P540 Superfast Aperta created on the 599 FTB Fiorano platform in 2009.

Now, if the Ferrari afficianados over on FerrariChat.com are correct, Ferrari Special Projects program has built a third vehicle, this time for musician Eric Clapton, who is known to be a passionate Ferrari collector.

The car looks to be based on the 458 Italia and has distinct styling references to the 12-cylinder Ferrari 512 BB built in the late 1970s and early 1980s with a large lower grille, hood slats and flying buttresses at the rear. Judging from the photos, the interior appears to be relatively unchanged from the 458 Italia, and the mid-mounted 4.5-liter V8 is likely still in place as well.

We will try and find out more details about this special Ferrari, but until then, check out the photos of the car in the gallery above.

I like how the did the front, and I would love to see the rear.

 

[Centurion]

I'm not sure I like it. It resembles a concept from 1992 or similar. However it's nice of Ferrari to show it to us. I'm sure there are quite a few boutique works that have never set a tire on the road and are full time garage queens for collection.

 

[Beemer B773ER]

Why not just by the original ?

That thing has received a serious cosmetic overhaul!

 

[Guibo]

Pics of the rear via Teamspeed.com

Leaked: Eric Clapton's one off Boxer-Inspired Ferrari 458!! - Teamspeed.com

 

[K-A]

I like it. Reminds me of true blooded Ferrari. He clearly wanted some 80's/90's homage cues worked in, which I understand as newer Ferrari designs have gotten less serious/more cartoony.

 

[Tarek]

I definitely like the original car to this one.

 

[hoffmeister_fan]

I like the rear alot.

While I am fond of Ferrari's from the 60's and 70's, my baseline for their design was the late 80's and 90's as that's when I originally became aware of them.

 

[Levi68]

I like this interpretation very much. I think it is really nice, I like some details even more on this one than on the 458 Italia.

 

[Mr Robert]

Suddenly, it looks like it was made from a Fiero...

 

[Gianclaudio]

Love it!!

It's the 80's back, guys.

 

[Yaz]

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[K-A]

I love it.

 

[speed_kills]

Hate it. It's suits the style the owner.
The 458 is beauty, this is a mess.

 

[Wunderkind]

I don't know, but I quite like it. I suppose for those who are old enough to remember the 512BB, this Speciale has all the little details that hark back to the 1980's V12 Classic. I understand how some of you feel that it's a mess. But I quite like it.

Now, a 288GTO-inspired 458 please!

 

[hoffmeister_fan]

I don't know, but I quite like it. I suppose for those who are old enough to remember the 512BB, this Speciale has all the little details that hark back to the 1980's V12 Classic. I understand how some of you feel that it's a mess. But I quite like it.

Now, a 288GTO-inspired 458 please!

I like the cut of your jib, sir. A 288GTO and the F40 have this sense of brutality rarely seen in a Ferrari, which tend to be more sensual, but that brutality just works.

 

[Levi68]

I think I like it even more than the 458 Italia.

 

[Bartek S.]

A few months ago a mystery Ferrari was photographed in a London dealership with various sources all but confirming it was a one-off creation built for musician Eric Clapton. Now Ferrari has made it official, formally unveiling the car named SP12 EC.

Built in cooperation with Ferrari's Special Projects program and Pininfarina, the SP12 EC is essentially a 458 Italia clad with all new body panels inspired by the 512 BB of the late 1970s and early 1980s, of which Clapton has owned three. The musician reportedly wanted one of Ferrari's 6.0-litre V12s squeezed into the engine bay, but all signs indicate that the 458 Italia's 4.5-litre is still in place. The only thing missing is a set of vintage series wheels from HRE.

Ferrari isn't revealing the price tag of Clapton's one-off SP12 EC, but estimates put the tally right around the £3 million mark, which seems to be the going rate for a bespoke supercar from the Italian manufacturer.

http://ca.autoblog

 

[mini_cooper4]

Precious! If that was the original 458 design... I'll sell myself to get one

 

[Bronx13]

Ugly as sin...

 

[RS2000 4X4]

I love it!!!