Monday 28th May 2012

Eric Clapton's one-off Ferrari: official photos

Ferrari releases official shots of the SP12 EC, the 512BB homage created for Eric Clapton

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You may remember that, a couple of months back, we brought you the story of Eric Clapton's very special one-off Ferrari 458-based homage to the 512BB.

Well, now we have the official lowdown on the car - the SP12 EC - along with these photos.As we previously reported, it is indeed a 458-based creation intended to pay tribute to the 512BB, of which Clapton has owned three examples over the years.

Sadly, the original car's flat 12 could not be reproduced in the new car, which sticks to the 4.5-litre V8 from the 458, but even rock superstars can't have everything, we suppose...

Curiously the SP12 EC, which was designed by the Centro Stile Ferrari in collaboration with Pininfarina and engineers from Maranello, is described by Ferrari's press material as a "homage to Clapton's career and his long-lasting experience as a Ferrari owner". Quite why or how, we're not sure, but we're glad it exists.

It's just a shame that, because it's part of Ferrari's 'One-Off Programme', they won't be making any more of them...

[Burnham]

I really like that, perfect retro-modern blend.

[Burnham]

stephen300o said:

ALEXANDER said:

I have heard from a reliable source, who has an in at Ferrari, that Eric does not like V8's and requested a V12 which they have put in this car only for him but are keeping quiet about it.

Doesn't sound overly reliable.

Although it would justify the premium!

[Burnham]

BarbaricAvatar said:

Don't care about the interior, power, what it's based on or the cost.
That is a PROPERLY pretty Ferrari. It's such a pity that Ferrari themselves require their customers to remind them what gorgeous cars look like nowadays.

If the 458 looked like this it would be the best car in the world, there'd simply be no point buying anything else if you had the money.

Having said that though, it is an intriguing scheme that Maranello offers with the one-off options. Perhaps their entire range being vomit-inducing is in order to promote this scheme.

Ha, I agree, take note of the last sentence Ferrari!