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.

[Podie]

Burnham said:

I really like that, perfect retro-modern blend.

[C2james]

i think its quite cool.

[Gary C]

Slightly ungainly...

Just like the 512BB, nice one

[AA355]

I like it too. I think they could have done something with the alloys though. Too tame compared to the rest of the car as they are just 458 sport alloys which are an option on the normal 458. Love the lines and the colous choice.

[toppstuff]

Not cool at all IMO.

Has a whiff of the late-mid life crisis about it.

Edited by toppstuff on Monday 28th May 11:54

[kambites]

Much better looking than the F458.

[jreddihough]

dogs dinner springs to mind.

[forzaminardi]

It's OK, not as good as it first looked though.

[Japveesix]

kambites said:

Much better looking than the F458.

Yup. Better rear, better side profile without that weird point on the 458 where they failed to get the lines to met properly, no stupid over-styled angry snake face on the front etc.

I think it looks great.

[r129sl]

The rear three quarter view has shades of 348tb to my eye. It also seems to lack the proportions of the 512. Still, it is a good deal nicer than the 458 upon which it is based.

[AA355]

[quote=toppstuff]Not cool at all IMO.

Has a whiff of the late-mid life crisis about it.



Not sure what this car has to do with mid life crisis to be fair. You could say that about anyone buying a supercar.

[bruciebonuz]

Not perfect, but I do like it and its great that crazy stuff like this happens as the world would be much more boring if it didn't.

[gofasterrosssco]

Not with Eric on this one...

[M@1975]

Strange front end, too retro for the rest of the car in my book.. Rest of the car is actually pretty good.

[myhandle]

bruciebonuz said:

Not perfect, but I do like it and its great that crazy stuff like this happens as the world would be much more boring if it didn't.

Very well put.

[Adrian W]

Shows that when people are stupid rich they loose touch with reality

[Paul O]

I like that, hope it gets driven and not just a museum piece...

[Nicholas Blair]

gofasterrosssco said:

Not with Eric on this one...

Nor me, what's the point of this....?

[crocodile tears]

looks fantastic other than the petrol cap