With the launch of this 812-derived Omologata, Ferrari has reached a significant milestone, and 10 PH points to whoever knows what it is. Stumped? Well, this is now the 10th one-off Ferrari has built off a V12 base, a back catalogue that stretches back to the P540 Superfast Aperta of 2009. And what a way to crack double figures...
Sharing only its headlights and windscreen with a standard 812 Superfast, the Omologata is described as a "vibrant evocation of the values that define Ferrari in relation to GT racing: a car that is equally at ease on the road as it is hitting the apex on the track". It's a throwback, then, the Omologata; a contemporary yet retro celebration to conjure up the 250s, 275s and Daytonas of way back when, their V12s howling and string-back driving gloves sawing away at wooden steering wheels - lovely.
This being based on Ferrari's modern-day front-engined flagship, the Omologata isn't quite the bare bones road racer of yesteryear. That said it's still keen to play the heritage card inside, with electric blue seats, crackled paint effect for the metal parts and a hammered paint effect - very different to crackled, of course - for the door handles and central bridge. The interior is said to be "reminiscent of a bygone era."
It's on the outside where the Omologata really pushes the barchetta out as a one-off Ferrari. Taking two years to complete, the car was designed with influences as far reaching as modern architecture and sci-fi, the intention to create something both timeless and futuristic, bespoke and yet also something that could "easily find its place in any Ferrari showroom." You're allowed to be demanding when commissioning one-offs...
The result is pretty spectacular, the rear slatting redolent of those seen on the quarter-windows of a 275 GTB (and the more exotic mid-engined cars), with a front end more aggressive than an 812. The spoiler at the back is said to add downforce, even though it's thought to be mechanically identical to a Superfast. Even the paint for the Omologata is unique, a new Rosso Magma that's never been seen before on a Maranello car.
Ferrari suggests the Omologata is a "fitting" one-off, which would rather sell this jaw-dropping achievement short; especially so given that not all the bespoke creations have been quite so good. A car that "manages to encompass a range of subtle Ferrari signature design cues with falling into nostalgia", it'll surely slot in just nicely to the collection of its discerning European owner. If the next 10 one-offs look as good as this, Ferrari can surely expect many more requests for commissions in the future; meanwhile the remaining 99.99 per cent of us will continue to dream longingly of any old 812 Superfast, thanks very much...
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