VIDEO: Did Eric Clapton Create A One-Off Ferrari Masterpiece With His SP12 EC Or Did He Just RUIN A 458 Italia?

For those of you who are not familiar, Eric Clapton -- arguably one of rock and roll's most iconic figures -- is a GIGANTIC Ferrari fan. So much so, he recently just plopped down a large chunk of change to create his very own one-off Ferrari.

He's not the first, and most certainly will not be the last, to do so. Previous one-offs have been created for -- most famously -- Jim Glickenhaus and Peter Kalikow.

Something tells me his collection has amassed to the point he's simply bored. That's why he commissioned Ferrari to construct a 458 Italia that appears to have mated with a 512 BB.

This leads us to a couple of questions:

1) Is that a V8 or V12 mid-engined vehicle?

2) Will this go down as a Ferrari MASTERPIECE or a RUINED 458?


The 458 Italia ushered in a more sensual design that modern Ferraris have been used to with some saying it's the prettiest F-car in years. Now Clapton turned back time but was it for the better?

LexSucks - 4/1/2012 3:10:08 PM

-2 Boost

Its a V8 and yes, He ruined it.

Agent00R - 4/1/2012 4:51:20 PM

-1 Boost

From what I hear, I'd say there's an 80% chance that's a V8.

Agreed, ruined.

g2ok - 4/1/2012 11:23:37 PM

+3 Boost

He's Eric Clapton and can do whatever he wants to his cars. It's still a Ferrari.

vtandon - 4/2/2012 1:13:30 AM

+3 Boost

Its a V12, thats why Eric Clapton got it made. As long as Ferrari made it for him and not some after market crap car company, I am fine with it.

Cameronvette77 - 4/2/2012 8:46:39 AM

+5 Boost

How could he have ruined it if it was done by Ferrari????? Have you not seen how much $$ factory one-offs go for at auction????? It is not like he went to Pep Boys and stuck garbage on his car. I imagine the level of fit and finish on this car & the engineering is at par with factory if not better. Being a true Ferrari enthusiast & I am sure that Eric Clapton knows what he is doing. Come on, think about it….

Steve - 4/2/2012 9:08:34 AM

+3 Boost

In my opinion, he cleaned up all the styling weirdness that makes an Italia a gawky car, namely: (1) the impossibly long, swoopy headlights that extend half way up the hood, (2) the corners of the hood, which make it look like it has poorly fitting gaps, and (3) the tail light which appear to be stuck on, lacking design cohesion.

Clapton's customization is to me what I wish Ferrari would have become, instead of where it is now.

LexSucks - 4/2/2012 3:47:25 PM

+1 Boost

If this were a rappers car? I’d bet my life that the responses here wouldn't be as receptive.

AlleVier - 4/3/2012 1:03:22 PM

+1 Boost

Stirring the pot there, Reverend Sharpton? For what it's worth, I don't like the paint scheme or the rearward customizations (bright fuel-filler door and C-pillar business), but agree with Steve on how the hood, in particular, addressed the front-end gawkiness.