Eric Clapton's one off Boxer-Inspired Ferrari 458!!

Around two years ago, Eric Clapton commissioned a one-off Ferrari 458 Italia fitted with a V12 engine and well, we all thought it was an urban legend, a myth of sorts, and we still haven't officially confirmed this does has a V12 under the bonnet, but what we do know is the one-off is on display at HR Owen in London.

These images show us styling references to the iconic Ferrari 512 BB, sporting a large lower grille, front bonnet hood louvers, and roof mounted rear spoiler. From the little we can make-out, the interior appears to be a modestly tailored version of the stock 458 Italia. Rumors are this was fitted with the V-12 from the 599 GTO but we are leaning towards this one-off being powered by the Italia's mid-mounted 4.5 liter V-8.

Stay tuned for more!

Thanks to GTSpirit for the location scoop & Luke Alexander Gilbertson for the pics!







Update:
After a registration check by a member at psitonheads, the car is listed as a V8, so much for EC wanting to stuff that V12 in there!

 

Some more recent posts on Fchat are claiming the car was only rumoured to be a V12 because its inspiration is the v12 Berlinetta Boxer, but the car actually retains the 458s V8 due to the fact that placing a V12 in the 458 would be too costly due to having to recrash test it etc.

Jim Glickenhaus also mentioned that he heard the projected cost more then P4/5 which I find quite impressive

Can't say im a fan of the design. There are a "few" parts i like but as a whole im not impressed. Reminds me of what a concept from the early 90s would look like

 

Larger camera phone shots via autoblog from Fchat:

 

Would love to get a confirmation on the engine!

 

That is hideous.

 

ok.. why?

 

Agree, they ruined it's looks!

 

I love it, but I guess that's partially because I like seeing some design legacy in updated cars, and the 458 doesn't (in my eyes) have any design cues from previous Ferrari mid-engine models. This design very much ties to the 512BB while adding contemporary design to it. I want to see more...there must be some studio shots out there.

 

Cocaine just came on the radio whilst reading this thread.

 

For me this falls into the category of "just because you can, doesn't mean you should."