Eric Clapton's (1 of 1) SP12EC
The Ferrari SP12 EC: A One-Off Supercar
The Ferrari SP12 EC is a one-off supercar commissioned by none other than rock legend Eric Clapton.
Based on the Ferrari 458 Italia, this bespoke creation is a tribute to Clapton’s favourite Ferrari model, the 512 BB. Having owned three 512 BBs over the years, Clapton wanted a modern reimagining of his beloved classic, and Ferrari delivered a car that blends the brand’s iconic design with a deeply personal touch.
The Ferrari 512 BB, produced between 1976 and 1984, was a groundbreaking model. It featured a mid-mounted, 360bhp flat-12 engine, derived from the more conventional V12 found in the Daytona, and mounted above the car’s gearbox. This design gave the 512 BB exceptional performance, which made it a standout in Ferrari’s lineup at the time. One of the most iconic aspects of the 512 BB was its two-tone paint finish, which has been subtly recreated on the SP12 EC, linking the new car to its vintage predecessor. The SP12 EC also incorporates a number of 512 BB-inspired details, from its proportions to the signature rear end.
Designed by Ferrari’s ‘Centro Stile’ in collaboration with Pininfarina and engineers from Modena, the SP12 EC is a true one-off. The car takes the 458 Italia as its base, featuring the 570bhp, 4.5-litre V8 engine that powers Ferrari’s revered production model. However, unlike the standard 458, the SP12 EC was tailored to Clapton’s specifications, with the intention of creating a car that was not only an homage to the 512 BB but also a thoroughly modern supercar.
The bespoke Ferrari is part of the brand’s ‘One-Off Programme,’ a service that allows clients to create highly personalized vehicles. Clapton’s decision to commission the SP12 EC is the latest in a series of one-off Ferrari models, following the legendary P4/5, another unique Ferrari commissioned by a private client. It’s reported that Clapton spent more than £3 million to build his dream Ferrari, a sum that speaks to the exceptional level of craftsmanship and attention to detail that went into creating this automotive masterpiece.
The SP12 EC is more than just a supercar—it’s a statement piece that fuses Ferrari’s cutting-edge engineering with the personal legacy of one of the world’s greatest musicians. This custom Ferrari is a perfect embodiment of Clapton’s refined taste, combining nostalgia for the classic 512 BB with the performance and luxury of a modern Ferrari. For Clapton, the SP12 EC isn’t just a car; it’s a tribute to his love for Ferrari, a love that has spanned decades and continues to inspire his passion for automobiles.
Here are the key specs of the Ferrari SP12 EC:
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | One-Off |
| Released At | 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show |
| Built At | Maranello, Italy |
| Coachbuilder | Pininfarina |
| Production | 1 |
| Engine | F136-FB 90° V8 |
| Position | Mid Longitudinal |
| Aspiration | Natural |
| Block Material | Aluminum |
| Valvetrain | DOHC, 4 Valves per Cylinder |
| Fuel Feed | Direct Gasoline Injection |
| Displacement | 4499 cc / 274.55 in³ |
| Bore | 94 mm / 3.7 in |
| Stroke | 81 mm / 3.2 in |
| Compression | 12.5:1 |
| Power | 419.1 kW / 562 bhp @ 9000 rpm |
| Specific Output | 124.92 bhp per litre |
| Bhp/Weight | 375.17 bhp per tonne |
| Torque | 540 Nm / 398.3 ft-lbs @ 6000 rpm |
| Redline | 9000 rpm |
| Body / Frame | Aluminum Body over Aluminum Chassis |
| Driven Wheels | RWD w/E-Diff3 |
| Wheel Type | 5-Spoke Forged |
| Front Tires | 235/35ZR20 Michelin Pilot Sport 2 |
| Rear Tires | 295/35ZR20 Michelin Pilot Sport 2 |
| Front Brakes | Ventilated & Drilled Carbon-Ceramic Discs w/ABS |
| Rear Brakes | Discs w/ABS |
| Front Wheels | 50.8 x 21.6 cm / 20 x 8.5 in |
| Rear Wheels | 50.8 x 26.7 cm / 20 x 10.5 in |
| Steering | Rack & Pinion w/Variable Assist |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbones, Coil Springs, Delphi Magnetorheological Dampers, Anti-Roll Bar |
| Rear Suspension | Double Wishbones, Coil Springs, Delphi Magnetorheological Dampers, Anti-Roll Bar |
| Curb Weight | 1498 kg / 3300 lbs |
| Weight Distribution | 42% / 58% |
| Wheelbase | 2650 mm / 104.3 in |
| Length | 4527 mm / 178.2 in |
| Width | 1937 mm / 76.3 in |
| Height | 1213 mm / 47.8 in |
| Transmission | Getrag 7-Speed Sequential |
| Transmission Clutch | Dual-clutch |
| Emissions | 320 g/km |