10 Ferrari models You've Probably Never Heard Of.

Back in 2007, Ferrari announced its new Special Projects programme, which offered some of their best customers and collectors the opportunity of a life time.

The stuff of dreams. The chance to create your own project. Your very own, one-of-a-kind Ferrari.

If you're like me, you may have spent much of your time in school doodling and drawing all kinds of crazy supercars - anything your mind could think up. The chance for those to come to life is not to be missed.

Some of these One-Offs were born through this Special Projects programme, some of them weren't, but ultimately they're very special in their own way.

Here's a quick rundown of some of the known (but rarely seen) and unknown models from Maranello.

1. Ferrari SP12 EC

The SP12 EC is a one-off Ferrari built for Eric Clapton in celebration of his long history and loyalty to the brand.

Back in 2012 he teamed up with Pininfarina and mocked up a design for the SP12, which was then made into the real thing.

Based on the 458 Italia, the SP12 EC features the same 4.5 V8 naturally aspirated engine but has changed dramatically in terms of aesthetics. Taking heavy inspiration from the Boxer range of Ferrari's (the 365 GT4 BB and the BB 512) - Eric brought the classic look, integrated with modern features, making it one of the most photogenic cars in the line-up.

2. Ferrari SP1

A special one-off Ferrari based on an F430 for a Japenese businessman. It's the first car that the Special Project programme attempted.

Supposedly, the owner was a huge fan of the F100 -a concept car designed in 1998, which is where his inspiration came from.

3. Ferrari F12 TRS

Essentially a convertible version of the F12 berlinetta, the TRS takes inspiration from the 1957 250 Testa Rossa, as requested by the owner.

It made it's first public appearance at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in 2014 and caused quite a stir as it took part in the famous Hill Climb.

The normally luxurious interior has been stripped back to basics with the aim of as much weight saving as possible.

Naturally, carbon fibre and Alcantara lines the TRS's interior and exterior.

4. Ferrari P540 Superfast Aperta

This is the second car that was built through the Special Projects programme back in 2018.

Built on the structure of the 599, the P540 is actually 20kg heavier than the standard car due to the chassis needing tweaking to accommodate the loss of the roof.

Thanks to it being an Aperta, the owner now has an even better opportunity to enjoy the glorious V12 soundtrack.

5. Ferrari SP FFX

Something a little different.

At first glance, it looks a little like the California, but on closer inspection it appears to be an FF.

Built for a discerning customer in Japan, the SP FXX is very rarely seen after it's initial unveiling.

The car is in fact based on the Ferrari FF but the rear has been redesigned to feature a coupe tail. The front is also more aggressive with two vertical sections that separate the grille.

6. Ferrari Superamerica 45

Built for a customer in the United States, the Superamerica 45 - named to celebrate the owner's 45 years since his first Ferrari purchase.

The Superamerica 45 takes huge inspiration from the Ferrari 599 SA Aperta which came out the year before. Look a bit closer and design elements from the 575 Superamerica start to show.

The car also features a 599 GTO-style rear diffuser, and a stunning one-piece carbon fibre roof which slots onto the rear deck when removed.

7. Ferrari 458 MM Speciale

Built for a buyer in the United Kingdom, the 458 MM Speciale is based of course on the 458 Speciale, with some key design tweaks. The car is built almost entirely from carbon fibre, keeping the weight to a minimum.

The rear also looks remarkably similar to the modern 488 GTB, and is adorned in a Bianco Italia paint with traditional Italian racing stripe across the centre of the vehicle.

8. Ferrari F60 America

One of my personal favourites, the F60 America was built in 2014 to celebrate 60 years of Ferrari sales in the United States.

10 of these cars were built, and it's essentially a convertible version of the F12 Berlinetta.

Finished in iconic NART (North American Racing Team) inspired liveries, the F60 was only offered for sale to discerning North American customers.

9. Ferrari J50

In 2016 we saw the introduction of the Ferrari J50, built in the same vein as the F60 America above, only this time celebrating 50 years of Ferrari in Japan. This model was based on the 488 Spider, and the sleek styling wasn't actually based on one single Ferrari model, rather the notion of the 1960s Ferrari roadster.

It does include the classic split line which featured in Ferrari design for the best part of 30 years, here cleverly integrated into the side air intake.

10. Ferrari SP38 Deborah

We finish with the most recent addition, the SP38 Deborah. Commissioned by a private owner, the latest car from the Special Projects programme was revealed in 2018, combining the underpinnings of the 488 GTB with a design inspired by the iconic F40.

The most obvious connection to the F40 is the static rear wing. At the front, the wrap-around windscreen makes an appearance, combined with slim headlights and a smooth surfacing treatment that appears to draw from the limited-build J50 above.

Conclusion

So there we have it.

10 incredible cars, many of which you've probably never seen or heard of before.

All owned by customers who are surely living the ultimate petrolhead's dream - owning your very own, bespoke Ferrari.