In the spirit of one-off coachbuilt automobiles that have gone before, Pininfarina, Ferrari, and American Edward Walson have teamed up to create the Ferrari P540 Superfast Aptera. The vehicle was commissioned by Walson, son of the creator of cable television, to emulate the Fantuzzi-designed custom re-bodied Ferrari featured prominently in the Edgar Allan Poe-inspired 1968 Fellini short film, "Toby Dammit."
The P540 Superfast Aptera started life as a production Ferrari 599 GTB, retaining that car's crucial safety equipment including bumper structures and windshield. Around that basis, custom bodywork was created and the chassis was stiffened extensively to compensate for the roof being removed. In the end, due to lightweight construction and material use (including carbon fiber) the P540 Superfast Aptera weighs in at just 44 lbs more than a standard 599 GTB. Running gear is largely standard 599 GTB spec.
The project began in 2008 when Walson met with Pininfarina designers to start work on the car, creating a modern version of the gold-colored movie car.
"I had always dreamed of designing sports cars, and when I saw this film the decision came of its own accord: one day I would have 'my' Ferrari," Walson said.
Initial sketches were produced and 14 months later the final road car had been built. Walson recently completed several shakedown runs in the one-off Ferrari and took delivery of the car at the Italian automaker's Fiorano headquarters, where he remarked, "This is the most special Christmas present of my life."
The car is the second to be born from Ferrari's Special Projects program that offers owners customized cars far beyond the standard options sheet.
Thanks to: Motor Trend