One-off cars commissioned by VIP people In compliance with current regulations

In the first two parts of our story, we explored the one-off cars commissioned by affluent clients, beginning with a rolling chassis One-off cars commissioned by VIP people When coachbuilders were like tailors and then those that had to confront the constraints of industrial production One-off cars commissioned by VIP people. When originality was possible. Now, in our third and final segment, we focus on more recent cars adhering to current homologation regulations, resulting in increased homologation constraints. In practice, this includes the entire seatbelt system, airbags, and much more. However, the underlying goal remains unchanged.

Let’s start with the exception that proves the rule. In 1975, Porsche’s racing department received a call requesting to purchase a 917K for road use. The caller? None other than Count Rossi di Montelera, owner of Martini & Rossi and the Porsche sponsor with the iconic Martini Racing livery. On chassis number 30, the final one from Weissach, mirrors and an exhaust silencer were fitted. However, the German manufacturer declined to register it. Eventually, the State of Alabama, USA, offered the possibility of homologating a racing car for road use. The operation was completed, concluding with the signing of a letter stipulating that it not be driven within state lines. Contrary to expectations, Count Rossi frequently took it for a spin.

Conte Rossi di Montelera - 1975 Porsche 917K

Ferrari received numerous requests for unique models, leading to the creation of a dedicated department called Ferrari Special Projects, focused on building one-off cars. One of the most famous clients was the legendary musician Eric Clapton, a passionate car enthusiast who, in 2012, commissioned a very special version based on the mechanics (and homologation) of the 458 Italia. The design was inspired by the 512BB and involved the Centro Stile Ferrari in collaboration with Pininfarina. The result is a truly unique blend of past and present.

Eric Clapton - 2012 Ferrari SP12

However, there had been precedents, although they were managed by Pininfarina. In 1992, the Sultan of Brunei fell in love with the Ferrari 456 GT, a 2+2 coupe. However, the model on sale did not meet his standards of exclusivity. He thus commissioned Pininfarina to create a limited series named Venice in three different configurations: four-door sedan, cabriolet and station wagon. Recognizing the Sultan’s prominence, Ferrari granted permission for the operation, resulting in six units of each variant for the Sultan’s family.

Sultan of Brunei - 1996 Ferrari 456 Venice GT

Back to Porsche and another extraordinary client: Horacio Pagani, the visionary founder of the Pagani brand known for cars considered works of art. A great engine enthusiast, he bought a Carrera GT years ago, which, entrusted to Zagato, was modified with a carbon fibre body designed to further improve airflow around the car. This creation, named GTZ, saw a limited production of just six units. Not a one-off? True, but for such a particular client, we can make an exception.

Horacio Pagani - 2006 Porsche Carrera GTZ Zagato

The Milanese atelier Zagato plays a central role in yet another remarkable tale. Years ago, the famous American collector Herb Wetanson asked if it was possible to recreate the Porsche-Zagato 356 Speedster of Claude Storez. This unique model, built in 1958 and tragically lost in an accident a year later, presented a formidable challenge, but the company’s highly advanced production process scanned the original photos and drawings of the car, using a photometric process to create a digital model. From this, they were able to produce new aluminium bodies, ultimately reconstructing nine units based on the Porsche 356 chassis.

Herb Wetanson - 2016 Porsche 356 Carrera Zagato Speedster Sanction Lost