You might think that owning a production Ferrari is one of the most satisfying and exclusive automotive purchases available, but the Italian supercar maker has one more echelon for those who want – and can afford – something that is 100% exclusive: their Special Project service.

Eric Clapton is one of the most recent members of this exclusive community, having ordered what is called the SP12 EC (SP stands for Special Project, EC for Eric Clapton). In a press release Ferrari stated that the car had been "created as homage to Clapton's career and his long lasting experience as a Ferrari owner".

Clapton has owned several Ferraris, including the classic 512 BB, from which the special one-off edition takes some styling details; a larger air intake at the front, grey slats on the front boot, and a black and red paint job, to name just three.

But the car is essentially based on a 458 Italia, and features the same engine as the current model – not the Flat-12 as found in the classic 512 BB.

Ferrari’s Special Project service was set up in 2007 in response to continued requests for modifications from previous and would-be Ferrari owners. After each car is built, the tooling used to make it is given to the owner, thereby helping to ensure that the model remains entirely unique.

But while most of us can only dream of owning such a machine, we can take some solace in the fact that Eric still needs breakdown insurance like the rest of us, Ferrari or no Ferrari.