Car News

To James May’s dismay, Ferrari unveils an extra special 458 Speciale

In case you missed the article, James May wavered for years over buying a limited-edition Ferrari 458 Speciale. So long, in fact, that by the time he decided to bite the bullet and call his local Ferrari dealer, the order books for the car were already closed. But after the dealer called the Ferrari factory, they agreed to make one more – just for James. Faced with the prospect of owning the last example of the last normally aspirated mid-engined V8 Ferrari, he breathlessly said “Yes, please.”

Sadly for May, his 458 Speciale is no longer the last one ever made, after Ferrari revealed this creamy white 458 on Tuesday.

It’s a one-off creation built specifically for a British owner. Called the 458 MM Speciale, the supercar debuted at Fiorano, where Ferrari chief test driver Dario Benuzzi and the unnamed owner turned laps. The 458 MM Speciale is based on the 458 Speciale and uses its natural aspirated V8 paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.

ferrari-458-mm-specialie-3

This one-off is painted a shade of white called Bianco Italia. The Italian flag colors are used for stripes that run down the center of the car. Designed by the Ferrari Styling Center, the car has blacked-out A-pillars that create a visor look, updates to the aluminum bodywork, and carbon-fiber composite bumpers.

ferrari-458-mm-specialie-4

There is also a new side air scoop, new air intakes, and the radiators are mounted at different angles to aid cooling. There’s a tasteful spoiler in back, and the speedster rolls on eye-catching wheels with a custom cluster pattern.

Inside, the owner chose an upgraded audio system and Cioccolato leather with white stitching. The controls are accented with satin white rings.

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1 comment

the guy with no name June 1, 2016 at 9:40 pm

That white looks more like silver. Also, as much as I hate to say it, it looks great. Like the new Ford GT, a Lotus Evora and a Ferrari had a horrible crash. But would I be correct in saying that it’s just something of a coach built 458S ?

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