The Ferrari P540 Superfast Aperta is one of the most unique one-offs to ever emerge from Maranello. Commissioned by an American collector with a cinematic vision, this car stands as a tribute to creativity, collaboration, and pure automotive passion. Based on the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano, it’s not just a rebody, it’s a modern sculpture on wheels.
Inspired by Film, Designed by Passion
This one-off was born from a scene in Federico Fellini’s 1968 film Toby Dammit, where a golden Ferrari appeared in a dreamlike sequence. That vision stayed with Edward Walson, son of the cable TV pioneer John Walson.
Years later, Edward approached Ferrari with a bold request: to reimagine that cinematic Ferrari for the road. The result was the P540 Superfast Aperta, a bespoke convertible that captures the spirit of Italian design and storytelling.
A One-Off Ferrari with Real V12 Power
Beneath the custom coachwork lies the heart of a Ferrari thoroughbred. The 6.0-liter V12 engine produces 620 CV (456 kW) at 7,600 rpm and 608 Nm of torque. Paired with Ferrari’s F1-style 6-speed gearbox, the P540 Superfast Aperta offers more than just beauty, it’s an exhilarating machine built to drive.
The performance stays true to the 599 GTB’s DNA, but the open-top format and refined aerodynamics make it a completely different experience.
Built to Be Real, Engineered to Be Legal
Unlike many design studies or art cars, the P540 Superfast Aperta is fully road-legal. Ferrari engineers reinforced the original 599 GTB Fiorano’s chassis to compensate for the open roof, using advanced simulations and carbon fibre for structural strength.
Amazingly, the changes added just 20 kg of weight over the original coupe. From design sketches to delivery, the entire process took only 14 months, a remarkably short timeline for such a bespoke build.
Crafted by Pininfarina, Guided by the Owner
Ferrari entrusted the design to Pininfarina, maintaining the tradition of Italy’s most iconic automotive partnerships. Every detail, from body shape to interior trim, was developed with Walson’s direct input.
This wasn’t just a car made for him, it was made with him. That personal connection gives the P540 Superfast Aperta its soul.
Golden Finish, Cinematic Roots
The exterior finish, a stunning deep gold, pays homage to the Ferrari seen in Toby Dammit. That film, directed by Fellini and based on Edgar Allan Poe’s story “Never Bet the Devil Your Head,” became the unexpected muse for this one-of-a-kind creation.
It’s not just an homage to Ferrari’s past. It’s a celebration of imagination, filtered through the lens of cinema, art, and engineering.
Technical Highlights: Ferrari P540 Superfast Aperta
- Engine: 6.0L V12 (65° configuration)
- Power: 620 CV (456 kW) @ 7,600 rpm
- Torque: 608 Nm @ 5,600 rpm
- Transmission: 6-speed F1-style automatic
- Length: 4731 mm | Width: 1954 mm | Height: 1300 mm
- Weight gain over donor car: 20 kg
- Wheels: Front 245/35 20″ | Rear 305/35 20″
- Fuel Consumption: 17.9 l/100 km
- CO2 Emissions: 415 g/km
Summary
The Ferrari P540 Superfast Aperta is more than a rare collector’s item, it’s the embodiment of one man’s dream turned into reality by Ferrari and Pininfarina. With V12 performance, cinematic beauty, and true road presence, it remains one of Ferrari’s most expressive and personal creations.
Disclaimer: The Ferrari P540 Superfast Aperta is a one-off model built under Ferrari’s Special Projects program. Specifications reflect its bespoke nature.
Source: Ferrari
