Driving the porcelain Ferrari

Some examples of the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano go up in flames. Others get crashed by nancy boy footballers. But, this one, has been given the once over by Chinese artist Lu Hao.

Officially part of the 599 GTB Fiorano China Limited Editions the car will be auctioned off early next month at a charity event in support of Chinese automotive engineering students. The glazed finish is inspired by the rare Ge Kiln porcelain of the Song Dynasty.

I’m glad this is a one off, I’m not sure that exterior is a great look for an everyday car. If you can call a 599 GTB an everyday car!

FERRARI ANNOUNCES A UNIQUE ONE-OFF VERSION OF THE 599 GTB FIORANO CHINA LIMITED EDITION

7 October 2009, Shanghai ― Ferrari announces the creation of a unique one-off 599 GTB Fiorano China Limited Edition, signed by Chinese artist Lu Hao, which will be auctioned on the 3rd of November at a special Gala Auction Event hosted by Ferrari in Beijing. This exclusive car follows the announcement in September of a small series of specially-designed 599 GTB Fiorano China Limited Edition models which won wide acclaim.

The one-off incorporates a number of the features of the China Limited Edition cars, a very limited series of less than a dozen cars finished in two-tone Rosso Fuoco with silver roof and characterised by unique Chinese design elements.

This one-off model represents an even more exclusive version, thanks to a very special exterior finish which draws inspiration from Ge Kiln porcelain of the Song Dynasty. Lu Hao has blended traditional design elements with Ferrari’s innovative styling to create a truly unique vehicle using a ‘cracked’ glaze pattern which is elegantly coloured, with clearly defined cracks etched at different depths.

Only a few hundred pieces of Ge Kiln porcelain exist today, all of which are priceless treasures. The “cracked” glaze pattern has the lustre of jade and is often used to symbolise the qualities of a true gentleman. Porcelain is one of China’s most distinctive ancient arts which was brought to the West via the Silk Road thousands of years ago. Using Ge Kin porcelain as the inspiration for the one-off version is a perfect complement to Ferrari’s China Limited Edition Model.

As one of China’s most successful and influential contemporary artists, Lu Hao has exhibited his work in major museums and galleries around the world. For this project he drew inspiration from China’s rich cultural heritage, and as a Ferrari owner, he has a particularly intimate connection with the brand.

“The 599 China Limited Edition model is a true masterpiece, combining rich Chinese artistic heritage with Italian design in a most spectacular way,” says Marco Mattiacci, CEO of Ferrari Asia Pacific.

Part of the proceeds generated from the sale of this car will be used on an educational sponsor programme aimed to help young Chinese students in the automotive engineering field. Details of this programme will be released during the auction.

This is just the latest example of charitable events organised by Ferrari in China since Ferrari Maserati Cars International Trading – Shanghai Co. Ltd was set up in 2004. Other fund-raising efforts have seen Ferrari donate over €500,000 to local charities.