The allure of the legendary Prancing Horse badge can draw many into Ferrari ownership. An expressive statement—as much as it is an indulgence in timeless styling and phenomenal performance—every Ferrari that leaves the Maranello factory is more than just a car. For customers wanting even more out of the ownership experience, the Ferrari Tailor Made programme is an outlet for creative and personalised ideas. The 458 Italia ‘Army’, offered here, is a prime example of how any wish can be fulfilled.

Instantly recognisable with its camouflage theme, the 458 Italia was styled by the Tailor Made department for Lapo Elkann, grandson of Gianni Agnelli and heir to the Fiat empire. Elkann's own creative and design companies—named Italia Independent and later Independent Ideas, founded in 2007—were behind the inception of the 458 ‘Army’ project. The flamboyant Elkann—who had a hand in relaunching the Tailor Made project as a service in 2011—is known for his extroverted style, which is reflected in this eccentric design theme. Adorning the Ferrari’s exterior is a one-off camouflage pattern, which not only covers the body panels but extends to the finer detail including application on the alloy wheels, badges, brake callipers, grilles, and more. Inside the car, the “army” theme continues, notably on the dashboard, door cards, and seats. Even carbon fibre panels are coloured green, which continues into the engine bay with cover of the V-8 and surrounding carbon trim receiving the custom treatment.

First registered in Italy in April 2010, Elkann retained the Ferrari until 2016, when it was sold at a charity auction for €1 million. The second owner of the 458 Italia kept the car for around a year, until it was sold at auction again in September 2017, at which point it was acquired by the consigning owner. In the care of the seller since, the Ferrari has been used sparingly, with its odometer reading just 24,482 kilometres at the time of cataloguing.

A portion of this car’s sale proceeds will be donated to charity. The seller will bestow 20 per cent of the final hammer price to Save the Children, while RM Sotheby’s will donate its seller’s commission fee to the charity.

Perhaps the ultimate expression of unique Ferrari design, the 458 Italia ‘Army’ plays an important part in the modern history of the Maranello manufacturer. Such an opportunity to acquire a one-off Ferrari with a striking design, beautiful styling, and sensational performance rarely presents itself as invitingly as it does here.