This Ferrari LaFerrari Test Mule Is a Mishmash of the Supercar's Best and Worst Bits

The Ferrari LaFerrari was instrumental in the Italian marque’s recent popularity boom as the car paved the way for new tech to be integrated into its more “accessible” supercars, and subsequently, the LaFerrari now stands as one of the brand’s most coveted halo cars ever made. But what if you could get hold of a piece of its history, such as a prototype test mule? You’re in luck, as RM Sotheby’s has listed a 2012 Ferrari LaFerrari Prototype based on the 458 Italia.

What you see above started life as a 458, but the changes to the car are almost unfathomable. Sitting behind the rear seats is the LaFerrari’s hybrid powertrain, but it’s not the final version of this engine — instead, it features the V12 Type F140FB unit instead of the production car’s Type F140FE. In short, it means this car has a completely unique Ferrari engine, notably being one of Ferrari’s first-ever hybrids.

Elsewhere, it’s set up with test-specification brakes, steering, suspension and tires that were fitted to see how the LaFerrari could handle, particularly around circuits such as its Maranello HQ track and the Nürburgring.

As per the Ferrari customer mantra, this mule was actually sold to a loyal fan in 2016 on a non-homologation basis, meaning it was not approved for road or public track use. Now, it returns to the market as a car that can be used on private land — complete with removable and unfinished body panels, a messy mule engine bay, a mishmash interior, and its distinctive test car livery. Additionally, you’ll find exposed metalwork around the cabin, hand-written marker annotations, printed tester’s notes stuck to the dashboard, and exposed mechanical works behind the seats.

This far from perfect machine will be going to auction with RM Sotheby’s on May 14. Take a closer look at the car above and find out more online.

Elsewhere in the automotive world, check out the recent issue of Open Road.