Ferrari 458 Limited Edition: "Enter The Dragon-Horse"

It's been twenty years since Ferrari first sold a supercar in China and to celebrate trading in this ever-growing market (as Rolls-Royce will kindly attest to), the Italian firm has set up a brand exhibition at the Italia Center of Shanghai World Expo Park which will last three years. They will also be bringing twenty pieces of history with them, including a special edition 458 exclusive to China.

If I'm honest, it's nothing like a special edition Lamborghini Gallardo. The Gallardo Valentino Balboni had mechanical changes such as rear-wheel drive and weight reduction as well as a big white stripe that travelled from the front to the back via the interior. These Fezzas are no different mechanically but they do come with some cultural touches.

It has a unique Marco Polo Red paint job with a large black stripe complete with a gold outline flowing from the badge on the bonnet to the rear. Oh and don't forget a Dragon emblem inside crawling towards the prancing horse as if it were about to devour it. The rims and the side skirts or 'aeroelastic winglets' have been finished in gold plus the seats have golden embroidery on the headrests and the word 'Start' on the self explanatory button is in Chinese. Inspiration came from the 'longma' theme, an idiom that means 'the vigor and spirit of the legendary dragon-horse' and the dragon symbolises courage, passion and success.

Now imagine what the boys from Maranello would design to celebrate trading success between Italy and Scotland, if such a partnership were ever to exist. Would they create a special edition 458 in blue with white strips crossing each other, tartan seats with ginger stitching and a start button that says 'unleash the beastie'? I don't think so.