Replica Ferarri's

no real Ferraris were harmed to make that one, so go for it.

funny how folks who object to real Ferraris getting chopped up to make fakes are often perjoratively labeled as "purists" . . .

 

First of all - you have define what you want. There are 2 basic types of replica Ferraris.

Type 1 ... is almost the real thing. A real Ferrari (in your case probably a 250 PF coupe or a 250 GTE) was modified to create a replica of a model that was basically similar (and about the same cost) when new but that is much more expense now (a Cal Spyder or a GTO in your case). The degree of authencity can vary widely in the final product, but any of these will give you the right look and feel because they are all basically the same car when push comes to shove. Buying the donor and doing the conversion will cost you $250 - $400,000 depending on what you want and how perfect you want it. The ones that were done well are virtually indistiguishable from the real thing. Buy one already done for about the same $ numbers (maybe a bit less) - again depending on how fully it was modified.

Type 2 ... is something else that looks like a valuable Ferrari. The classics (pardon the word) are 250 GTO bodies on Datsun Z cars and Cal Spyder bodies on Mustangs. (Or McBurnie Daytona Spyders). Decent quality finished cars of this ilk will run $20 - $50,000. They won't drive like Ferraris, sound like Ferraris, or fool anyone (except maybe an impressionable young thang - which may be the whole point of the exercise) into thinking you have a Ferrari, much less a million $ Ferrari.

 

Been to see the factory in AZ for the Cal Spyder and talked to owner. Good quality kit on custom built frame, not a Mustang. Complete from him runs est $70k. Datsun based GT250s, mostly still have a Datson motor, some have dropped in small blocks. Only one very good quality version here in the Windy City used a BMW V12, with right hand drive to boot.

Daytona Spyders are at least built on Vette running gear, so they can be setup for anything from autocross to drag to cruiser, depending on your wallet. GM quality running gear and Italian styling. Easy to insure, since still titled as a Vette. Better than the Cal Spyder to get it registered and insured. Good ones runs used approx. $25k. Let me know if you are interested in a Daytona Spyder, I can help you out. PM me.

 

A decent 250 GTO replica, recreation, etc, etc will cost you between 450,000 - $500,000. A lot of money to spend on a fake. However I found one here a nice 250 GTO for you at only 395K.
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

My thinking on replicas goes along the lines of:

For a kit that just looks the part, it'd depend on whether you buy a car to drive or to stand next to.

For a "re-creation" that attempts to build a faithful copy from factory build sheets:
- A one-off "additional production" would likely be more expensive than when they produced them in the factory,
- It'd be hard to tell if they'd gotten it to really drive like the real thing.
- And you'd have something that drove like 40 or 50 year old technology.

If I were looking for something "special", I'd probably be thinking in terms of a current generation oddity ...
... maybe something like a Radical SR3.
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

My opinion here is just that so throw this post to the wind if desired...

I usually consider Replicas a laughable thing.. some MR2 that looks like a 308 or testarossa on the outside with a 10 inch Ferrari emblem on each plastic MR 2 seat and dash... it fools only people as idiotic as the owner. If you want a real one get a real one...

That being said, it isn't fair for me to berate a person for owning a car that a real copy simply cannot be had. I agree with the above posters, if you want to drive it take one route.. if the showing is desired take another. My approach would be to make an exact copy, down to the bolt with a more robust engine (perhaps). Some Lamborghini shops do this and it is impressive. The only rub is in the end, it's still not the real thing.. :-(

 

Rick

Do you have any pictures of the cars built on the Vette chassis?

 

Yes, provide me an email and I can send you pictures of the one I built.

 

Watch any episode of the first couple seasons of Miami Vice... Sonny's Daytona was a McBurnie Vettona...

 

IMO pass on those, they are aged now, and built on c3 vette chassis (ladder frame stingrays!)....the few used for miami vice look good on film, and only a few outside that were built to any higher degree that you'd be happy with

with this current market of perrformance cars and buyers market, surely you can find better, like a real Ferrari , or other make possibly.....i missed what your budget is, but certainly there are f-chatters here who could find a more vintage Ferrari within you range

IMHO

 

buy what you can afford - but always buy the real thing!
there are so many attractive low budget sportscars around. no reason to build or to buy replicas.

go for an Alfa Spider - real, fun and good looking!

 

I don't think you'll actually get the flavor of an F-car with a replica. It's still going to feel, smell and taste like a vette, 2480z, or what ever it's based on. I'd go with Michaels advice and buy the real thing of whatever you can afford. You'll have a better sense of integrity when you're driving it around.

 

While the look of the classics is extremely seductive I'm also with Michael on the basis that there are other classics (and even some newer cars) that are attractive and much more affordable (Alfas are an obvious choice as are cars like the Lotus Elan or E type Jag - depending on personal preference). Buying an original in your price range is also a better financial choice as replicas are very hard to sell at more than giveaway prices.

Another big issue with a replica is to get high quality costs a lot due to the one-off nature of the car (eg if I built a GTO replica it would have to have a V12 - to me there would be no point otherwise). The reason you can get quite high quality Cobra and GT40 replicas these days is because of the large number of these kits that are made.

All the best either way!

 

to me a Ferrari is the motor, unless you have a Ferrari motor in your copy, its just a VW kit car no matter how good it looks. Now build a kit and put in a proper Ferrari motor and now you have something worth talking about.

Or do like me, buy a FIAT Dino, now you have the motor and some good looks except for the FIAT logos and no I will NEVER put the Ferrari logos on.

Prior to buying my Dino, I looked at the Miami Vice cars and even test drove one, went like crazy with a hot Vette motor but the sound was all wrong, it went down the road sounding like a VW (Yes, I actually said that to my wife while driving it) even though of course it did not sound like that at all. I have nothing against replicas or copies but if you are going to copy it, you have to go all the way and for a Ferrari, that is the motor, the heart and soul of the car.

 

Well, I know Ferrari is the motor, but I built mine due to the curves of the body style and not engine sound. So I'm more in love with the body shape than motor. However, I did have a friend do a custom exhaust on my car and I still love the sound of a well built V8 with a European flair.

I still have great performance and was able not to shell out nearly a $1 million for a real Spyder and have to deal with costly repairs. However, I do have to deal with the ocassional negative remarks even though I tell people it's my tribute to the sexiest car ever built.

 

just noted it now: the title of the thread says everything. first learn to spell FERRARI - then think about buying one!

 

The thread starter is the guy from the Turbine Testarossa project, so he obviously doesn´t share your view

 

I was trying to sell my Ford-powered crappy replica, but someone called me on it.

 

Let me make sure I get the fact pattern here straight as I am confused. You wineaux joined the forum today "Join Date 10-02-2011" to announce that you have a replica that you are "Not TRYing to sell" but could be for sale for the right price.

So is it for sale? If so we have a classifieds section at https://ferrarichat.com/forum/vbclassified.php check the terms. If it is not for sale then why mention that it could be?

-sc

 

Is your price $3.99? If so, I'll take it.