| Author |
Message |
Modified348ts (Modman)
Member
Username: Modman
Post Number: 320
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, September 22, 2002 - 1:36 am: | |
Yeah modify it, you are talkin my language- just don't put no Chevy Three fiddy in it... |
Ben Cannon (Artherd)
Junior Member
Username: Artherd
Post Number: 64
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, September 22, 2002 - 1:28 am: | |
What really bothers me is the half-assed replicas... F40s you can clearly still see the Fiero roofline in, etc.
Those just throw disrespect on both marques.
A good replicar is a nice way to pay homeage, I know one guy with an F355 kit, wheelbase streatched, body pannels just about indistinguishable... used *genuine* F355 interior, and wheels.
He has a turbo 3.4litre DOHC motor making around 500hp. Actually sounds pretty close (though only a 90* crank V8 will do imho) breaths through a genuine F355 muffler and revs to 7500... hey, at least it's no dam chev tree-fiddy.
All for around $30k. (He tells everyone it's a replica too.)
Would I ever do one? HECK no.
But I have to respect the effort.
Me, I'll save my pennies and drive the real thing. I will likely modify it, though most F-cars don't need much.
Best!
Ben.
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Ben Millermon (Brainsboy)
Junior Member
Username: Brainsboy
Post Number: 54
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, September 20, 2002 - 12:08 pm: | |
I dont mind if they ask if its real BUT!! I was suprised after I bought my ferrari 308 , how many people asked me what kind of car it was. I guess im just stuck in the 80's, but if you dont know what a ferrari is and cant remember magnum P.I. then you shouldnt have a drivers license in my opinion.
Ben |
Mark (Markg)
Member
Username: Markg
Post Number: 259
Registered: 2-2001
| | Posted on Friday, September 20, 2002 - 9:47 am: | |
Knew a guy who painted his Opel GT red and put a few Dino and Ferrari badges on it and sold it to some nimrod as a Dino....I MIGHT consider a well built McBirnie Daytona but only kit car I am considering is a Beck's Porsche 550 Spyder |
ross koller (Ross)
Member
Username: Ross
Post Number: 318
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Friday, September 20, 2002 - 4:16 am: | |
ken,
we need l wayne ausbrooks to chime in here and tell us about those GTO's that were built in switzerland about 15 years ago. i forget the details but those cars were so well built that they fooled most ferrari experts and now still go for around $1mil. the one you saw in coral gables was probably one of those. |
David A. Spear (Detailman)
New member
Username: Detailman
Post Number: 25
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, September 19, 2002 - 10:12 pm: | |
I actually considered buying a fake 355 it did seem to be well built and every thing had been taken apart and a new one put on,that sort of thing excelent paint job , chevy 350 with all kinds of power nice set of replica wheels and replicated interior great over-all car but for almost 50k no matter how great it looked it didnt drive sound or just have the feel of the real thing. so for less than twice the price I got the real thing and am very pleased. If you want something cheap you can pick one up for 25-30k but that money id rather buy a new camero or something, alot less shamefull than people picking at you and you know you are lying. |
Adam R (Arymarcz)
New member
Username: Arymarcz
Post Number: 7
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, September 19, 2002 - 9:42 pm: | |
In early 1991 I bought a '91 MR2. This was the one with the new MKII body style. For a while, people had no idea what it was, so I had a good time watching people freak out thinking it was something it wasn't. Even quite recently (it's only got 32K on it) I've had some ladies ask me what is that cool thing?, "Why, a Ferrari sweetheart, want a ride?"... But seriously after a little bit I tell 'em what it really is.
Anyhow, I guess this is another take on the fake car - when that certain portion of the public has no idea what they're looking at anyway.
Just my $.02.
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Shaun (Kempo)
New member
Username: Kempo
Post Number: 4
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, September 19, 2002 - 8:52 pm: | |
I can understand the values from both ends of the spectrum. I think that this forum seems to be a bit harsh on the Fiero, but I suppose who wouldn't, for being able to put a Ferrari designed body on a different chassis.
For the kit cars on the road, many feel it is a project, if for anything, to accomplish something that they otherwise would not be able to attain. A Ferrari replicar based on a Pontiac Fiero. To be able to look back on a finished project and be able to say, "Look at this wonderful creation I made" is really a great feeling. Affordability. As stated previously, you could build a kit for say $30k. A close example of what the real deal is about, without the performance. For the same $30k, you can get yourself insured, and still be paying so much less than the real thing, which costs $100k more. Maintainance? Typical domestic engines, which are mostly trouble free, and do not require a major service every 15k miles. Even for you big time f-car enthusiasts, you'd be amazed at how hard it is to tell the difference on some of the better, more well built cars. I will agree that most of them look pretty cheap and are true knock-offs with no dignity.
There is no justification for a person who knows nothing about Ferrari's and will just assume it's a kit and make a remark of it. To these people, they shouldn't even be allowed to attend the shows or events that are held for the true enthusiasts.
A real Ferrari though, no matter how extreme you make a kit, it will never compare to the feel, the smell, the purr, the prestige, and the soul of the Stallion.
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James Christian (Jimc)
New member
Username: Jimc
Post Number: 28
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, September 19, 2002 - 8:52 pm: | |
I have to agree with Arlie- and others. There is a great deal of Cobra replicas out there. Every time I pass one, I know it's likely to be a replica. But they are so cool! And the drivers always look like they are having so much fun behind the wheel. Of course, it's much easier to come by parts that make the Cobra replicas nearly identical to the originals. I've thought, from time to time, that building up a 250 or 275 replica, using a respectable (if not unique) powerplant would be fun. The downside? Too much attention. I get more than I like in my 328.
I guess what really matters are your personal reasons for building a replicar. In many ways, the modern versions, done properly, are much more durable and fun than the originals. And there are usually a hell of a lot of actual Ferrari parts on some of the well done replicars. (Except those $%@ $%@#! Fiero Conversions!) If your in it for the fun, it can be a rewarding experience. If your in it to show off and mislead others, then your doing it for the wrong reasons.
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Peter B. (Gts308qv)
Junior Member
Username: Gts308qv
Post Number: 233
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, September 19, 2002 - 7:40 pm: | |
Forza magazine did an editorial on this topic and discounting the plastic Fiero/Corvette/240Z replicas, there is nothing wrong with a rebody/ modified "real" Ferrari. Look at all the tastless Sultan of Brunei specials, the "Breadvan" , all real Ferrari, just rebodied or modified to suit someones taste. Locally there is a 250GTO being built around an original engine and transaxle unit and a few boxes of genuine parts. All alloy hand formed body, hand made chassis copied from an original. As a finished car,it may not have a Ferrari number but is it a replica or restoration or what? I would be happy to have it in my garage! |
Jason Biggs (Jason179)
New member
Username: Jason179
Post Number: 46
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, September 19, 2002 - 7:27 pm: | |
I can not thinking of anything that would piss me off more than someone commenting on my ferrari (if i had one) saying it was a replica...
how tasteless
jason |
Horsefly (Arlie)
Junior Member
Username: Arlie
Post Number: 245
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, September 19, 2002 - 6:56 pm: | |
Wm hart brings up an interesting double standard. If somebody modified a car or swapped an engine back in the "good old days", then the car is now perfectly acceptable. All those mods just add character to its heritage. But if somebody did the same modifications last month, the car is considered a hack job. It's as if all older modifications are viewed with rose colored glasses and a rosey glow of nostalgia. Sounds like a double standard to me. |
wm hart (Whart)
Member
Username: Whart
Post Number: 513
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, September 19, 2002 - 5:20 pm: | |
The guy situated next to me at the Greenwich show pulled up in a Blum,blum,blum, blum, 250GTO. Thing was pretty nice, engine looked groovy, thing looked real, but wasn't. He could beat the living •••• out of it, get the performance of a real one (cause i think it basically had all the same parts) and never risk the real one, even if he had the juice to own one. (Actually, "dad" who owned the car showed up later; sonny told me they also had owned the King Leo cabrio). I am actually considering a cut daytona if i can find a really good one ("Scaglietti" please) and the only way i'll be able to have a Nart spyder is if i buy a cut one. Hell, in the old days, bodies and engines were changed frequently, so as long as you are not misrepresenting the car, and don't mind being put in the "conversions" sections of the ferrari events, why not? (assuming the thing is done right, and correctly). |
Ken Thomas (Future328driver)
Junior Member
Username: Future328driver
Post Number: 176
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, September 19, 2002 - 4:20 pm: | |
A few years ago while in Coral Cables, FL I drove by a exoctic used car dealership to look at a 328 sitting on the lot. Next to it was what appeared to be a 250GTO but I knew it was fake since no self-respecting 250 GTO collector would let it sit out on a car lot at night.
Anyway, the 250GTO replica was built on a 250GTE chassis and the body work was very close to a real 250GTO. Clearly a replica, but the asking price was around $900k. Insane. |
Dave328GTB (Hardtop)
Junior Member
Username: Hardtop
Post Number: 243
Registered: 1-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, September 19, 2002 - 4:01 pm: | |
I don't understand replica Ferraris either. I doubt there is anyone on this chat site that can explain to us either.
When I asked if my car is a replica, I always say yes. What the hell, replica owners always say no!
A 250 GTO made from a 250 GTE? Would be an awful lot of fun. Still a Ferrari motor and chasis.
Dave |
L.C.Plester (Lcplester)
Junior Member
Username: Lcplester
Post Number: 58
Registered: 2-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, September 19, 2002 - 2:52 pm: | |
I could consider converting a 308 to GTO just because I love the looks of one. But I wouldn�t put GTO-emblems on, just say when asked it is a 308 rebody. If an accurate (real Ferrari) GTO "replica" would be for sale here in Europe, I wouldn�t hesitate if it was a high quality job and price would be right.
Many people value their Ferraris so high, they don�t allow any modifications - but my opinion is that Ferrari makes the ultimate racing cars and so all modifications to make your car better are ok. In F1�s they make mods every day! Just my 2 cents (Euro cents). |
Horsefly (Arlie)
Junior Member
Username: Arlie
Post Number: 243
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, September 19, 2002 - 2:39 pm: | |
But what about a replica of a Ferrari that 99% of people could NEVER afford? Like a GTO, or a 250LM, or a California Spyder? It's not likely that even a true blue Ferrari buff could ever afford one of those, and even if you could, are you willing to anty up the insurance payment to actually drive a multi-million dollar museum piece? It's easy to turn thumbs down on a 308 replica because the real thing is easily attainable, but what about a replica of an unattainable Ferrari? Of course I would turn thumbs down on ANY replica that is mounted on a Volkswagen or Fiero frame. That's just totally tasteless. But a replica on a custom made frame with a little integrity? That's plausible. |
Lou B (Toby91)
Junior Member
Username: Toby91
Post Number: 85
Registered: 4-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, September 19, 2002 - 2:31 pm: | |
I agree with you guys about fake F-Cars based on Fieros or Vettes but what do you think about very high end replicas of 250 GTO's or TR's made from 100% Ferrari parts which an expert would be hard pressed to identfy just it was made in 1999 rather than 1965 and clearly marketed as such with no attempt to deceive? |
Paul Newman (Newman)
Member
Username: Newman
Post Number: 488
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, September 19, 2002 - 2:16 pm: | |
I drive my 308 to work almost daily. I was told on two occasions from a co-worker about two different encounters with people commenting on my car. The first guy just blurted out "what a piece of s h i t, look at that fiero kit car". he was corrected by the co-worker and felt stupid for what he said. Who would say something like that out loud to a stranger anyway? The other was a guy who asked if it was real. No, its a fake car my friend said. Its not even there. I get it all the time and getting a TR obviously wont make me immune either. |
Russ Moore (Rem9)
Junior Member
Username: Rem9
Post Number: 100
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, September 19, 2002 - 2:02 pm: | |
I suppose if you were blind and deaf with no feeling in your limbs, a wanna be would be just fine. Listening to a 12 cylinder at full tilt is a bit different than a Fiero. There's much more to a real Ferrari than just the body shape. I suppose if a person wanted to take a gorilla on a date and paste a facial image of some centerfold on it, that might fool a few folks but not many, nor himself. What's the point?
Of course I have never seen anyone take a real Ferrari and try to make it look like a Fiero. Hmm, maybe we're onto something here.
If all a person is after, is the looks of a Ferrari, buy a poster. If you want your friends to think you own one, buy a $45 key chain, they're much cheaper than building a wanna be and just about equally effective.
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Fred (Iluv4res)
Junior Member
Username: Iluv4res
Post Number: 108
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, September 19, 2002 - 12:39 pm: | |
Replica=wannabe crap
Real=expensive, but awesome!!
Why anyone would entertain owning a kit-car/replica is beyond me. Even modifying an actual F-car to the point that it no longer looks like a standard f-car is crazy IMHO. |
A.Tonokaboni (Senna1994)
New member
Username: Senna1994
Post Number: 6
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, September 19, 2002 - 12:36 pm: | |
I don't understand how anybody can't tell the difference between a real Ferrari, and some piece of crap Fiero. I would rather take the bus then drive a Replica. |
L.C.Plester (Lcplester)
Junior Member
Username: Lcplester
Post Number: 57
Registered: 2-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, September 19, 2002 - 12:33 pm: | |
My TR was in major car show. There were plenty of people who came by and said "nice replica" and went away. I don�t like replicas and would never put a Ferrari emblem on Fiero or the like, so you can guess I was very pissed.
Part of the upsides with Ferraris are the people who come to you to talk about your car. I wouldn�t like lying them and saying my Fiero is a real one. And why have a $30k Fiero when you can have a real Ferrari for a bit more? Beats me. |
jeff ryerson (Atheyg)
New member
Username: Atheyg
Post Number: 30
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, September 19, 2002 - 12:22 pm: | |
I was curious to others opinions on replica Ferraris
I can spot them a mile away but most people my girlfriend included who is very car savvy can't tell the difference and she'll ask me is that one real or ask how I can tell the difference between a real one and a fake
Even when I was calling about having a test pipe made the shop owner asked me several times if my car was a real Ferrari (over the phone he had not seen my car ) because he said he had at least 3 guys come in claiming their Fiero Kit was a real Ferrari
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