Why do purists tolerate or even like some replicas and not others?

1) Not everyone likes the replica GTOs either

2) There's a significant difference between a rebody that incorporates genuine Ferrari major components (engine/chassis) and bolting some fiberglass panels on a Pontiac. If you enjoy your Fiero, you should make it the best Fiero it can be -- not a poorly proportioned fake.

3) No, there's no respect for a poor replica. Why would one have respect for anything done badly?

4) A Fiero will never feel like a 355, or a 308. It will always feel like a Fiero. If they want a fantastically tuned car, there's plenty of options in the inexpensive range. They're just not Ferraris. Since these people aren't choosing the other options (MR2s, Fiats, Alfas come to mind), it's obviously just the image they desire. Heck, they can even get the badge legitimately for under $20,000 -- but they choose not to. Again, why show respect for that kind of thought process?

 

As a purist, I'll answer....

A pure 308GT4 could be bought for $15K when I came to the game....

It's all about originality and history....

You should not hack a Ferrari to make a different Ferrari.

A Pontiac is a fine ride and should remain a Pontiac.

It is late.......many Ferraris...many Pontiacs.....do not pretend.....find honor in what is real.

yt,
tex

 

I don't have hate for people who make kit cars. It does not make sense for someone to badge them as a Ferrari however. When you put emblems or other indications on a car to make it seem that you are driving a certain brand of car, that brand should be consistent throughout the car. If you like the look of the 355 but can't afford it, you can get the fiberglass body kit that resembles (somewhat) a real 355 and put it over a Pontiac chassis. But it should have some other designation on the outside that says it is NOT a Ferrari. I would prefer people only to produce kit cars that are original designs so there is no confusion or watering down of the genuine cars designs.

BT

 

The toyota mr2 355 replicas are the best in my opinion as they look exactly like 355's if done properly, they used the mr2 for the best reps as the dimensions of the two cars are basicly exactly the same and well the mr2 is an awesome car, the peugeot 406 360 replicas look amazing to as the dimensions again are about a few mm's out so both cars are nearly identical and both designed by pininfarina, i did consider a 355 replica actualy not to pretend i have a ferrari but because of the look, sound would be missing though and thats the real beauty of the 355.

 

i agree. i have a vw/mgtd kit. when it was sold the manufacturer badged it as a mg. i have changed all the badges to reflect its vw heritage. wolfsburg crests on the horn button, seat belts, grille and dash with volkswagen scrip on the deck lid. when people ask what it is i always say this is the car the english would have been driving if operation sea lion had been successful. it's fun and cheap for a dependable daily driver, but i can't understand why someone would go through the time and expense to build a car and then try to pawn it off as something it's not. there are some terrific kits out there that can stand on their own.

 

Purists probably don't like replicas, but the real point is that a Ferrari is basically about the engine and gearbox. Dressing up an MR2 or Fiero kind of defeats the purpose.

And, if you're in it to pretend you own the real deal, everytime someone asks you either need to lie or admit you're just role playing a rich guy.

There are many incredible Ferraris available for $50K-$70K. Live life a bit and get the the real car. The whole replica concept is just pointless - about as sensible as platform shoes the make men look taller. Hint: she'll figure it out.

 

Most replicas are cheesy. The only people who are impressed don't know anything about cars. Recreations are more respected. These are cars built from Ferrari parts and look like those rare seven figure cars that no normal people could ever get. Some people resent old but cheaper classic Ferraris were cut up to make them however. Some cost several hundred thousand dollars too.

I had a 1984 Fiero for 10 years. It was a great city car with the fiberglass body. The sump held 3 quarts of oil for a 2.5 liter engine. Needless to say, even one quart down and blammo. The recall made it a 4 quart sump. I am confident a lot more than 150 burst into flames or blew the engine. The handbrake was useless (another recall).

As a sports car, it was slow and heavy; 2700 pounds. 96 horses were way too little and the 4 speed was a PITA to shift. Short throws but really notchy. For living and parking in Chicago it was fun; you could park it anywhere, but it was a small family car, not really a sports car. My Lotus is a complete different universe.

Ken

 

Very good point, could be embarrasing telling someone its not a real 355. And id rather save and get a ferrari for about $70k than a replica anyday. As far as performance goes though an mr2 turbo tuned cheaply would beat a 355 with ease.

 

been a long time dream for me to turn a 355 into an MR2 replica. think the toyota folk will be impressed?

 

Well, a Camaro Z28 tuned cheaply would beat an MR2, and a Corvette would beat 'em both, and a Twin-Turbo Firestang-Z would.... **



** Been here/discussed this

 

heh i deliberately left the asinine "this will beat that" crap out of my reply

 

Another purist here. I hate replicas. As has been mentioned, at some point the owner has to own up to the facts. A real 300Z is cooler than a Ferrari replica any day.

The P4/5 is totally different. It's a new car (on the outside). It may have started as a type of P4 replica but it has evolved into something original.

One exception I make is "clones". I allow for this in race cars. If the owner owns the original (say a 250 TR) and wants to race it for fun I think a clone, which is a complete copy of the original is OK. That way, the original, which has pedigree and historical value won't be busted up in a vintage race.

But a really nice coversion of Japanese car into to a "Ferari"? Uh, no.

-F

 

Technically P 4/5 is not a re body. Technically it's "Ferrari P 4/5 by Pininfarina". This is it's official designation and how it's listed in the Factory records. It is accepted by Ferrari as such.
Officially. Ferrari re bodied many cars them selves including 250 GTO's and P 3's and modified them mechanically turning them into different models.

Three P3's into one P 3/4 and two 412P's. Two (?)Series I GTO's into Series II GTO's.

Two 330 P4's into 350 Can Am's. Etc., etc...

P 4/5 wasn't converted by Ferrari but in the end it's conversion was officially accepted by Ferrari.

 

Inside P 4/5 is quite different as well. There are over 200 unique parts to P 4/5.

Best

 

i prefer the more modern terminology of P 80%.

 

this one is well done, a peugeot 406 coupe turned into a 360

almost looks like they used the 360's body

http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=563822

 

There is nothing fine about a Pontiac.

 

i suspect that richard petty would tell you otherwise.

 

Your right, nothing goes fast and turns left like a Pontiac.