blasphemy

If there is a topic which could get me banned from this sight its this one. Kit cars. So, what are the feelings on them and are there kits out there that could fool you? Take for example this one:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Replica-Kit-Makes-360-modena-spider-360-2005-FERRARI-360-MODENA-SPYDER-CONVERTIBLE-5-SPEED-BEAUTIFUL-/320903933977?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item4ab75d7019

 

there's a thread under general already for these
http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=19010
and under vintage a recreation bashing thread too

 

I guess I don't have any real problem with replicas as long as they are represented as such.

I can understand why some people would build a replica, especially of vintage Ferrari's given the cost & rarity of the originals, and in some cases the replica is near on perfect. Again, just don't misrepresent it as the real deal.

 

several nice actual Ferraris available for that "buy it now" price. I personally don't understand what enjoyment would come from an MR2 that looks like a 360. An mr2, absolutely. A modded mr2, sure. But an mr2 in bad makeup pretending to be a Ferrari? no.

When you're driving it all alone away from anybody else... would it bring you joy?

 

Different strokes - if you're into them fine, if not, also fine. I can definately understand the attraction and entertainment of actually building one. Although, I do agree, it would have to be something that was not designed to simply appear to be some other more desirable car.

On the other hand, what about Cobras? While there are a few original 60s models around, most are either recreations or continuations and they don't seem to be lumped into the same class as a typical kit car. While many/most are built by "manufacturers" i.e Factory Five, etc and not some yahoo in his garage they are still not the real deal, but I kinda like them.

 

It's actually not a bad replica.. for a replica. I don't knwo why someone would take a perfectly good MR2 and make it into that though.. Problem I have is the only thing you can do with it is pretend. It doesn't handle like a real one, it doesn't perform like a real one.

What's the point? Why not just buy a real one for that price? I don't understand..

Although it might be fun to plan a crash scene with it! ;-)

 

The only good use for such a replica in my opinion would if you're filming a movie and it calls for a Ferrari to be destroyed. Film the shots you need of the real thing, destroy the clone. Again my opinion, to each their own.

 

If I won the lottery, I'd have someone build me an open wheeler reminiscent of a 60's F1 car, not an exact replica, with maybe a FIAT engine in back. Kit cars, home builds I get - fakes, I don't. I can never get around how embarrasing it must be to climb into your "Ferrari", turn the key and sound like a shopping trolley!

 

i have a fiberfab midgi. it's a vw based english style roadster. i have it badged as a vw which is what it is. i drive it every day.
there is another one locally that the owner has badged as a mg.
i've had numerous conversations with the owner as to why she has done it so.
she never has a reasonable answer.
i don't understand why someone would try to pass off a replica as the real thing.

 

On a little different tangent, what about retrofitting a Ferrari with an American engine and clutch? Ever seen this done?

 

That was actually done to a few cars in the 60s. I actually remember hearing about a California Spyder that had a Chevy small block installed. It was reunited with its original engine later on, thankfully.