308/328 Chassis or project for donor

The monocoque looking structure in the F40 you see when opening the door is really a formed composite piece that is draped over the frame. Ideally, the 328 frame would be the best base as they came out at the same time and share(ish) more suspension geometry than the F40 and 308 chassis. The chassis needs to be lengthened to meet the longer wheelbase. Per the video I posted below, there are really a lot of differences.

As we are hitting an increase in value for the '80's and '90's cars, we will see more people out to get our 3x8 frames for cutting up on custom projects. It is sort of like the 250GTE's being used to make GTO's and Cal Spyder recreations. My opinion is that the F40's are going to sky rocket in value even more - maybe not quite the McLaren F1 but more than it is now... It really captures a time and era for what was "the thing". I can understand all the copies but I often don't understand putting a different motor in, rather than trying to take a longitudinally mounted 308 and turbocharge and make it right... I mean if you're going to go through the effort.... But it's their car and project so - yeah. I think taste is a hard thing to acquire. I agree with modding but, at least for me, I have rules.

When will people figure out how to convert 360's into Enzo's? Somehow the F50 is getting through this all unscathed because it was so bespoke with its chassis!

Here's a video from DK Engineering in the UK going over the F40 chassis structure:

 

Even a 328 frame would be a bad choice. F40 had a great deal more triangulation and considerably less weight.
I would draw very few parallels in the suspension.

 

Perhaps start a separate build thread? I would love to keep tabs on your project. I really enjoy the restomod genre, though with my own cars I tend more towards a resto vibe with just a bit of mod (as in modern).

 

I'm relieved to read that....Factory can't call copyright issue when factory parts are use.

Can you elaborate on these items? I'm in the middle of a suspension upgrade/redesign on my so interested in what others do

Also, what electronics? In the middle of a startup launch to make/sell the bits I want for my car.

engine/trans? Come on! that's just a tease, what did you buy?

 

It would be interesting to have your build next to Stanceworks' F40 after both are completed. It's always cool to see the different approaches and solutions to problems builders have with their creations; especially when they're so unique. I can't wait to see the finished car. Best of luck.

 

What other restomods have you built? I'm the same way - every car I've owned I've made my own (for the rare ones I make sure whatever I do can be undone).

 

I don’t know.. your money and all , but if you’re going to build this amazing machine , why not just design /build the frame also? it’s been mentioned by rifledriver that the 308 frame is not adequate for this project, and after 50 years working on Ferrari, I would suspect he would know . Why not build your interpretation of the F 40 from ground up and potentially more valuable. if you throw a chopped up 308 frame under all these parts you’ve sourced you’re going to have a vehicle worth a third of what you have in it. A true conversation piece at a Ferrari gathering instead of an uncomfortable conversation on what constitutes a replica.
Just a thought this morning.

 

Anything can be fixed with enough will power and/or budget, even a 308 chassis. Honestly new springs/shocks and most importantly modern tires and any 308 will likely out handle a stock F40.....tires alone are about 90% of handling I think and modern tires are just a lot better than old designs.

Starting with a ferrari donor car means in most places the final product can be registered as a ferrari. Starting from scratch pretty much guarantees it can't be called a ferrari and ferrari would sue if you tried, they are pretty aggressive on that front.

 

makes sense.

 

....thus sayeth the Lord.

Sorry, couldn't resist.
- Dave

 

You're such a tease

 

What are your plans for the surplus 308 parts? I'm always interested in adding to my stock of spares.