Future Re-bodies?

I would own a fake 288GTO in a heartbeat if well done and based on a late model 328.

But no i dont think it will ever be common again.

 

Doubt it.

 

NO! Say it ain't so!

 

Once 430 Spiders get low enough, I'll consider a 360 rebody to get rid of all of the ricerific big scoops, Enzo tail lights, and anime headlights, and keep the mechanicals for the upgrades. They made it so..................UN-Pininfarina.

A 288GTO rebody of a hail-damaged or lightly wrecked 355 would be interesting, too.

 

I've always wondered why there was never a F40 kit for the 308/328. Seems like a good matchup

Back on topic -- no, I don't think so. If you want a Fauxrarri 288, there's plenty of them out there for a lot less than the build costs. Newer unibody cars are much harder to modify safely than the older tube frame machines. Safety & emissions regulations are a lot different for newer cars also. Unless you're a zillionaire, you're stuck with stock.

 

I believe that Jim Carpenter used to offer F40, 288 GTO, and P4 rebodies based on 308's and 328's.

 

I believe its primarily because too many believe (falsly) that the car is built out of composite materials and cant be replicated easily. The truth is that underneath, it is almost 100% 308. Steel tube chassis with fiberglass or possibly carbon fiber cockpit tub, built the same way as a 308. The windscreen, side, and back glass are virtually identical 308, the cockpit is undoubtedly 308.

It would require some additional chassis fabrication, stretching, etc, but the 308 would be the perfect chassis to start with.

But probably the second reason is just that its kind of Taboo. The F-40 is pretty sacred.

 

Well, yes, as far as that goes.

ALL Ferraris should be considered sacred. Each model is what it is, and possesses its own intrinsic value for it.

 

And a 250 GTO isn't? It will be interesting to see, I guess if you go back to the 1960's and ask if anyone would tear up a 250GTE to make a GTO they would say no, but then again these cars weren't what they are today so who knows.

 

There are plenty derelict 308's about, and there are many pseudo-288's already. Few, though, have turned the engine 90 degrees and stretched the wheelbase, which is essential IMO. I have toyed with the idea myself, and will if I run accross a suitable GTB. Suitable reads that the car is accident damaged or has so many issues that restoration doesn't make sense. I would never sacrifice a car with potential to build a replica.

 

Im never going to own a real 288GTO and I think its the best looking car ever designed...so if I could get a replica that looks EXACTLY (or close enough that I cant tell the difference) like one...and based on a real Ferrari...well thats about as close as Im going to get.

I wouldnt get it to impress anyone...or try to fool anyone...Id get it because for 20+ years the 288GTO is the only car that makes my jaw drop through sheer beauty.

 

I hear you and I wouldn't mind having a fake one either.

 

Looked around a little yesterday, just on the web. Found a nice 348 engine and box for under 10.000 Euro's. I'd prefer to do this with a 355 or 360 unit, but they are available. Much more cost-effective and easier than turbo-charging the 308 unit and put another gearbox on. That'll give it enough oomph. Most of the body panels are readily available, but I don't know of anyone making the rear fenders to proper GTO spec.

Not that it can't be done for reasopnable money and spending a lot of time.

 

Jim Carpenter's original P4 replica, that featured in a couple of US and UK magazine articles*, in the early 90's was claimed to be based on a 308 chassis (14516 IIRC), but, in fact it, was a pretty much 'bog stock' LHD Noble P4 replica - a kit imported from UK, fitted with a 308 motor (turned through 90° and using a ZF transmission).

Couple of photos of it in this thread: http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7565

Note JT's similarly incorrect description of the car, in his first post in that thread:

*Sports Car International. February,1992 and Performance Car, February,1993.

 

....the internet equilvalent of "Biting my tongue"??

 

I was referring to their ad in '91 Ferrari World. It actually says a "308/GTY", and the motor is placed longitudinally of course. I really liked the
GTO convertible. Would be unforgiveable to hack-up an original 288, but what about a body-damaged 308GTSi? Anyone seen this car or one
like it in the flesh?
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