New "250" GTO Spyder?

Would you buy a new front engined Ferrari Spyder that had a retro look of a 250 GTO over a 575 Superamerica?

 

no

 

If i had the means and was in the market for a Spyder of that nature and 134282 was already in the garage, then, yeah, i think i'd like something like that... However, at that point in the conversation, we are WAAAAAAAAY deep into fantasy land...


Unfortunately, though, Mr. G., in all reality, i'd probably have to say no... 134282 would be enough and, if it were sitting in my garage, i don't think i could neglect it for any length of time to drive something else...

But yes, if i were in the market for a Spyder, i would go with the retro GTO thingie over a 575...

 

all due respect, Mr. G, but what would a 250 GTO spyder look like? has some coachbuilder out there fabricated such an animal on the remains of a 250GTE that we could look at? I think part of the iconic look of the GTO was the long slow curve of the roof from top of windshield all the way back to the abrupt Kamm tail contrasted against the shorter, muscular hump of the rear wheel fender. Would a 275GTB NART Spyder be the closest thing to what you are imagining?

Even if Ferrari bought into the concept of going retro (I am generally a fan of pininfarina's usually subtle method of paying homage; round taillights and triple engine vents - the side scallop of the 612 is the most literal cribbing I recall pininfarina ever doing) they would be damned forever for having sold out if they didn't get the 'new 250 GTO' just right. Risky business to screw w/ an icon. I haven't seen a GT40 in person, but from all accounts, Ford got the retro thing right in that case.

Carbon - w/ Christmas only 6 days away, are you going to give yourself a "134282" tattoo just below the Cavallino? BTW, liked the 'dudes and dinosaurs' piece. I can't wait for Gerald's counterpoint.

 

I voted yes. And, while we're here (those dreaded words that every vintage car nut hates to hear), let's also bring back the pontoon TRs and Dino 246 body styles.

Dale

 

That's b!tchin'...

 

Most certainly.


I'll just say that the look of the top on the new 575 leaves a lot to be desired - the only good angle is the side profile which has almost the shape of a targa.

 

brain fart for me - we've even talked about Frank Beard's car before, haven't we?

that would be very cool - but it would have to have the bagel-proportioned tires to look right - no low-profiles. and you'd really want to pop the hood and see 6 double-throated Webers looking at you . . .

 

No. Ferrari must be about function and the future ...

Pete

 

I don't think going backwards is a good idea. I think what needs to happen is for Ferrari to make then new cars look a little more traditional and not so odd. The Enzo is just weird looking.

 

I guess the question must also be asked does the new Ford GT work?
Designers def. borrow from the past. At what point does it cross a line and look "too retro"? The Viper for example was a def. semi copy of the Cobra Daytona Coupe as BTW the reg Cobra was a semi copy of the 166 Barchetta.
If Ferrari made a front engined spyder that looked like the Beard car today I'd buy one. Hey I think there's a bit of the 275 GTB in the Maser coupe. I wouldn't mind it if they had made it even closer.
Brian
Agree re: aspect ratio of tires.
Dr. Stu
Don't disagree but somehow like the MC 12.
Best

 

I think it does ... actually I find myself reading articles about it again and again. Why does it work? Well I think Ford have done a great job of modernising the lines while shamelessly acknowledging what they copied.

I think the fact that has been developed into a good road car means that it's focus is completely different and that means comparisons are mute.

Ferrari currently do this very well. 360 with 250LM engine air scoops, 550 with Daytona tail lights, etc.

It crosses the line when you bring out a car that has the looks only for looks sake and thus form does not follow function.

Thus they cannot make a modern 250GTO because that effectively is what the Maserati MC12 is, ie. the modern equivalent. We have to remember that the 250GTO was the absolute peak of technology back then and a 100% focused track tool ... a modern front engined version would hardly be that, but a fun play thing.

So would a lot of people, but to do this well Ferrari need to find a clear goal/mission for the car, not just a modern copy of the legend. The 288GTO did this perfectly and if the Enzo had been named 500GTO and been tracked it would have also.

Pete

 

What do you guys think? Mr. G will you buy it? Sorry its not the best it was only a quick chop and merge.
Erik
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Make the tail look a bit more like a 275 GTB NART and I would.
Best

 

No, a 250 GTO Spyder wouldn´t do anything for me. It would have to be the 575 Superamerica. The Ford GT doesn´t work for me either. I see cars like this as creative poverty. I don´t care how good the car actually is, it is just a variation of something of the past. The GT40 is incredible. It still is. It doesn´t need to be brought back to life. It will never die! Leave the GT40 alone, that´s all I have to say on that particular subject.

 

I have to study some more for my Math Final once I get some free time I will see what I can do.
Erik

 

Pete, you buy the Enzo. I'll buy the retro.

Dr "I'm a poet and don't know it" Who

 

Lower the rollbar and chop 20% of the windscreen and it would be gorgous.

Personaly I see nothing wrong with retro cars ,the Alpha Romeo Stradale and the Ford GT where the most beuatiful cars on show at Geneva last year with the possible exception of the Porsche Carrerea GT,if alpha does go ahead and release the stradale this has to be an added incentive for their rumoured return to rear wheel drive which has to be a good thing,the best designs are eternal imho .

 

how about this one?
Erik
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Getting Better. Check out the one in Wayne's link.

http://www.vgdauto.com/gtotopless.html

 

Yeah I see what your saying about the rear fenders!!! I will play with it later. I will also see if I can merge a 575 america top and a gto.
Erik

 

I think the best looking of all is the Nembo spyder (I'd link to some threads about it, but the pics are all gone).

Second would come the 275 NART-- the cut GTOs just don't do it for me. I even prefer the 550 Barchetta. Anyway, for me it's all academic-- the windshields on these cars come up to about eye level, so I can forget about actually driving one!

 

I won't go so far to say I actually like the look of the MC12, but it is a lot better looking than the Enzo. Actually, there are very few cars in the last 30 years that i could say I actually like the looks of.

An example of a decent looking sedan to my eyes is the Nissan Altima. Much better looking than the Mercedes and BMWs , for example.

 

Dr. Stu
I agree but I wonder if some of us get stuck in the past. Then again I can't understand the idea that: "You'll grow to like it." Didn't have to wait to like a 250 GTO, an E type Jag, or a T 70 Lola.

Don
Your point is well taken. If a car isn't drivable it's not worth it. Are the windshields cut down in all of these? E Type, 275 GTB NART, 427 Cobra?
I don't remember noticing a problem (I'm 6' 1") but it's been a while and the rush may have masked this problem. (Never owned one but have driven them albeit a while ago)
Best