Replica keys for 3X8/Mondial (all)...

Hey, I passed by Rome airport and at the Ferrari shop found this key... A 355 blank. I snapped it up immediately and even negotiated a 10% discount (at a Ferrari shop nonetheless) as I got him to understand that the new models were actually cut and this was a virgin key and which had been in the display for over 4 years. The argument was they keys are key-rings and meant to feed the ego so to pretend you're an F car owner. So the virgin key is less desirable and they should be happy someone wants it... Didn't pick this one from the top of th tree obviously.

It fits my Mondial t ignition (same key as the 348) just fine and I got the wild idea to make a mold. I ordered a few brass chromed blanks from fleabay and fit them into the mold. They came out OK (see pic). Furthermore I am modifying the mold to be able to do the following:

These are all made of resin - balanced weight and a little lighter than the 355 aluminum one.
Exact replica with a compatible embedded blank, with a black horse.
Modified key with a 10 MM prancing horse shield (replica of the Scuderia emblem), compatible embedded blank.

The key can be manufactured with a high gloss red, yellow, black or silver body. The black and shield looks really sexy, the red and shield looks just like the wing part of the car bearing the emblem.

I haven't done a final production proof, but if I decided to go ahead with the project and make keys available for Mondial t's, 348, 355's and possibly older 3X8's and Mondial if someone can supply blank keys, I'd like to gauge the demand, volumes and what your idea of a fair price is.

The Ferrari shop does them for a ripoff 150 Euro, 110 GBP, 180 USD. I'd be leaning towards making them in sets of TWO for:
Exact replica in blank with any color combination - 100 Euro, GBP 80, USD 150.
Shielded model for 130 Euro, 105 GBP, 195 USD (30%-is more to cover the cost of the enamelled emblem (ebay cufflinks) and to make the modified mold to fit it)

If these were the prices, including P&P - non insured postage first class to Europe/USA/Canada (insurance would be extra), would you be interested and how many would you want?

I'd be happy to issue a 1 year warranty on manufacturing, less damages in cutting / damage that is in excess of normal wear, though for all F-Chatters I'd put in a policy to replace for 50% if the damaged key is returned within the first 12 months.

Let me know your interest.

Here is a picture of the silver proof of concept, though I will not be doing the chromed cavallino as it is a real pain and expensive to make.

Marco
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Marco,

Your a man of many talents.

 

I might be interested for a 456 and a 328. I don't quite understand what they are made of or how they are finished (painted and clear coated?). Pictures would go a long way. How easilly will the ones you make scratch you think (the original one's I've seen get all scratched up with use and aside from price, it's a huge reason I have not bothered with the original F versions in the past).

Thanks.
Alberto

 

I want one.

Edwardo