Hello. I've made my first post recounting some of the already well known history of the 250 GTO.
Now...before I go any further, I do not own a Ferrari...yet. But am building a replica of a 250 GTO.
Now before anyone goes nuts on me, I understand how Ferrari guys feel about replicas...I generally feel the same way.
I will finish out this replica within the next 3 years or so and will be moving into the 308 or 328 I've always wanted. That's the plan anyway.
But, I decided to build a 250 GTO replica because...well...its a 250 GTO. the most sought after and desirable sports car on the planet. But yes, it IS most certainly a replica and I hold no punches in stating that fact.
Again, before anyone goes ballistic, let me say that I've worked for a big name TV hot rod builder(who shall remain nameless, draw your own conclusions) for a few years and know nearly everything it takes to make a car "right".
As such...my replica is based on an early 240Z and will be of fiberglass and aluminum. BUT, let me relate to you that the good Ferrari name is in good hands.
The chassis has been sectioned and extended 3.7 inches to exactly mirror the wheelbase of the original 94.4 inches and allow the engine to sit behind the steering rack for proper weight distribution...just like the real thing. The body has also been reworked to correctly reflect the proper spoiler and chin dimensions.
The rear hatch has been smoothed and a trunk/period correct 35 gallon fuel cell will be installed..just like the original. The hood (bonnet) has been reworked to correct dimensions. All vents, as well as the often omitted radiator access, has been correctly modeled
The spoiler has been modified to the correct angle, the steering converted to RHD, genuine Nardi wheel, Borrani spokes, genuine gauges, hood hold downs and leather straps, custom fabricated dash, etc.....
I am basing my project on s/n 4491...though not in its' original British Green color...a Ferrari just isn't a Ferrari unless it's red...even a "Faux-rrari".
I've spent over a year furiously researching this project before the first bolt turned.
The only thing that will not be correct will be the drivetrain. It will be a Chevrolet V8...but even that will be entirely hand built and use an inline Weber carbeurator setup on a custom intake manifold with the closest matching bore, stroke, and cylinder volume to the closest vintage Ferrari V8 specs I can find. I have acquired a 4.0L engine...though still, it's not a V12. It is a V8.
In short, the only way to tell it is a replica is if I were to open the hood...and even then, only to someone who REALLY knows what they're looking at.
As I said before, I plan on obtaining a 308 in the future. They are affordable and are MUCH fun to drive. Plus what's better than owning a classic Ferrari? But for about the same money, I could have a vintage Ferrari V12.
I do realize I could easily buy a 308 for what I'm doing this GTO replica for, maybe 2...but it's a GTO...you can't buy a REAL GTO for this kind of price.
Plus, if I figure correctly, I will come out of my build with a show quality car and in the neighborhood of 500-600 hp....though I still have no qualms about admitting its' replica status. Imitation is afterall, the greatest form of flattery.
I'm doing this because I want something cool, that I will not be afraid to drive everyday, and to hold true to the original spirit of Enzo....hold true to MY vision with no compromises whatsoever.
....and if a few of those smarty Corvette guys happen to be staring at the tail lights of what they think is an "antique Ferrari"...all the better in my opinion.
Hope you guys don't think too lowly of me...but I'm hand building my dream, albeit from the dreams of others. But, building your OWN dream is what doing it yourself is all about.
I cringe for replies...:anon:
Now...before I go any further, I do not own a Ferrari...yet. But am building a replica of a 250 GTO.
Now before anyone goes nuts on me, I understand how Ferrari guys feel about replicas...I generally feel the same way.
I will finish out this replica within the next 3 years or so and will be moving into the 308 or 328 I've always wanted. That's the plan anyway.
But, I decided to build a 250 GTO replica because...well...its a 250 GTO. the most sought after and desirable sports car on the planet. But yes, it IS most certainly a replica and I hold no punches in stating that fact.
Again, before anyone goes ballistic, let me say that I've worked for a big name TV hot rod builder(who shall remain nameless, draw your own conclusions) for a few years and know nearly everything it takes to make a car "right".
As such...my replica is based on an early 240Z and will be of fiberglass and aluminum. BUT, let me relate to you that the good Ferrari name is in good hands.
The chassis has been sectioned and extended 3.7 inches to exactly mirror the wheelbase of the original 94.4 inches and allow the engine to sit behind the steering rack for proper weight distribution...just like the real thing. The body has also been reworked to correctly reflect the proper spoiler and chin dimensions.
The rear hatch has been smoothed and a trunk/period correct 35 gallon fuel cell will be installed..just like the original. The hood (bonnet) has been reworked to correct dimensions. All vents, as well as the often omitted radiator access, has been correctly modeled
The spoiler has been modified to the correct angle, the steering converted to RHD, genuine Nardi wheel, Borrani spokes, genuine gauges, hood hold downs and leather straps, custom fabricated dash, etc.....
I am basing my project on s/n 4491...though not in its' original British Green color...a Ferrari just isn't a Ferrari unless it's red...even a "Faux-rrari".
I've spent over a year furiously researching this project before the first bolt turned.
The only thing that will not be correct will be the drivetrain. It will be a Chevrolet V8...but even that will be entirely hand built and use an inline Weber carbeurator setup on a custom intake manifold with the closest matching bore, stroke, and cylinder volume to the closest vintage Ferrari V8 specs I can find. I have acquired a 4.0L engine...though still, it's not a V12. It is a V8.
In short, the only way to tell it is a replica is if I were to open the hood...and even then, only to someone who REALLY knows what they're looking at.
As I said before, I plan on obtaining a 308 in the future. They are affordable and are MUCH fun to drive. Plus what's better than owning a classic Ferrari? But for about the same money, I could have a vintage Ferrari V12.
I do realize I could easily buy a 308 for what I'm doing this GTO replica for, maybe 2...but it's a GTO...you can't buy a REAL GTO for this kind of price.
Plus, if I figure correctly, I will come out of my build with a show quality car and in the neighborhood of 500-600 hp....though I still have no qualms about admitting its' replica status. Imitation is afterall, the greatest form of flattery.
I'm doing this because I want something cool, that I will not be afraid to drive everyday, and to hold true to the original spirit of Enzo....hold true to MY vision with no compromises whatsoever.
....and if a few of those smarty Corvette guys happen to be staring at the tail lights of what they think is an "antique Ferrari"...all the better in my opinion.
Hope you guys don't think too lowly of me...but I'm hand building my dream, albeit from the dreams of others. But, building your OWN dream is what doing it yourself is all about.
I cringe for replies...:anon: