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Ambitious Project: Ferrari F40 Replica

The Ferrari F40 remains one of the more unobtainable supercars for mere mortals. It never really landed – from its inception, it was an item – but all these years later, it’s not far behind the likes of the McLaren F1 in terms of exotica that is out of reach for most of us. So, how do you cope? Do you buy some second-rate Porsche 911 to drown your sorrows with? Nah, you can still own an F40, just in slightly diluted form. The seller of this replica F40 has clearly lost the motivation to see this one through to completion, which, like so many others, is based on the Pontiac Fiero. It doesn’t run and it will take quite a bit of resolve to finish. Find it here on craigslist in South Florida for $5,999.

I will never understand replica supercar projects. I mean, I get it – wanting to own something that makes people look twice – but I’d at least buy one that’s complete rather than taking on the build myself. I do like that this one at least has the classic F40 script inlaid into the rear spoiler, and the wheels at least look like the sort of hardware that a car like the F40 would come with. So many of these replicas stop short of the more expensive details like deep-dish staggered wheels, so at least the builder of this replica got those details right. The proportions, as you can see, fall a bit short of the real deal, but at least the flared fenders, scalloped doors, and brake ducts are all accounted for.

The Fiero underpinnings, however, are never hidden all that deep. Despite all the work done to convince you on the outside, the interiors of these replicas are always a disappointment. There’s no doubt this is a Fiero underneath, and most builders of these replicas never go far enough to convince you on the inside that it’s the real thing. I have to imagine most of the time when an enthusiast takes on a project like this, the interior refresh is just a bridge too far. You’ve spent all the time and money just trying to make the outside look a little bit like an actual Ferrari, and then you step inside and see acres of 80s GM plastic.

There’s a 350 mounted in place of where I imagine an Iron Duke four-cylinder once resided, which is at least an improvement and will give this replica some decent scoot fitting of its exterior. The engine does not run, which isn’t surprising given the general state of the car. The F40 replica comes with a clean title, probably the one thing of value the Fiero underpinnings offer. The next step for this car will be many, from getting the bodywork finished to firing up the engine to sorting out the interior. Will it be worth it in the end? I think you have to be a devout follower of the replica supercar academy to see value in undertakings like these, but I’m sure those guys think half the projects I take on are a waste of time, too. Would you finish this one?

Comments

  1. bobhess bobhess Member

    I could get interested in a clone of this type if it wasn’t the ugliest car Ferrari ever built. Good looking and fast have always been the criteria for my cars. This might be fast but…..

    Like 6
  2. Avatar Bluetec320 Member

    Lol, even if this was a good driver stock Fiero, it wouldn’t be worth $6K, IMO.

    Like 3
  3. Avatar Mutt

    I feel like sending the seller a replica check…

    Like 26
  4. Avatar Bud Lee

    This would be a great stock car lose some weight add a roll cage and Earl Scheibs finest and floor it .

    Like 1
  5. Avatar Robert L Willis

    I’m more interested in the ’68 Chevelle next to it.

    Like 1
  6. Avatar Chris

    Back in the day I saw one of these Ferrari replicas parked at the post office. It looked really nice but a quick view of the interior showed that it was a Fiero. Later on someone insisted it was a real Ferrari. I was like, well if the automatic shifter in the console doesn’t give it away then the seats, dash, stereo, etc do lol.

    Like 3
  7. Avatar PairsNPaint

    If you’d like to see what an ambitious project looks like, go here: https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum3/HTML/000149.html. Four and a half years and still going! What I like is that this guy is not trying to make it look like a real F40, but he knows what it is and turning it into his own vision.

    Like 0
  8. Avatar Steve Clinton

    What, you’re saying this is NOT a Ferrari F40, but a messed-up Pontiac?

    Like 1
  9. Avatar Howie Mueler

    Too rough, posted 2 weeks ago, better hurry.

    Like 0
  10. Avatar Fugly

    Needs finished alright!

    Like 0
  11. Avatar t-bone BOB

    Located in Broward county Florida

    Like 0
  12. Avatar Mike Freeman Member

    Just say no!!

    Like 0
  13. Avatar Mike Brown

    I’d much rather have a stock Fiero.

    Like 0

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