- Seller: Lou L (Contact)
- Location: Michigain
- Mileage: 00000 Shown
- Chassis #: HLS30435284
- Title Status: Clean
- Engine: GM 350 V8
- Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
Replicas can be hit or miss, but when they’re built with the intent to be driven and enjoyed, they tend to stand out for the right reasons. This 1978 Datsun 280Z–based Ferrari 250 GTO Tribute, currently listed as a Barn Finds Exclusive in Michigan, falls squarely into that category. Built in the 1990s and titled, licensed, and insured in the seller’s name, it’s a complete and running car offered with a clean title and an asking price of $24,000.
Under the hood is a GM-sourced 350 V8 pulled from a 1996 Corvette, complete with multi-port fuel injection and backed by a six-speed manual transmission. That drivetrain choice gives this replica modern usability and reliability while still delivering the kind of performance expected from a V8-powered sports car. According to the seller, the car runs and drives well, so you can enjoy it immediately rather than have it sit as a stalled project.
The chassis has been upgraded with coil-over suspension components and additional suspension improvements to better handle the increased power. Stopping duties are handled by AP Racing front brakes paired with a dual master cylinder setup, a notable upgrade that reflects thoughtful attention to drivability and safety. The battery has been relocated to the cargo area, a common modification that helps with weight distribution.
Cosmetically, the car presents well overall. The paint shows nicely from a distance, though the seller notes it was not cut in properly around the jamb areas. It’s an honest disclosure and suggests this is a driver-quality car rather than a show-only build. The Dayton wire wheels are included but are described as being in below-average condition, with visible rust pitting. They’re usable but may be something a future owner chooses to refurbish or replace.
Inside, the dash controls show noticeable wear, consistent with a car that’s been driven rather than stored away. The blower and heater are reported to be functional, and while the car was originally equipped with air conditioning, it is not currently installed. That said, the seller states the AC components are included if the next owner wants to refit the system. All of the glass is reported to be in good condition.
It might be a replica, but it isn’t pretending to be something it’s not. It’s a well-sorted, V8-powered tribute built decades ago, with tasteful mechanical upgrades and a clear focus on enjoyment. For someone looking for the style of a 250 GTO combined with the practicality and serviceability of American V8 power, this 280Z-based build offers a lot of car for the money. Would you drive it as-is, or make a few changes to truly make it your own?
This appears to be a really nice ‘tribute’! There’s a fellow who does (or has done) this sort of work on Miatas with similar results though with the original running gear – stellar!
So what is the difference between a tribute and a replica? About $10k?
thank god its not a clone
Curious, is it a Nissan 6 speed or the GM 6 speed? What about the rear end, original Nissan? It’s a nice ‘tribute’ that appears was meant to be driven.
My experience is that the Nissan rear diff is plenty strong to stand up to the V8. Not sure about a Nissan gear. box. Good looking car. Use different wheels for the autocross or track day use.
Very beautiful “replica” . I’d love to have something like this ( I say that a lot) the 350 V8 and a 6 speed must be a blast to drive too. Very nicely done.
I love it! This is what having fun with the hobby is about.
It looks pretty good but we have no clue how it runs after all the Frankenstein stuff, especially a small block loading the front end.
Lose the wheels, cut the price in half, and you can have a blast for a while in something like this. Then sell it to the next hooligan.
Pull into a snooty Ferrari meet just to see the frowns on the clowns. That alone is with worth it.
GM 6 speed will have come over with the GM lump.
These were made by McBurnie or Thunder Ranch (only one of the two had an opening hatch). Both got sued out of existence by Ferrari.
Nissan R200 rear end is V8 rated up to about 400hp, no need for upgrade. (R200 may have been 300zx rear end)
I like this as a driver though it is un-registerable in CA, so would have to register in AZ or do the Montana LLC thing.
20-30 ?? years ago there was a zcar with the GTO fiberglass racing in vintage in the midwest.
I’ll look for the photo of a pace lap with it in the row behind me. It’s a great photo.
Sorry, these are also made by AlphaOne, this looks to be one of theirs. (I think theirs is the opening hatch model, imagine getting a full sized spare out without an opening hatch!)
Thunder Ranch was sued out of GTO production, but continues to make Porsche 550 replicas.
“… it isn’t pretending to be something it’s not.” Sorry, but it is. It’s pretending to be a GTO, and casual observers will be fooled. Replicas can be compared with art forgeries. Do you want a real Van Gogh or a mere copy? Think about why carmakers have sued those who imitate the genuine article. Think about trademarks, copyrights, and intellectual dishonesty. Think about how you would feel if you created a book, a piece of art, a piece of music, even a car, and someone copied it–badly.
Replica, tribute and wannabe look like.
My understanding and or beliefs about them.
A tribute would be a Mustang with all the correct parts to be an exact copy of a famous shelby or is it an orange charger with a flag on the roof?
Maybe the mustang could be a clone?
Replica is just that. There were some C type Jaguars built that i thought were exact copies. I made and installed a wire harness in a Ferrari TR61 that was built mostly from scratch and correct Ferrari parts.
Wannabe look likes hhrrmm!
Putting panels on a fiero or a z car with a 6 or v8 that doesn’t sound like a Columbo v12.
Am I correct?
I don’t understand.
Taking it to the Ferrari meeting will get you laughed at. Nice ride tho.
Best laughs you can have. Bunch of snobs.
I’d drive it and enjoy it… I had a 70 Avanti ll last summer for two months.. Not a car for an introvert. Never got so many Lovers, haters and what is it… A James Bond car…!!!??