The idea of buying a kit car, or a custom one-off copy of an exotic car, may cause some people to thumb their noses in the direction of some Pontiac Fiero-based clone. But when the car in question is seemingly well done, or the proportions are at least correct, it can be a compelling way to blow $20,000 for someone who adores the car it’s copying. The Ferrari Testarossa is one of the most recognized Italian supercars of the 80s and 90s and as such, it’s a popular choice for replica builders. This example listed here on craigslist has the right proportions and features a V8 engine lifted from a Corvette. The seller is asking $23,500.
Thanks to Barn Finds reader Tony Primo for the tip. Right off the bat, the thing that catches your eye is the width of this kit car copy. All too often the replicas that ride on the Fiero chassis and associated underpinnings look like the only car they’re replicating is a Fiero going through an identity crisis. But those are the truly cheap copy cats, the kits that make no attempt to match the proportions of a legitimate super car. So, you’re going to pay more for this Testarossa replica right out of the starting gate because the manufacturer actually put in the time to nail down the proportions. The same goes for details like the generously staggered wheels, the side strakes in the body, and the tinted taillights.
The interior attempts to mask its Fiero roots but they’re never far away. Yes, there is luxurious padding all around and stock Fiero seats re-trimmed in leather, but the familiar center console and gauge cluster are impossible to miss. Interestingly, this Testarossa replica is located in Georgia, and the last time I saw this same style of Ferrari kit car come up for sale in 2019, it was also in Georgia – as seen here on Jalopnik. This makes me wonder if the kit car company itself was based in the southeastern U.S., or if there was perhaps a distributor in Atlanta. Do any of you recall seeing a bevy of Testarossa clones in the Peach State in the 80s and 90s?
Now, unlike the car on Jalopnik, this Ferrari clone packs something special in place of the original Fiero powerplant: what looks to be a 5.7L V8 lifted from a C4-era Corvette. It’s worth noting, however, that the car listed for sale in 2019 didn’t use a Fiero engine, either, going with a supercharged 3800 V6 instead. So, did the original builder of these Testarossa replicas allow buyers to choose from some high horsepower engine options, or were the chassis simply optimized to run a variety of powerplants, including sticking with the base model Iron Duke? The seller claims this car needs nothing, so get in touch if you want to fool most of your friends and neighbors into thinking you bought a Ferrari.
Strange that the dizzy is a non-HEI – I would’ve thought it came with one. Hi-po aftermarket?
Why do you think it’s a non-HEI distributor? The large cap, orientation of the plug wires and coil on top of the cap suggests it is.
Steve R
Maybe I need more coffee but it looks kinda small – maybe the HEIs got smaller? I dunno… and I thought that HEIs use a spring/lever to hold down, not screws…I dunno…
At least some later HEI’s used this style cap without the spring loaded “screws”. My 1984 Camaro used this type of screws.
It was hard to tell on this car with it under the cover hanging off the back of the TPI without a good light source.
Steve R
The later V8s used the screw on caps. Some other applications too.
Nice looking reproduction for sure, but did they ever shoehorn that 350 in there! There’s barely enough room for anything resembling an air cleaner, and the cooling fan is almost kissing the manifold. I’ll tell you, I hope whoever buys this has a Kars and Koffee only a few miles away.
It’s HEI, you can just see the coil cover. At least this gem has a V-8.
Looks from the pictures like one of the best replicars around. It would be worth checking out in person.
Looks like a fun toy, how would you determine value in the event of a accident because now its a modified car. I would like to park it next to a real one for a side by side to catch the differences since I have never seen a real one in person
That’s what you have Hagerty for. They determine the value and give you a quote.
I’m surprised that this was allowed. Back in the late 80s early 90s, a company in California, I believe it was Modena Industries, created a kit for the Ferrari California Spyder and was forced out of business by Ferrari for infringing on their design.
79-82 Mercury Capri tail lights?
Not
At the end of the day, it’s still a Fiero. The V8 does a lot more for it than the fake body. Like having a weird sounding or long last name that you always have to spell anytime you use it or introduce yourself. You’re constantly having to explain to the uneducated car person that meanders up to it in the parking lot. Well, it’s not really a Ferrari. It’s a kit car. Also would prefer the Northstar conversion over the 5.7 Chevy engine.
At least with the Chevy engine you won’t have constant lower end engine oil leaks. (VS the Northstar)
Really easy fix as is the head bolt issue.
That’s what you have Hagerty for. They determine the value and give you a quote.