I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: a replica of an expensive or otherwise hard-to-find exotic car is either a complete disaster or one of the more compelling ways to own a vehicle most of us would be hesitant to drive (much less take out a second mortgage for.) There are many, many examples of poorly-executed clones of classic sports models like the Ferrari Daytona, but when you find a good one – well, it sure is tempting to own one of the most beautiful cars ever made for a fraction of the price. This compelling copy of a 1971 Ferrari Daytona 365 GTB listed here on eBay is a project, but one that appears to be worthy of the effort. The opening bid is $27,999 with no reserve.
For me, I look at two main criteria for a kit car or clone, and neither has to do with the engine: the actual proportions of the body is number one, and the quality of the interior is number two. Finding a suitable engine is pretty straightforward given how much we now know about stuffing a powerful domestic V8 under the hood of a kit car with suitable chassis reinforcements, so the need for a suitable powerplant seems like a given. Less likely is to find a custom build like this that actually mirrors the dimensions of the original car and has an interior that doesn’t look like a hatchet job. This Daytona replica was built using a wrecked Daytona as a mold, with a completely custom tube chassis.
There’s a lengthy article from when the original builder of this replica, a fella named Kevin, captured some attention for his sympathetic recreation. He used Ford 302 power in his first attempt, but apparently had a second replica underway at the time this car was built that utilized the supercharged V6 from the Ford Thunderbird SC. In fact, the replica Ferrari used the independent suspension from a Thunderbird SC, which is where I believe the alloy wheels seen here were lifted from. Racing buckets from a Fiat were utilized, and the entire concoction is supposedly quite light-weight. When it was originally built, the 302 used IDF Webers, and while not as exotic as a Ferrari V12, I’m sure it was a blast to drive.
These days, there is no drivetrain, and lots of details remain incomplete or never attempted; it seems many of the details not done when the initial magazine test drive happened are still TBD. There’s no door glass and the windshield is cracked; I sure hope the original builder had a supplier in mind that could provide off-the-shelf glazing. Regardless, the heavy lifting of the custom body and chassis is done, and with an engine bay that apparently housed a powerful 302 at one point in time, building a suitable replacement engine shouldn’t be too challenging. A compelling replica of a near-priceless car is a great way to have fun in a stunning classic with far less risk, so I hope the next owner does this Daytona tribute justice.
Lot of money for a clone with no engine or transmission. Admit it’s nicely done but finishing is not going to be cheap.
How is this titled? Thunderbird SC ? What does a kit car cost? It is very pretty!
IIRC there was a Daytona replica made that utilized the Thunderbird SC as the base and/or donor car. It was short lived and I don’t remember seeing it mentioned much after the initial kit car magazine articles.
This one looks an awful lot like that offering. Not knocking it, that version was the closest to a Daytona in looks and the only replica coupe version produced that I know of.
MN-12 Cougar XR7 rims & definitely MN-12 steering column/wheel setup. Also appears to be MN-12 upper control arms, most likely the whole front suspension/crossmember.
I’d say you hit the nail on the head. A flat-plane GT350R ‘Yote would make this, both in spirit & performance.
OK….I’m a dreamer, not a do-er, so here’s my idea. Strike the best deal you can for this. Pitch any of today’s 350 horsepower engines into it…and an appropriate stick shift. Adequate radiator. Insulate the footwells and seal the firewall! Bond some Plexi or Lexan windows into the door frames, maybe with a little hatch for paying tolls. Don’t sweat the details, just get it done. Wipers?…that’s why we have RainX. Do fine-tune the suspension so it isn’t too scary to drive. Have it painted blue and trimmed in Kirk F. White decals and you’ve got a Cannonball tribute car, as run by Gurney and Yates all those years ago. Roughly retrace their route, over a few days. Rediscover a great America and two great Americans. Make your memories, take your stab at being free. Check out the article in Car and Driver, May 1972. My personal faves were the Bruerton brothers in their 69 AMX.
I LIKE that idea a lot!
I don’t know Mr. K you do sound like a do-er.
The wheels are a dead giveaway that it’s fake.
Located in: York, Pennsylvania
There was a fella on TX that supplied glass like this needs. Can’t remember the company name. Will look m in shop computer but font know we hen I’ll get there.
Funny. 30 some years ago he’d answer Matt the texan, Howdy pardner. After years of selling glass and bits for Italian cars, Mateo said cio a lot.
Re-Originals
Like it. I see, for those on a low budget, a Chevy Monza donor project….alter the rear quarter windows, add 8 inches or so to the wheel base (ahead of the firewall), create a headlight/front bumper enclosure and a LS swap. I guess that’s more like a “stupid money” project…cheaper to buy the subject car.
I can see why there are no bids.
The question is if the chassis can take the weight of a big engine without compromising roadholding due to flexing.
Years ago on the TV show Miami Vice, a Daytona convertible replica was the star of the show
Before Miami Vice was on the air, the producers asked Kevin about buying his Ferrari Daytona replica for the show. Kevin didn’t want his replica potentially getting wrecked or blown up, so Kevin told them no.
I remember in high school a classmates dad had one in Forest Green lived off skyline blvd.
Auction ended with 0 bids.
Bidding ended on Sun, Mar 22 at 8:50 AM.