Finding anything with Ferrari Dino 246 GT proportions for under six figures usually means there’s a story—and in this case, it’s very clearly spelled out. Listed here on craigslist in Las Vegas, Nevada, this 1974 Ferrari Dino 246 GT Spyder replica is offered at $25,777, positioning it as a dramatically more accessible alternative to one of the most valuable Italian sports cars of all time. Thanks for the tip, Tony Primo!
The seller is upfront that this is not an original Ferrari, but rather a Kelmark-built replica dating to 1974. The car is described as a permanent open-top roadster, meaning there is no roof or windows, emphasizing its fair-weather, fun-focused nature. It rides on a VW-based chassis and is powered by a flat-four, air-cooled engine mounted mid-ship, paired with a four-speed manual transmission. That combination places it firmly in the replica and kit-car world, prioritizing classic looks over factory Ferrari engineering.
Mileage is listed at 777 miles, and the seller notes that the car comes with original documentation and brochure material, along with a clean title. The replica is also described as being garaged, which likely contributed to its preservation over the years. While no claims are made about performance, the lightweight fiberglass construction and simple mechanical layout suggest this Dino-inspired Spyder was built more for cruising and visual appeal than outright speed.
The listing leans heavily into context, contrasting the replica with genuine Dino 246 GT values. According to the seller, original cars routinely trade in the high six-figure range, with some sales exceeding $1 million. With only 2,285 real Dino 246 GTs produced, the replica market exists largely for enthusiasts who admire the shape and legacy but aren’t prepared—or able—to enter that financial territory.
Importantly, this car is presented as a 1974 replica, not as an attempt to pass for a factory Ferrari. That transparency matters, especially with high-profile designs like the Dino. For someone who wants the visual experience of a classic mid-engine Italian sports car without the stress of sourcing Ferrari parts or protecting a seven-figure investment, cars like this fill a unique niche.
At its asking price, this Kelmark Dino replica isn’t trying to compete with concours cars or purist collections. Instead, it offers an entry point into the Dino aesthetic—one that can be driven, enjoyed, and talked about without fear. Whether that makes sense depends entirely on the buyer, but it’s hard to ignore how much Ferrari-inspired presence is on offer for the money.
Would you rather have a faithful replica you can enjoy, or is the Dino legend inseparable from the real thing?
Kinda like buying a 1.5 carat Zircon ring-it’s pretty, cheap and looks almost like the real thing but you know it’s not..
The casual onlooker would never know, and would care even less.
You DO NOT want a car with no top, windows or AC in Las Vegas.
Maybe that is why they are selling it, LOL
When an ad for a kit car devotes 90% of its description to talking up the merits of the real car it highlight its own lack of merit. The small amount of space spent on the car that’s actually for sale barely mentions what many potential buyers would likely consider deal breakers, such as a lack of top. It’s expensive and probably doesn’t enough interest to get its asking price of nearly $26k, the days of kit cars based on exotics has largely come and gone.
Steve R
Replicar or not, the casual observer who knows about as much about cars as I do about brain surgery, would go “ooh and aaah” when they saw this, and that’s the fun of owning a copy. Would I want this? Sure, it would be fun to show off in. ‘Wow, did you just hit the lottery?”
I live near the Mendocino coast and occasionally get to see somebody’s exotic on Highway 1, a Dino at least once in the last forty years. The most memorable Dino was in Emeryville, in a high end used car outfit. Looked like the car had been in a fire and was for sale for $17,000. I still wonder who got this one.
That’s a beautiful area!(I’m in Lake County) Seems like every time I go to Mendocino I see exotics on HWY 1 as well… Cool motorcycles too!
“engine mounted mid-ship”? Going by the position of the engine cover and the ad’s full photo showing the engine bay, pretty sure it’s mounted in the rear, like any air-cooled VW. Mid-ship would have it flipped around in front of the rear axle.
Looks pretty high-quality as kit cars go; that dashboard is certainly more nicely done than what one usually finds in this sort of vehicle. I’d remove all the prancing-pony badges and decals, tho’; those are just embarrassing on anything that isn’t a genuine Ferrari.
I wonder if it sounds like a Ferrari?
I can guarantee it does not. Come on folks, a customized Volkswagen for 25K? Not in my universe. I don’t care how well done it is, it is still a VW Beetle.
VW engines always sounded like a Ferrari, LOL
Looks like a Porsche 914 engine to me .
It is, and so is the transaxle. That engine was in most of the later model vans and later hatchbacks etc.
A Kelmark GT is a superb kit car. Especially when it’s built with the mid mount Olds 455 and Toronado drivetrain.
Maybe so, but that ain’t this.
Without the stupid Ferrari- badges, it would be one of the nicer Kit- cars on VW- base.
Its not 25K € nice, maybe 10-13K… but the missing roof and windows make the audience a bit limited.
Here in Germany, the car is not really useable.At least it got wipers.
If Ferrari tracks down the owner, you will get a cease and desist letter ordering the removal of all Ferrari badges.