If you haven’t noticed, the Ferrari F40 is one of the most sought-after sports cars in the world. As the final supercar approved by the legendary Enzo Ferrari, it was practically destined to be an icon before the first example was even sold. There are no nannies, no safety nets, and it will punish you quickly if you don’t know how to drive a raw, 80s supercar. The car shown here on Facebook Marketplace is a charming alternative if you lack the big bucks and appropriate big boy pants needed to drive the original, and the seller is asking $35,000 for this Fiero-based clone.
The F40 has a few character traits from a design perspective, including staggered 5-spoke, 2-piece wheels; brake cooling and engine cooling ducts; a steeply raked appearance; a nose that almost kisses the ground; and a large rear wing. Incredibly, this Fiero checks all of those respective boxes, but you can tell the proportions still don’t match the original. It’s far too stubby and short, and while I realize this is plainly obvious, I have never understood why replica kit manufacturers never go a bit further to capture the true proportions of the original.
However, here’s a major feather in the cap of this clone: while the Ferrari 308 and Testarossa had many documented kits built in tribute to them, with real manufacturers behind them, the F40 is far more scattered in terms of who built an actual replica. It seems most of them were done by independent builders or as one-offs by a manufacturer, and it’s difficult to pin down who the likely creator was of this kit. You can see the Fiero origins inside, with the original interior largely retained. Still, I’m curious to know who went through the trouble to create a half-decent replica of the iconic F40.
We can all remember the incredible Lamborghini Countach built by one man in his basement over several years. It came out the bottom of his house after having to demolish a wall that existed before he began his incredible recreation attempt. So, there’s much to be celebrated with someone who takes it upon themselves to build such a custom car. The original F40 was powered by a potent 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V8 producing almost 480 horsepower and capable of reaching a top speed of 201 miles per hour. This Fiero-powered copy will prove far easier to handle, with no engine-out service required.
Not sure how tacking a body on a Fiero increases the value by $30,000? At least try and earn the money be putting some effort into the ad.
Steve R
I never found the F 40 to be an attractive car- like a Van Gogh painting, the appeal is in the price not the look.
For $35k, you’d think he could at least wash it.
Calling this abomination a “half decent replica” is being very generous. Aside from the proportions being way off, the first photo shows a front end that appears to be coming apart at the seams.