When it comes to replicas, we’ve all seen the ugly underbelly of this kit car market: poorly constructed kits with major shortcomings like shoddy interiors and mismatched body proportions. However, among some of the more frequently cloned classic models like the Ferrari 365 GTB Daytona, there are standout recreations with lots of attention to detail. This particular Ferrari replica listed here on eBay is said to be a fairly rare mold made by a company called McBurnie which was actually sued by Ferrari when it was new for trademark infringement. The best part about this particular replica is the surprisingly high-quality interior, along with the accurate proportions.
McBurnie Coachcraft produced Daytona replicas along with the Ferrari 250 GTO, and while I don’t know if this is the exact replica used in the Miami Vice series, it looks like it could be. The headlight treatment is a bit wonky as the kit doesn’t integrate flip-up style housings, instead using the fixed lenses of the Corvette C3 this kit is based on. The taillight treatment is more accurate, and the rear bumpers, trunk lid, and dual exhaust are also surprisingly faithful to the classic Ferrari design. At the end of the day, numerous replicas and kits were based on the C3 Corvette, but the truly good ones make you forget how the car began its life. This one is painted Ferrari Azzura Blue, supposedly to the tune of $8,000.
Now, where most replicas and kit cars are the most disappointing is in the cockpit. So, take for example your typical C3-based kit: in almost every circumstance, the design will simply built the body around the stock interior, never altering a single detail inside the cockpit aside from potentially swapping in an aftermarket steering wheel. Not here: this Daytona replica actually comes equipped with seats and door panels that closely mimic the original Ferrari design, and while it’s clear these are not OEM Ferrari pieces swapped into the car, it is obvious that the builder of this replica went to some lengths to make it feel more authentic. In fact, the listing claims that the previous owner spent $100,000 on its creation in 2014, with $13,000 alone spent on the interior.
Now, there comes a point on a project like this where it simply makes sense to leave well enough alone. You could go down a real rabbit hole and attempt to build a more exotic engine or perhaps swap in something like a Jaguar or BMW-sourced V12 to close the gap between what the original Ferrari model came with and what’s under the hood of a replica like this, but that’s a slippery slope. Despite all of the other money spent, the previous owner who built this replica chose to stick with the tried-and-true Chevy 350 small block, that has been rebuilt and bolted to a similarly rebuilt Turbo 350 transmission. It’s no Italian V12, but most of the outside world will never know the difference; and really, getting the bodywork and interior done right are the hard parts. Do you think this gorgeous replica will clear $100,000?
Understandable why Ferrari specifically sued the company-it’s a very decent imitation both outside and especially inside.
That said, all the videos and all the photos made persuade someone desperately wanting a Ferrari Daytona but not having enough coin to buy the real deal to bid. And it just might fool the passersby-unless those passersby have ever heard that sweet scream as it sings its song of passion to all to hear.
I knew Tom McBurnie, he made the car for Miami Vice, best I know he did not make any for sale. He got sued not for making a great replica, he got sued because he badged them. If the TV production company badged them it would have been no problem. When he badged them he really was not aware he would get sued. Tom went on to make really nice Speedster, RSK, 904s and Spider replicas under the Thunderrsnach name in El Cajon CA, he wad last in Lakeside CA with his son Dirk. Last I heard He and Dirk were on the out. Not even sure if old Tom is still with us.
Hi David, Tom lives in Albuquerque. I just found one of his Daytona Spyders on a 75 Corvette at an estate sale. I’m going to have him come look it over. It’s a small world.
Coop
I love it, i would buy it and pull off all the ferrari logos and call it a cusom
Vette
Drop that top and drive it like you stole it !
yOLO
@Claudio. Came here to say exactly the same thing! Ferrari Daytona fans will quickly figure out it’s a replica, and those who’ve never heard of the Daytona will admire it. Besides, a real Daytona is too valuable to drive (at least in my neck of the woods).
Clear $100k? I doubt it, you can buy a real pre-owned Ferrari or Lambo at that price.
On the positive end of things, this McBurnie replica looks impressive, both on the outside, as well as most of the inside. While the wire wheels don’t have the Borrani look, they are elegant and fit in well. The seats and most of the interior have a Ferrari look, but a true Ferrari expert won’t be fooled. Yes, the overall level of effort and quality appear to be good.
The downsides are that the proportions are actually NOT exact. They had to be altered to fit the C-3 Stingray underpinnings. The car is a bit taller and longer than the original. The width is proportionally thinner on the McBurnie, while the wheel flares are different. The real cars have longer and more slanted windscreens/windshields than the C-3 ones, while the genuine Ferraris’ tops don’t have all those exterior clips that one tends to find on replica kit cars. Probably the single most obvious give-away–as soon as you look at this replica–is the absence of the real Daytons’ small side windows and their chrome surrounds, as the C-3 Corvette did not have them (the C-2 did).
Personally, I would not mind this car, as it sets one apart and looks very nice in its own right, but I would not be able to live with, and would have to change, that automatic slush box for a manual…and those abysmally inadequate very kit car gauges that look NOTHING like Veglias!.
ERRATA: it should say “Daytonas” in the sixth line-before-last.
Looks like a vette dressed up as a fake Ferrari. They may have 100k into it but that’s not an investment. Dealer is selling it so the reserve will be far above the last bid and the fakerrari will end up on another marketing site.
I think this is a replica of a Ferrari 365 GTS as opposed to GTB. Did the “B” not stand for “Berlinetta”–as in coupe, and the “S” for Spyder–as in convertible?
As said this is well done but putting F badges on it is downright criminal and I’m glad Ferrari went after them.I am suprised Porsche has not done the same with the hundred of Speedsters and Spyders that wear full P livery. I love Porsches and have a couple..I would drive a Spyder replica but without any P livery and tell it like it is..a VW Special..nothing wrong with that. I belive that this is like the F replicar from the first season of “Miami Vice”.F told producers ( Michael Mann) they lend a real Testarossa fro them to drive on the show..if they blew up the fake in an episode. That faker went off like a bomb in episode and Crockitt and Tubbs got the real thing!
I wouldn’t be trying to fool anybody, simply said, it is not a Ferrari. What it is; is a beautiful looking car, nice lines, gorgeous interior, American drive train, I would have chosen a 5 speed Tremec though. Right on Claudio, remove those Ferrari badges, fold down the top, and enjoy the ride!
Having been the unfortunate buyer of one of McBurnie’s imitation kit cars, I can tell you that what you got back then was a body shell, nothing more, no interior, no wheels, no top, just a body shell with some assorted lighting. Is this car worth asking price, that’s a question that only the person with the cash to waste can answer, as for me, I’ve learned my lesson. I don’t care how smooth & professional the seller’s ads for their look alike cars may be, just be ready to spend far more $$$ than they tell you, and if they say it’ll take a weekend, it’ll probably be closer to 6 months or even longer. Your two best days will be the day the crate arrives & the day you sell it on to the next buyer (usually at a much reduced price).
If you gave it to me….I’d sell it or shoot it. Seeing it and knowing it didn’t have any of the things I liked about a Daytona would be unbearable.
12 cyl., gated shifter, 3 pedals and whole lot more are missing.
The Miami Vice car was, in fact, a McBurnie car. This has the reputation of the best Daytona replica. At one time, I gave serious consideration to building one of these but I didn’t have the available time to commit to it. I wouldn’t be ashamed to own this one but paying 100K for it is something to be ashamed of.
Strongly Agree
The early Daytonas had plastic covered headlights like this replica. They had round lights though not square ones.
Vette or fake Ferrari, I’m no snob. I would for sure drive it!
It’s a beautiful looking car and there’s plenty of armchair quarterbacking as far as how it looks and whatever but all that matters is that it looks great to the person who is owns it.
I love the look of this Ferrari and would never be able to afford a real version and would prefer something like this that I could drive and enjoy without fair of wrecking a super valuable car. Just like a Cobra replica. Cars are for having fun and driving them, not for sticking in a back room collecting dust.
Overvalued for what it is. The stance doesn’t look right, the front appears to be standing too high off the suspension, and what’s going on with the right rear wheel? For this price one expects more under the hood.
I personally think the coupe daytone was a better looking car and the competition version even better. I always wanted to build a comp daytona replica but those days are gone.
I visited this dealership’s website looking to see if they have a sell price for this, and they do not. All of their auctions are just that – auctions.
However, i searched using the word Daytona, and it looks like the have sold several of these McBurnie replicas.
Not only that, but I would say that this dealership has the most impressive collection of for sale inventory that I have ever seen. It’s worth a look.
https://www.ronsusser.com/
Hmmmmm… let me see- a REAL Ferrari F355 or 360 Modena for a hundred grand, or a Corvette based Fakerrari with a 350 and an GODA**ED automatic transmission? Don’t get me wrong, it’s a very well done replica body and interior-wise, but for God’s sakes, if you’re going to pose in a fake Ferrari at least have the common decency to build it with a manual transmission. But once again- it’s a good looking replica.
Ok, the ebay ad ended at $24,800.
It will certainly reappear , for now its far away of that $100k
I think if I had the $100k for a fun car (and the $ability to take care of it), I’d go for a 456GT or a 400 and keep the change. They come with all 12 cylinders and have the horse in front of the cart.