One of the more expensive Ferraris to attempt to buy is the original Testarossa, one of the models most synonymous with the company’s history in vintage racing. It’s also one of the most heavily copied models in the company’s history, replicated both by cheap fiberglass companies and restoration companies performing painstaking recreations for hundreds of thousands of dollars. What is shown here is not a fiberglass kit car – the seller claims it’s predominantly metal with some aluminum panels – and is powered by a Corvette-sourced 327 engine. It’s listed here on Facebook Marketplace for $26,500.
The best part of this listing is the video showing a shirtless man hopping in and moving the Ferrari replica back and forth. I’m guessing this is Fredy, who is listed as the seller, and he’s looking for some interesting trades including “….old school knucklehead Panhead, generator, Shovel 4X4, camper van, tiger ambulance (what is that?), 1967-69 Cuda, or a 1970-73 Firebird.” Fredy sounds like a gearhead’s best friend, someone who is open to anything fun, fast, and on four or two wheels. The fact that he owns a Testarossa replica almost makes perfect sense to me, slotting nicely into the randomness of Fredy’s universe. It’s hard to tell what stage this replica is at in terms of finish quality, begging the question as to whether it just needs paint or more finishing than what is immediately evident.
Now, you see the interior and the bucket seats that appear to be of a decent quality, and you start to wonder if it’s better than it looks. But then you see the naked transmission tunnel, no carpeting, and the solid steel bar (and fully removed doors) and it becomes evident that there’s a long way to go before this replica racer is a comfortable cruiser worthy of attending the Colorado Grand. The seller notes that the doors, hood, and trunk are all aluminum, with the rest of the body being metal. I don’t know the kit car universe well enough to assess whether this is a popular kit, but it’s certainly not built to the level of what a company like Finch Restorations is known to build.
Now, unlike most kit cars, this Ferrari replica comes with a healthy powerplant. The video included by the seller gives you a sense of how burly this car sounds, certainly the sort of noise that seems appropriate for a vintage racer. The bigger questions involve what else it needs, with the seller listing a few right off the bat: “Needs brake lines, brakes, front end rebuilt,” is what the seller offers, which of course is in addition to paint, carpeting, and other finish details. It’s equipped with a 3-speed manual and numerous new parts, including the carburetor, alternator, wiring, gauges, and fuel pump. Would you attempt to finish this Ferrari Testarossa replica?
Wild ride 😃
MGA underpinnings, rear wings, doors some of the front…
49 Ford taillamps?
Don’t know about the price but that’s one nice looking build.
I like the FE expansion tank but ditch that firestarter of an air cleaner…
Clearly an MGA shell with some kind of American V8. Most likely an MGA chassis, as well. I’m guessing the ride and handling leave a lot to be desired.
The only way that thing is worth $26,500 is if there’s at least 20 grand under the seat!
Another one of Fredy’s finds.
Seller and buyer should be careful. Ferrari protects its trademarks pretty fiercely, though I can’t figure out what bothers them more: a replica that’s too close to the original, or a replica that’s too far from the original.
Hacked up MGA. Poor little MGAs are sometimes beaten up to resemble (at least in the seller’s eyes everything from Cobras to Ferraris.) The only person likely to be fooled is also not likely to drive – I don’t think blind men get driver’s licenses (Al Pacino in Scent of a Woman excepted).
It doesn’t look like a TR to me.
looks more like a Devin than a TR but I also agree that a hacked up MGA could also be in play
Best Thing?: it doesnt have the 4’n a half liter v12 in it…
It caught my eye cuz I’m a Cobra collector and builder. These were probably what inspired Mr. Shelby to put his design down on the drawing board.