Kit cars are often maligned, but none more so than the dreaded dodgy imitation build. Here’s some of the worst offenders that we could find – a selection of ten gloriously bad Ferrari replicas. Enjoy…
Words: James Bowers & Glenn Rowswell
Replica cars: they’re one of the most controversial types of build out there. Designed for those who want to own their dream ride, without paying the six-figure sums you’d need for a real one, it feels a bit mean to critique the idea. You know, power to the people, and all that. But it must be said that some – or rather, most – of the creations that arise from this concept tend to be a bit naff…
Ferrari replicas have been some of the most common kits over the years, usually sacrificing a perfectly good affordable coupe along the way. So, let’s raise a glass to the car’s that sacrificed their souls to become the Ferrari Frankensteins seen below. To view each replica in its full ‘glory’, check out the gallery at the bottom of this article.
10 Dodgy Ferrari Replicas
Ferrari 458 Replica
Make: Ford
Model: Cougar
Convincibility Rating: 4/10
If you were to look at this 458 replica from purely a head-on front or rear angle, you might be fooled for a moment. The detail in the sculpted bumpers and light clusters is actually pretty good! However, as soon as you view it from anything other than the perfect angle, its clunky side profile emphatically kills the illusion. Sorry, but this Cougar’s reincarnation as a Prancing Horse just doesn’t quite work. Good effort though.
Ferrari F430 Replica
Make: Toyota
Model: Celica
Convincibility rating: 4/10
As the owner of a Mk7 Toyota Celica myself, this one hurts a bit. Again, this Ferrari F430 Replica suffers a similar existence to the 458 mentioned above. From dead ahead or behind, the body styling isn’t the worst. However, once that pesky third dimension is introduced, the facade falls away. Those overly ostentatious chrome rims don’t help either.
Ferrari 360 Modena Replica
Make: Toyota
Model: MR2
Convincibility rating: 2/10
Right, this just doesn’t work, does it? The proportions are way off, and we particularly like the searingly bright red upholstery work in the interior. They’ve even kept the MR2‘s cheap door-mounted grab handles for that disabled loo chic. Head down to the gallery for a better look, if you dare.
Ferrari Testarossa F512 Replica
Make: Nissan
Model: 300ZX
Convincibility rating: 1/10 (Likability rating: 6/10)
The images of this masterpiece aren’t the best, but look closely and you’ll see the headlight of the Nissan 300ZX donor car poking through. In fairness, while this build doesn’t convince us that it’s a Ferrari, it does at least look quite cool. Think of it as a 300ZX with a left-field in-period body kit rather than a Ferrari replica, and all of a sudden it’s actually not that bad at all. The floor mats are a bit ‘biker gang’ for us though…
Ferrari F430 Replica
Make: Ford
Model: Cougar
Convincibility rating: 7/10
It seems that the Ford Cougar is quite a popular base car for UK-built Ferrari replicas, and we must admit, this one actually isn’t that embarrasing. Sure, there’s some odd quirks like the long spindly wing mirrors and awkward rear quarter, but overall, if we were drunk – or if it was dark – we might just believe this was a real Ferrari F430.
Ferrari 308 GTB Replica
Make: Toyota
Model: Celica
Convincibility rating: 1/10
As far as we can tell, this Ferrari 308 GTB replica has a grand total of zero redeeming features. A poor imitation, this ex-Celica looks like a cartoon 308, or maybe a theme park prop. Judging by the shape of the glasshouse, it might have once have been a classic Mk1, and if that’s the case, this project verges on being a criminal offence.
Ferrari Testarossa Replica
Make: Chevrolet
Model: Corvette C4
Convincibility rating: 5/10
If you stare at the back of this one, it’s pretty convincing (see the gallery for details). However, view it from any other angle, and despite its Ferrari makeover, this car still somehow screams ‘C4 Corvette’. At the end of the day, that long bonnet and pop-up headlights are simply unmistakable. Close, but no cigar.
Ferrari Enzo Replica
Make: Toyota
Model: MR2
Convincibility rating: 2/10
Well, the face of the Enzo has at least been fairly well sketched out by whoever made this kit. However, everything else oozes ‘cheap’, and that’s the very antithesis of what a Ferrari Enzo should be about. Quite frankly, we’re most concerned about what future lies ahead for that white MX-5 in the background…
Ferrari Dino Replica
Make: Pontiac
Model: Fiero
Convincibility rating: 7/10
I tell you what, make that Ferrari badge on the front wing a bit smaller, and this just might pass (oversized glasshouse aside). Mind you, even genuine Dinos are fairly difficult to get excited about. Meh.
Ferrari F40 Replica
Make: Pontiac
Model: Fiero
Convincibility rating: 4/10
This faux Ferrari F40 is far from convincing. But hey, at least the builder was kind enough to use a Pontiac Fiero as its base, so nothing of value was lost. In fact, dare we say this is a genuine upgrade?
