Are you one of those car guys who wish he could go back in time and buy a brand new exotic sports car from the 1950s or 1960s? Maybe an Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato (shown above, only 19 ever produced) or Ferrari 250 GTO (shown below, only 39 ever made)? Well, provided you have the massive funds, you can commission an exacting reproduction of not only that Ferrari or Aston, but any of dozens of classic Italian and British sports/racing cars but others including Maseratis and Jaguars.
When possible, Fine Sports Cars will start with a donor car and remanufacture whatever parts are needed to bring it back to its former glory. If that's not possible, they start from scratch and build the body and frame using original plans and body bucks (a form that allows the craftsman to shape the body panels). Engine are likewise built to original specification (or even upgraded if the buyer prefers). The Italian cars are even built in the same region of Italy, sometimes by the same folks who helped to build the original version back in the day.
By estreka
on April 29, 2010
01:35 PM
To me, a well-built replica is just as good as the authentic original. I couldn't care less about "numbers matching" as long as it drives well and looks genuine.
By blueguydotcom
on April 29, 2010
08:04 PM
The appeal of older cars, replica or legit, eludes me. I see ancient technology and poor designs where others see I just don't know what...
By epbrown
on April 29, 2010
08:16 PM
The "looks genuine" part is easy; the drive part is what's most important to me and that's tougher to do. I'd love a Speedster replica if they could get it down, without the fiberglass body and VW engine/trans.
By deagle13
on April 30, 2010
09:31 AM
These high end replicas have little to no collector value, so once they are built they tend to depreciate. The best thing to do is let someone else spend the big bucks to have a replica built then buy that car at auction a few years later when the original owner gets tired of it.
By johnnyturbo
on April 30, 2010
04:55 PM
@blueguy,
It's about experiencing what it's like to drive "the ultimate" from another era, to feel a more engaging, unfiltered bond between man and machine. Those who rate a car using performance numbers and a check list of the latest "gotta have it" high-tech toys would never understand this emotion.
Of course, modern technology has made cars more comfortable, faster and safer. That's a given. Just because I can appreciate that doesn't mean I can't also appreciate the great classics with their artful forms and thrilling personalities.
As far as "poor designs" if you mean in terms of styling, you've lost me. Claiming a 250 GT SWB has poor design is like saying the statue of David depicts a man grossly out of shape.