The Austrian Times website reports Police in Italy were so upset at being outsmarted by this fake MR2-based Ferrari with British number plates, that they lifted it from the workshop where they found it, and are intent on despatching it to the crusher.
We quote: "Outraged Italian cops are to crush this stunning looking Ferrari - after discovering it was cobbled together in England from a clapped out Toyota MR2. Police in Ostuni discovered the fake when they saw what they thought was a rare 355 Berlinetta in the bodyshop of a local garage.
"But as they took a closer look they realised the pedigree supercar had far humbler British origins and confiscated it under Italy's copyright laws.
"It was a good fake but just a fake, Ferrari is one of Italy's crown jewels. We can't allow cheap copies," said one officer, according to the Austrian Times report.
Here at PH towers, we're filing this under 'it's on the internet, so it must be true'. But if we were these guys we'd be thinking twice about that touring holiday to Tuscany...
I’ve always wondered why some people make these. It makes no sense to me. Especially as that kit is seven and a half grand, you could buy something relatively fast and interesting for that
Serves them right for having a fake in the first place.
I mean, they're not cheap are they, those Ferrari replicas based on MR2s?
For that sort of money, you can actually buy a decent 996 Porsche 911 / M3 / M5 / Lotus / Jaguar / R34 Skyline, the list goes on
So why put up with a wanabe fake instead? You can tell by glancing at it that it's not the real deal, it just looks out of proportion.
I've never understood why people fork out so much for replicas. For AC Cobras (i.e. DAC cobra) or some of the old school classic cars, one can understand why, as they are pretty rare and expensive to find originals, but a 355 Ferrari, pointless.
I know my opinion might upset some readers, but that's just how I fell about it !
Ouch, even if it is a fake, it is still a nice car.
I bet it is probs one of the most reliable ferraris ever made lol
If you see them in the flesh they are REALLY nasty looking, infact they are totally out of proportion! However, yes, it is considerably more reliable that the real thing!
Still, it's not like he could sell it as a ferrari to fool anyone, and it would still say "Toyota MR2" on the logbook, so I can't see this as being a particularly fair or balanced response. I personally can't imagine wanting to own a fake Ferrari, but then this guy did for whatever reason.
It'd be kind of like having the Germans crush your Smart for being a fake Merc
I feel sorry for the owner. Far be it for me to judge. They obviously put alot of time and money into it.
However, I have to say good on the Italians for protecting their own and having a bit of pride in their creations. These days, the average Brit would probably struggle to spell Pride.
Why can't these people be happy enough with an MR2 turbo?! Crumbs - they are quick, arguably the very first rung on the super car performance ladder in terms of performance.
Also... if its fake... dont just throw MORE badges at it!!!
Serves them right for having a fake in the first place.
I mean, they're not cheap are they, those Ferrari replicas based on MR2s?
For that sort of money, you can actually buy a decent 996 Porsche 911 / M3 / M5 / Lotus / Jaguar / R34 Skyline, the list goes on
So why put up with a wanabe fake instead? You can tell by glancing at it that it's not the real deal, it just looks out of proportion.
I've never understood why people fork out so much for replicas. For AC Cobras (i.e. DAC cobra) or some of the old school classic cars, one can understand why, as they are pretty rare and expensive to find originals, but a 355 Ferrari, pointless.
I know my opinion might upset some readers, but that's just how I fell about it !
Except that the running costs for a 911/M3/M5/Lotus/etc will be considerably higher than that of an MR2. They may cost the same to buy, but you're still going to be hit by the costs of running a 30/60/however many k car.
Crushing this car is rather much. Let's say you went down the Barras and bought dodgy Levis, and one day the cops stopped you and noticed (somehow) they were face... could they whip them off you and burn 'em? I mean come on...
If I see a 355 I instantly assume it's a fake until proven otherwise. REALLY devalued that model Ferrari in my eyes, and probably knocked a few k off used values.
If the owner's lost money then so be it - nothing like as much as been wiped off used 355 prices by these hunks of crap.
Surely if it conflicts with copyright laws the legal obligation lies with the company that produces the replica kit? Or is one of those, you are allowed to buy the kit, though not allowed to use it kinda things?
I too don't like the Fake Fezza, though crushing it?? Bit OTT I think.
if you ever see one of these cars they are utterly disgusting. The proportions are all off, the curves are wrong, they make me feel a bit physically sick.
Serves them right for having a fake in the first place.
I mean, they're not cheap are they, those Ferrari replicas based on MR2s?
For that sort of money, you can actually buy a decent 996 Porsche 911 / M3 / M5 / Lotus / Jaguar / R34 Skyline, the list goes on
So why put up with a wanabe fake instead? You can tell by glancing at it that it's not the real deal, it just looks out of proportion.
I've never understood why people fork out so much for replicas. For AC Cobras (i.e. DAC cobra) or some of the old school classic cars, one can understand why, as they are pretty rare and expensive to find originals, but a 355 Ferrari, pointless.
I know my opinion might upset some readers, but that's just how I fell about it !
Really? last i looked GTR's were fetching huge money!
