If MR2-based 355s get your back up...
Discussion
MR2 body conversions are always a prickly subject, and I'm sure this latest one will be no exception. Have a butcher's at this:
www.ridecars.com
Opinions?
www.ridecars.com
Opinions?
I have several thoughts.....
Firstly, I think Ride Cars should be applauded for trying something different. The kit market is full of LSIS and Cobra style cars, why not be different?
Secondly, I believe the kit market over the next few years will evolve more towards panel kits like this rather than ground up builds, the reasons why I have stated previously
Finally, the styling.....mmmmmm......its not a replica, rather more an 'inspired by' type car. Think it would have worked better on a different donor (406 coupe?) which would have allowed it to follow the original line better maybe.
Anyway, my two pennies worth.....
Firstly, I think Ride Cars should be applauded for trying something different. The kit market is full of LSIS and Cobra style cars, why not be different?
Secondly, I believe the kit market over the next few years will evolve more towards panel kits like this rather than ground up builds, the reasons why I have stated previously
Finally, the styling.....mmmmmm......its not a replica, rather more an 'inspired by' type car. Think it would have worked better on a different donor (406 coupe?) which would have allowed it to follow the original line better maybe.
Anyway, my two pennies worth.....
I think one of the styling challenges this faces is the same as some of the Ferrari replica's, in that the MR2's wheelbase is too short for the car it is trying to look like, giving a stunted look. Hence the suggestion of the longer wheelbase 406 - thought you would know all about proportions, hey Italo??????
It is clearly inspired by the Mustang, but the proportions are thrown out by the wheelbase.
But it is different, which is surely what kit cars are supposed to be about. If you are a conformist, buy something from a mainstream manufacturer. Or build a one off yourself if you have the skills....and talent, and money, and time, etc.
It is clearly inspired by the Mustang, but the proportions are thrown out by the wheelbase.
But it is different, which is surely what kit cars are supposed to be about. If you are a conformist, buy something from a mainstream manufacturer. Or build a one off yourself if you have the skills....and talent, and money, and time, etc.
I think what winds people up about the MR2 based "Ferrari" brigade is that many of them seem to think they actually are driving a Ferrari. It's the owners that wind people up, not the cars themselves. I've never seen a 355 replica that wasn't "fully badged". One I saw had over twenty "prancing horse " logos on it including valve caps, a rear window sticker from an actual Ferrari dealership and a little tiny logo strategically placed to hide the word TOYOTA on the tax disc.
Strike a £100 bet with any "355" replica owner that he has a Ferrari keyring.
Most "Lambo" replicas fall into the same category.
And as for the £25k plus prices?
BUY A REAL FERRARI !!!!!
Did you see the "DIABOLO" at 33k complete with Rover V8 on SU's????
Many DEON "246" replicas are badged as DEON though.
Likewise most Stratos reps,content to be badged as HAWK or whatever.
To be fair some cars are impressively done, others less so. Like EVERY other kit car type then. We've all seen plenty of "seven" types of questionable build quality.And questionable aesthetics. Evolution Roadster anyone???
I don't like to see these badged up as "LOTUS" or "7" either. Unless they are one, of course.
I would love have my LSIS resprayed in BRG with yellow nosecone but that colourscheme is reserved for genuine 7's in my opinion. Who agrees?
KARTMAN is possibly right about the future of the kit car industry being with panel kits.Not my cup of tea though.
Anything different has got to be A GOOD THING. Possibly not the one at the top of the thread though.
I also hold a torch for the TONIQ-R project but I think they will need a car engined variant.
Well thats opened a can of industrial sized can of worms. Can't wait for the "355" gang to open fire. Please include photos of your 6 inch wheel spacers,your Ferrari flags, Ferrari jacket,etc.,etc.
And your keyring, of course.
Strike a £100 bet with any "355" replica owner that he has a Ferrari keyring.
Most "Lambo" replicas fall into the same category.
And as for the £25k plus prices?
BUY A REAL FERRARI !!!!!
Did you see the "DIABOLO" at 33k complete with Rover V8 on SU's????
Many DEON "246" replicas are badged as DEON though.
Likewise most Stratos reps,content to be badged as HAWK or whatever.
To be fair some cars are impressively done, others less so. Like EVERY other kit car type then. We've all seen plenty of "seven" types of questionable build quality.And questionable aesthetics. Evolution Roadster anyone???
I don't like to see these badged up as "LOTUS" or "7" either. Unless they are one, of course.
I would love have my LSIS resprayed in BRG with yellow nosecone but that colourscheme is reserved for genuine 7's in my opinion. Who agrees?
KARTMAN is possibly right about the future of the kit car industry being with panel kits.Not my cup of tea though.
Anything different has got to be A GOOD THING. Possibly not the one at the top of the thread though.
I also hold a torch for the TONIQ-R project but I think they will need a car engined variant.
Well thats opened a can of industrial sized can of worms. Can't wait for the "355" gang to open fire. Please include photos of your 6 inch wheel spacers,your Ferrari flags, Ferrari jacket,etc.,etc.
And your keyring, of course.
kartman said:
I think one of the styling challenges this faces is the same as some of the Ferrari replica's, in that the MR2's wheelbase is too short for the car it is trying to look like, giving a stunted look. Hence the suggestion of the longer wheelbase 406 - thought you would know all about proportions, hey Italo??????
It is clearly inspired by the Mustang, but the proportions are thrown out by the wheelbase.
But it is different, which is surely what kit cars are supposed to be about. If you are a conformist, buy something from a mainstream manufacturer. Or build a one off yourself if you have the skills....and talent, and money, and time, etc.
If you are aware of this limitation, why would you still consider this body shape? why not work on something that, with the limitation of the existing wheelbase, design a more pleasing shape. You can still be different without having and ugly kitcar.........
Maybe Kartman is interested in seeing a new body shape for the Mr2 chassis ?, i'll sharpen my pencil......
spyder dryver said:Without wishing to get too involved, I think a Diablo is a bit of a different situation since it is a ground up build not a panel kit.
Did you see the "DIABOLO" at 33k complete with Rover V8 on SU's????
If you WANT to build a car, because it's something you've always wanted to challenge yourself to do...AND you don't care for any other designs, well why not build a Diablo????
I suppose the same applies to the 'Toyot-aris' up to a point, but I don't think it's quite the same achievement as the Diablo....
ferg said:
Without wishing to get too involved, I think a Diablo is a bit of a different situation since it is a ground up build not a panel kit.
I stand corrected.The Diablo is a ground up build. As for building your dream car I couldn't agree more. Just badge it up as what it is, not what it isn't. And be proud of it.
I'll try and make all the appropriate comments.....hope I don't forget anyone...
Xxplod....the car is inspired by Eleanor - the Mustang in 'Gone in 60 seconds'
Italo.....always pleased to see your designs, but we have already had discussions on the Veranti which does a very nice job of restyling the MR2...how about something on the 406 coupe..or similar?
Spyder Dryver.....agree with most of your comments.....I also struggle with the prices these Ferri-reps are advertised at. Interesting that the more something doesn't look like the original, the more 'adornments' it needs to shout what it is (if you see what I mean...)
Ferg....don't be a woose.....
>> Edited by kartman on Monday 29th May 19:34
Xxplod....the car is inspired by Eleanor - the Mustang in 'Gone in 60 seconds'
Italo.....always pleased to see your designs, but we have already had discussions on the Veranti which does a very nice job of restyling the MR2...how about something on the 406 coupe..or similar?
Spyder Dryver.....agree with most of your comments.....I also struggle with the prices these Ferri-reps are advertised at. Interesting that the more something doesn't look like the original, the more 'adornments' it needs to shout what it is (if you see what I mean...)
Ferg....don't be a woose.....
>> Edited by kartman on Monday 29th May 19:34
spyder dryver said:I have to agree. But even allowing for the argument I made above, I look on in disbelief when you see some of these guys in Ferrari jackets and (I swear I saw at the Donington Kit Show last year) Ferrari driving boots......
Just badge it up as what it is, not what it isn't. And be proud of it.
kartman said:
Think it would have worked better on a different donor (406 coupe?)
It would be loads better based on say BMW V8 running gear but that would necessitate a chassis kit. Or do you think it would be possible to re-panel a two door Beemer? ( Are there any two door V8 Beemers??)I know there are limitations regarding using existing doors and glass etc. but a front mounted V8 would surely suit the overall image of the car a lot better than a mid mounted 4 pot.
Coincidentally I have nothing against the Toyota 3SGE engine.I have fitted one in my LSIS, only in RWD format.
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