Tribute Automotive MX250, One has been finished. 250 GTO
Discussion
smash said:
I know what you're saying but in terms of degrees of accuracy it is though surely.
Possibly, but when the degrees are so diluted? At least put a Ford engine in perhaps? What EXACTLY is 'right' about most of the Cobra 'replicas'? Not very much. Hence I believe anyone who thinks Cobra 'replicas' are OK, but this isn't is a bit of a hypocrite...
I agree to disagree - I think you're vastly over simplifying.
Yes I think it's far more OK to call the cobra's replicas whose spirit is akin to the real thing - the body was (at one stage) splashed from a real car, the dimensions are very close, the exterior and interior look is very close to OEM (if the builder wants it to be), the front engine, rear drive high power american V8 does a good job of recreating the cobra experience. The Ford thing? Well Shelby didn't want a Ford lump in the first place! So do you go with what went into production or what he actually wanted? Point is you can build a cobra to be a proper replica if you want - the same cannot be said of the MX250. They are polar opposites of the "look a like" spectrum.
To say the MX250 has any link to a GTO is overstating it. It's a cut and shut 240Z GTO kit. There is nothing about the driving experience which will invoke the spirit of the GTO. Basically, in a nutshell, it just looks a little bit like a highly desirable 60's iconic GT.
Now....is there anything wrong with that? No!! absolutely not.
If it floats your boat - great but be very clear about what it is and what it's not. Trying to bracket it with cobras and GT40s and saying if you don't accept that you're a hypocrite. WTF?
I'm not saying there's anything wrong with the concept of the MX250 - I am a massive fan of the rebodying concept. It's just that it hasn't really got anything to do with a GTO - it's not a replica. The Title of this thread is "...One has been finished. 250GTO". What is that saying? The fact it looks so awkward and unsubtle in some photos when the original is so beautiful from every angle....come on!
Yes I think it's far more OK to call the cobra's replicas whose spirit is akin to the real thing - the body was (at one stage) splashed from a real car, the dimensions are very close, the exterior and interior look is very close to OEM (if the builder wants it to be), the front engine, rear drive high power american V8 does a good job of recreating the cobra experience. The Ford thing? Well Shelby didn't want a Ford lump in the first place! So do you go with what went into production or what he actually wanted? Point is you can build a cobra to be a proper replica if you want - the same cannot be said of the MX250. They are polar opposites of the "look a like" spectrum.
To say the MX250 has any link to a GTO is overstating it. It's a cut and shut 240Z GTO kit. There is nothing about the driving experience which will invoke the spirit of the GTO. Basically, in a nutshell, it just looks a little bit like a highly desirable 60's iconic GT.
Now....is there anything wrong with that? No!! absolutely not.
If it floats your boat - great but be very clear about what it is and what it's not. Trying to bracket it with cobras and GT40s and saying if you don't accept that you're a hypocrite. WTF?
I'm not saying there's anything wrong with the concept of the MX250 - I am a massive fan of the rebodying concept. It's just that it hasn't really got anything to do with a GTO - it's not a replica. The Title of this thread is "...One has been finished. 250GTO". What is that saying? The fact it looks so awkward and unsubtle in some photos when the original is so beautiful from every angle....come on!
Fine, if you see it like that.
I think neither are replicas, just lookalikes. No production Cobra ever had a Chevy engine did it? What the man WANTED is immaterial. It's the car people try to replicate, not his vision. If someone wants to make a Ford engined version and takes the time to make chassis and running gear that are at least close, then that's the car I'll judge against ANY other lookalike.
I think neither are replicas, just lookalikes. No production Cobra ever had a Chevy engine did it? What the man WANTED is immaterial. It's the car people try to replicate, not his vision. If someone wants to make a Ford engined version and takes the time to make chassis and running gear that are at least close, then that's the car I'll judge against ANY other lookalike.
Its an interesting discussion, but as long as we are happy with the cars we drive thats is all that matters. The key word here is Tribute, or homage. Think of the tribute pop bands. Its not really Abba, its Bjorn Again. We know that. The group looks a bit like, sounds a bit like, and in the absence off the real thing, is quite good enough for a good night out.
I like Tribute Automotive and what they are doing. I put separately the words 250 GTO in the title just for the search engines. If this thread gets tribute one more sale and a bit more coverage then great. Mind you, they are swamped with orders for all their products. They have hit the nail on the head, key points .....retro, No IVA, straight forward or complex as you like. Thats how to 'move the kit car industry forward' or whatever the thread is.
If you want a dimensionally correct 250, they are working on one now to fit the TVR wedge. Several orders already as I understand it.
I rather like the 'new' Microplas Mistral body shell. Whoops, another key word fir the search engines!!!
I like Tribute Automotive and what they are doing. I put separately the words 250 GTO in the title just for the search engines. If this thread gets tribute one more sale and a bit more coverage then great. Mind you, they are swamped with orders for all their products. They have hit the nail on the head, key points .....retro, No IVA, straight forward or complex as you like. Thats how to 'move the kit car industry forward' or whatever the thread is.
If you want a dimensionally correct 250, they are working on one now to fit the TVR wedge. Several orders already as I understand it.
I rather like the 'new' Microplas Mistral body shell. Whoops, another key word fir the search engines!!!
I don't care what the thread title says.
I don't care whether the OP likes to call his car a replica.
I don't care what other people think about the fact that the OP may or may not have called his car a replica.
I'm not even sure that I care to understand what the various interpretations of a replica are, that are put forward here
I do care that I like the shape, the colour, the concept and the donor.
Opinions are like a***holes and we all have them and we are all entitled to them, but to many fora descend into a you can't have that opinion discussion. Lets not allow this one to go that way.
And just to make sure that my opinion isn't mis-interpreted I LIKE THIS CAR for what it is and not what it isn't.
I don't care whether the OP likes to call his car a replica.
I don't care what other people think about the fact that the OP may or may not have called his car a replica.
I'm not even sure that I care to understand what the various interpretations of a replica are, that are put forward here
I do care that I like the shape, the colour, the concept and the donor.
Opinions are like a***holes and we all have them and we are all entitled to them, but to many fora descend into a you can't have that opinion discussion. Lets not allow this one to go that way.
And just to make sure that my opinion isn't mis-interpreted I LIKE THIS CAR for what it is and not what it isn't.
I am not a boo-boy for F-reps, each to their own and all that. I even looked into one similar to that for my wife a few years back ( Retroforza hard top coupe version, but he would not actually sell me one... ). But that is not doing it for me I am afraid. In fact , I would not be seen in it. And if it just a bodykit it will not need IVA.
The replica thing has prompted a bit of a debate as always...
My Supra TT with cut and shut Z car 250GTO kit has stalled a bit unfortunately. I can never seem to find the time. It hasn't helped that the 'runs perfectly' description of the Supra engine was, to put it diplomatically, a bit generous.
My plan was always to make something a bit unique rather than going to the 'replica' look. i.e. making a conscious effort not to paint it rosso corsa and badging it with vintage Toyota badges rather than Ferrari ones. I've also gone for modern LED lighting and an exhaust that's much more 'tuned Supra' than 'vintage GT'.
The fact that this one has sold for 8 grand with a boggo MX5 underneath has made me think a bit though. Maybe I should just cave in, spray it red, stick some chrome to it and take the easy profit.
My Supra TT with cut and shut Z car 250GTO kit has stalled a bit unfortunately. I can never seem to find the time. It hasn't helped that the 'runs perfectly' description of the Supra engine was, to put it diplomatically, a bit generous.
My plan was always to make something a bit unique rather than going to the 'replica' look. i.e. making a conscious effort not to paint it rosso corsa and badging it with vintage Toyota badges rather than Ferrari ones. I've also gone for modern LED lighting and an exhaust that's much more 'tuned Supra' than 'vintage GT'.
The fact that this one has sold for 8 grand with a boggo MX5 underneath has made me think a bit though. Maybe I should just cave in, spray it red, stick some chrome to it and take the easy profit.
hairykrishna said:
The fact that this one has sold for 8 grand with a boggo MX5 underneath has made me think a bit though. Maybe I should just cave in, spray it red, stick some chrome to it and take the easy profit.
Didn't sell at 8k and has been re-listed. But still it's back up to £6500.Edit: ah no that was his asking price he had one offer of 2k and rejected it.
Edited by Munter on Wednesday 27th February 12:54
Sheesh - I was just fending off being called a replica snob/hypocrite!
Seanick said:
..they are working on one now to fit the TVR wedge...
You are joking?!! Wedges are already becoming collectible - a decent 350 is 4k, a decent 400SE is 7K and SEACs are north of 10k. I can absolutely guarantee you would not want a "cheap" wedge unless you had a very understanding bank manager. Edited by smash on Wednesday 27th February 13:38
Funny thing is.......I saw the 'kit' and liked it BEFORE I knew what a Ferarri 250 GTO was. Never heard of it before!
Wedges seem to go for 1500. Pretty standard running gear. All the external panels get removed. Cars always go through a two-a-penny stage before there is suddenly none left. Look at Ford Escorts. Just have to get the timing right......
Nothing is forever!
Wedges seem to go for 1500. Pretty standard running gear. All the external panels get removed. Cars always go through a two-a-penny stage before there is suddenly none left. Look at Ford Escorts. Just have to get the timing right......
Nothing is forever!
There are a few basic design flaws with that kit, IF you assume he was trying to at least flatter the GTO. Not trying to start an argument but I know how much blood, sweat and tears goes into even a basic bodykit and I cannot believe how some people can get it so wrong when they try to create something iconic, like £30,000,000 iconic:
First, why not fill the side strips in? Basically costs nothing to do. Simple free mod which I think would dramatically improve it.
Secondly, why not remove the side repaters or at least put some smaller "period" ones in? About £20 worth.
Thirdly, the rear arche openings need to be way taller, free at the time of playing with fibreglass.
Fourth, the rear vent cutouts behind the rear wheels are WAY wrongly proportioned, positioned and sized. Free again when you stand back and admire your fibreglass
Fith, WTF is going on with the wheels, they scream 80's Golf Gti BBS to me not F. And low profile tyres....?? £1,500 at Image Wheels could fix that.
Sixth, that chrome front grill......
Seventh, no side vents behind the front wheels, an iconic part of a GTO.
Eighth, the door handles could at least be colour coded out of the line of sight? Or push button chrome ones installed ( think someone does make some off the shelf for an MX5 )
Nineth, the door mirrors, no no no no no no no. Just no. £60 chrome bullit or Lucas type round ones would be a HUGE improvement
I know these are personal things but to me that car just looks like an MX5 with a dodgy bodykit, The mods above would never convince many but they are just a few simple things which (IMO) would lift that car massively and for the most part have cost very little. But hey, I didn't build it.
If I was clever enough I would photoshop it about a bit, but I cannot even do that!
First, why not fill the side strips in? Basically costs nothing to do. Simple free mod which I think would dramatically improve it.
Secondly, why not remove the side repaters or at least put some smaller "period" ones in? About £20 worth.
Thirdly, the rear arche openings need to be way taller, free at the time of playing with fibreglass.
Fourth, the rear vent cutouts behind the rear wheels are WAY wrongly proportioned, positioned and sized. Free again when you stand back and admire your fibreglass
Fith, WTF is going on with the wheels, they scream 80's Golf Gti BBS to me not F. And low profile tyres....?? £1,500 at Image Wheels could fix that.
Sixth, that chrome front grill......
Seventh, no side vents behind the front wheels, an iconic part of a GTO.
Eighth, the door handles could at least be colour coded out of the line of sight? Or push button chrome ones installed ( think someone does make some off the shelf for an MX5 )
Nineth, the door mirrors, no no no no no no no. Just no. £60 chrome bullit or Lucas type round ones would be a HUGE improvement
I know these are personal things but to me that car just looks like an MX5 with a dodgy bodykit, The mods above would never convince many but they are just a few simple things which (IMO) would lift that car massively and for the most part have cost very little. But hey, I didn't build it.
If I was clever enough I would photoshop it about a bit, but I cannot even do that!
Edited by Furyblade_Lee on Wednesday 27th February 17:10
Edited by Furyblade_Lee on Wednesday 27th February 17:12
Well the good news is that I have addressed all of those comments in my own build, except the swages line which is now the opening gap fir my flip front.
The chap that built the one for sale had 6 weeks before he returned home to the med, so built it within that time-scale.
The rear arches are sized to match the MX , so no cutting, so no IVA. Grill has to change for copyright reasons. Mirrors, yes but easy to change.
wheels, £1500 is a lot for wheels imo, but I am not keen on them either.
Rear vent would line up with the top of original wheel arch, but yes, a bit big. Changed on new version.
Side vents? Well the wheelbase is a little less and the Mazda cab is a little further forward so not really room. I did paint them in to see but its a squeeze.
Side repeaters, required as its a,modern vehicle, plus time constraints fir this vehicle. Easy change.
Door handles. I am fitting Mini ones on mine.
Finally, dont forget......Its Not Trying To Be A Replica! Its a tribute too, as the name suggests. Thats like, a bit similar.
The chap that built the one for sale had 6 weeks before he returned home to the med, so built it within that time-scale.
The rear arches are sized to match the MX , so no cutting, so no IVA. Grill has to change for copyright reasons. Mirrors, yes but easy to change.
wheels, £1500 is a lot for wheels imo, but I am not keen on them either.
Rear vent would line up with the top of original wheel arch, but yes, a bit big. Changed on new version.
Side vents? Well the wheelbase is a little less and the Mazda cab is a little further forward so not really room. I did paint them in to see but its a squeeze.
Side repeaters, required as its a,modern vehicle, plus time constraints fir this vehicle. Easy change.
Door handles. I am fitting Mini ones on mine.
Finally, dont forget......Its Not Trying To Be A Replica! Its a tribute too, as the name suggests. Thats like, a bit similar.
Edited by Seanick on Wednesday 27th February 18:42
Seanick said:
Wedges seem to go for 1500.
Not trying to be argumentative but no, they don't. I've been looking at wedges over the last few months (I don't know why cos I had a 280i Tasmin FHC in the late 80's and even then it was a dog!). Any V8 wedge (and you wouldn't want a 280 with that horrible siamesed V6) that is road worthy is at the very least £3k. £1500 will buy you a whole load of welding including the infamous outriggers - honestly a proper money pit. I don't think the wedge is an economical choice of donor.Edited by smash on Wednesday 27th February 19:42
Hi Nick, hope youre well mate. Thought I better jump in here too as another Tribute builder. I agree with almost all the comments about Grayones and its interesting to note that most of those points have been rectified by the new owner.
Both Nicks car and mine are lowered with 60's style high profile tyres with small rims which transforms the car. Out of all the builds going on I only know one being badged Ferrari, for everyone else its a Tribute to lots of 60s racers and the era.
Ive built a 7 from scratch and I know guys that have different 7's from manufacturers that I certainly wouldnt buy BUT they love there cars especially if theyve built them themselves.
PS. I agree the front grill is disgusting IMHO
Hammy
Both Nicks car and mine are lowered with 60's style high profile tyres with small rims which transforms the car. Out of all the builds going on I only know one being badged Ferrari, for everyone else its a Tribute to lots of 60s racers and the era.
Ive built a 7 from scratch and I know guys that have different 7's from manufacturers that I certainly wouldnt buy BUT they love there cars especially if theyve built them themselves.
PS. I agree the front grill is disgusting IMHO
Hammy
OK Im going to jump in here, regards the replica etc debate the tribute has not tried to be a replica and tbh I dont care I just like the look of it.
If you put a V6 from the mazda 6 in it like clairetoo has in her MX5 then it would have a performance that matches the looks and there has never been any issue with the MX5 handling.
I think this has real promise and merit. and certainly could get more people interested in "kitcars" even if it is 'only' a body kit, and i use only subjectively. Its a damn fine body kit IMHO
If you put a V6 from the mazda 6 in it like clairetoo has in her MX5 then it would have a performance that matches the looks and there has never been any issue with the MX5 handling.
I think this has real promise and merit. and certainly could get more people interested in "kitcars" even if it is 'only' a body kit, and i use only subjectively. Its a damn fine body kit IMHO
Hello all, opinion regarding a cars looks, proportions etc are exactly that, opinions based on personal taste no one can really take issue as its in the eye of the beholder and all that.
As the person who now owns said car i would challenge the whole GT250 lookalike or not argument.. it strikes me you are arguing against the description a seller put on a car to try and flog it on ebay (he didnt by the way). Tribute merely says it was inspired by and not that its a faithful replica. All owners i am aware of also describe it as inspired by (both the specific car but more generally the period look and style). They have then applied liberal amounts of imagination, passion and in many cases considerable skills to develop their cars to meet their 'personal' wish list. To apply marque snobbery to something as personal as a bespoke build seems a little arrogant and sort of misses the point. There are many cars i dont like but if individuals who love cars have spent time, money, effort to own a car to their taste then who am i or anyone else to knock it.
I dont expect this sentiment wil make the slightest difference but i thought we were all first and foremost motor, driving and car enthusiasts.
Regarding this specific car: its not a replica of an individual car, it has since the purchase been inspired by the stated model, marque, but also a whole host of specials, exotica, racers of the period. Not a F badge in sight!!! From a driving perspective, its light weight, rwd, no PAS, now stiffened chassis, uprated suspension, better exhaust, induction etc etc make for a very fun cheap(ish) toy thats a bit differerent. Due to the modest power you have to drive it hard to get the best.
I dont mind if nobody else likes it, opinion is free, al i can say is that i will enjoy it and many others seem to enjoy discussing it... so feel free to express your views but please lets keep it car focussed and not personal as some threads seem to end up when opinion is divided.
As the person who now owns said car i would challenge the whole GT250 lookalike or not argument.. it strikes me you are arguing against the description a seller put on a car to try and flog it on ebay (he didnt by the way). Tribute merely says it was inspired by and not that its a faithful replica. All owners i am aware of also describe it as inspired by (both the specific car but more generally the period look and style). They have then applied liberal amounts of imagination, passion and in many cases considerable skills to develop their cars to meet their 'personal' wish list. To apply marque snobbery to something as personal as a bespoke build seems a little arrogant and sort of misses the point. There are many cars i dont like but if individuals who love cars have spent time, money, effort to own a car to their taste then who am i or anyone else to knock it.
I dont expect this sentiment wil make the slightest difference but i thought we were all first and foremost motor, driving and car enthusiasts.
Regarding this specific car: its not a replica of an individual car, it has since the purchase been inspired by the stated model, marque, but also a whole host of specials, exotica, racers of the period. Not a F badge in sight!!! From a driving perspective, its light weight, rwd, no PAS, now stiffened chassis, uprated suspension, better exhaust, induction etc etc make for a very fun cheap(ish) toy thats a bit differerent. Due to the modest power you have to drive it hard to get the best.
I dont mind if nobody else likes it, opinion is free, al i can say is that i will enjoy it and many others seem to enjoy discussing it... so feel free to express your views but please lets keep it car focussed and not personal as some threads seem to end up when opinion is divided.
Sorry guys forgot to add, on a cosmetic level; dino style chrome wing mirrors now fitted, front wing vent complete, vent and access panel added behind door, lowered, chrome quarterlight window frames, exhaust replacement on order, period style decals added ( not F), chrome grille will go eventually and door handles to be replaced.
As people like debating the looks i thought I would/should provide some updates.
Oh re the wheels: Dunlop style grey steels would be my preference over the curent alloys but im not spending £1500 or even more for wires which would be first choice.
As people like debating the looks i thought I would/should provide some updates.
Oh re the wheels: Dunlop style grey steels would be my preference over the curent alloys but im not spending £1500 or even more for wires which would be first choice.
Edited by soporsche on Wednesday 17th April 23:56
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