Lookalikes of superior models, always terrible and naff?

[Tuvra]

I was just wondering what the general opinion is in regards to converting cars to look like a superior or newer, face-lifted models?

The cars I have in mind are the Bentley GT's with Supersports conversions, I love the thought of a Bentley but at 27 they seem a bit "old man" for me unless they are in Supersport guise which are currently out of my "next car" budget:

Versus

I am talking about cars like this black car or this grey one.

Would insuring something like this be a bit of a nightmare also?

I would not badge it as a Supersport BTW

[Triumph Man]

You see a lot of BMW M3 and M5 alikes, and I can't help thinking they look naff. I'd much prefer the 328i/530d that they seem to be based on to be standard. But hey, that's my opinion.

[crostonian]

Not necessarily naff but there is a bit of the fake Rolex about it, I also always (wrongly I know) assume they're a CAT D, the trade doesn't like them either so prepare for a kicking come trade in time.

[ewenm]

If the owner likes them, why does it matter? Plenty of people with M-Sport/S-Line/etc trim on their cars. Badging a car up as a different model is a bit weird IMO, but some people like it I guess.

[joebongo]

Pug TT?

[PanzerCommander]

As long as it is not badged as a Supersport then I don't see the issue at all. I don’t see the stock Continental GT as an old mans car either (I’m 30 btw) its actually rather nice.

There are a fair few Mustangs running around with the Shelby body components fitted and as long as they are not badged as a Shelby/GT500 then there is no issue some are supercharged some remain N/A (in fact a 2007 GT with a supercharger will outperform a GT500).

At the end of the day you are not thinking about trying to pass off a Toyota as a Ferrari.

I can't help but think the Supersport body components for a Continental GT would put the price of the car you want into silly levels though as you'd want them bought and fitted by a Bentley dealer just in case you ever wanted to sell it.

[kambites]

ewenm said:

If the owner likes them, why does it matter?

Personally I find them a bit sad, but if you like it why care what anyone else thinks?

[Tuvra]

PanzerCommander said:

As long as it is not badged as a Supersport then I don't see the issue at all. I don’t see the stock Continental GT as an old mans car either (I’m 30 btw) its actually rather nice.

There are a fair few Mustangs running around with the Shelby body components fitted and as long as they are not badged as a Shelby/GT500 then there is no issue some are supercharged some remain N/A (in fact a 2007 GT with a supercharger will outperform a GT500).

At the end of the day you are not thinking about trying to pass off a Toyota as a Ferrari.

I can't help but think the Supersport body components for a Continental GT would put the price of the car you want into silly levels though as you'd want them bought and fitted by a Bentley dealer just in case you ever wanted to sell it.

I don't think you can fit a standard SS kit on to an original GT, I believe the SS is slightly wider and therefore the kit has to be an after-market "replica" kit