What Kind Of Replica Would You Build ?

Hershal Byrd · 12-11-03, 06:16 PM

So just for laughs, I was thinking about different cars I like and then started thinking about which one would I replicate and why. Well, I come up with one that I really think would sell like FFR's. My pick would be the 1996 Porsche GT-1 street version. This thing is cool. It's won Lemans so it has race history. But the best thing about this car is that as a kit you have the donor concept going for you which fits this car to a T. Just think, you could by a donor 1990 936 and basically you're all set. I think you could change the cosmetics enough on this car so as not to PO Porsche. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] Whatya think ?

Hersh [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

Knighton · 12-12-03, 01:15 AM

You'd get a high 5 from Batman! [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

A 1970 Chrysler New Yorkers would be a good one and you could use any school bus as a donor! [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

Seriously, that is a cool car! Some of the Diablo replicas are very well done. How about a Lotus Esprit? Small, light and nimble. There are so few of them around no one would know if it is real or not because chances are they have never seen one.

Lotus

Mark Worthington · 12-12-03, 02:03 AM

Ford RS200.

HILLY · 12-12-03, 02:12 AM

Nah...This would be mine 'F50 GT1'

gt40rick · 12-12-03, 06:09 AM

Hersh, Your choice is already being done by Paul's Exotics BTW it is also one of my choices. web page

RobBeddington · 12-12-03, 07:54 AM

Hi Mark

Near perfect RS200 bodywork from the original moulds has been available for a while. Check out one of the nicer examples below

note the pic where it's parked next to two 40s)

RS 200 replica

Some RS200 replicas are based on MG Maestro floor pans and leave a little to be desired on the power front. Check out:

Banham 200

Rob

Brett James-McCall · 12-12-03, 08:17 AM

DB5, anyone know if it is done anywhere?

Mark Worthington · 12-12-03, 09:06 AM

Thanks for the info, Rob. I know Quaife also offers some of the suspension bits for the RS200. The beauty of doing an RS200 replica, especially from the Massachusetts bureaucratic and regulatory perspective, would be that it could be titled rather easily. I think you could buy a junker 1986 Ford Escort, take the VIN plate and register (and even insure) it as a smog-exempt low-dollar beater. Plus it has AWD for these snowy Massachusetts winters! [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

I better get my RF done first though! [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

Hershal Byrd · 12-12-03, 11:08 AM

Rick,
Thanks, that's an interesting site. The car he makes is more of the full race version. If you look close you can see there are some differences. Like the rear spoiler, the lower rear ground effects and the opening behind the front wheels.

Hersh [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

Knighton · 12-12-03, 02:55 PM

How about this couch!!!

Kevin M · 12-12-03, 03:16 PM

We have replicas of lots of the best old cars. (GT40 - Lola T70, etc.) How about something like the Bentley Prototypes that won LeMans this year. Beautiful Cars and all the performance capability you could ever want.

Howard Jones · 12-12-03, 05:19 PM

How about a track only 67 Lotus GP car? Fairly simple, DFV's are still avalible as are the hewlands and if built a couple of hundred pounds heavyer than the originals it would be OK cost wise to maintain. Put in a modern fuel cell, brakes, and a slightly detuned DFV, say 350Hp and it would be good for a summer of trackdays without a rebuild.

Or.............. M8F Maclaren... I like em loud! 500 inch chevy at say 700 HP would last forever doing track days only. The gearboxes would have to be a hand me down CART box or something similarly power rated. As always the gearbox again turns out to be the main problem.

One last one. Didn't mazda do a lemans prototype a wile back?
The motor would be easy to work with and the car could be built VERY light. Gearbox could be almost any thing we are using now in our 40's. I think adapter plates are already done for a rotory mazda to g50 or somthing like that.

Fran Hall RCR · 12-12-03, 05:25 PM

A GOOD DFV will run you around $50,000 and that is with out all the pumps and fuel system....
Finding all the right suspension parts and monocoque tub will also create you some serious problems ....not to mention that the Lotus 49 owners will probably lynch you for copying their very rare and cherished car...go for it is what I say.......

Mike Dozier · 12-12-03, 06:09 PM

I'm surprised we don't see more McLaren replicas.
They sure were successful in the Can-Am and popular
with the public. Maybe legal problems with McLaren?

Whatever happened to our friend making the F1 replica?
Haven't heard from him in a while.

MikeD

Lynn · 12-13-03, 09:47 AM

Great topic Hersh!

I have been thinking about building a car for my daughter using a Porsche 911/914/MR2/Fiero donor(in preference order). The problem is that I haven't found a rebody that catches my eye. A couple have come close, but there are some examples here I hadn't seen. So come on everyone lets see YOUR choice. There was a cool car from Australia on here a year ago (or so.) I haven't been able to find it. Does anyone remember what it was called (they also had lambos) ?

Howard Jones · 12-13-03, 04:25 PM

Fran, Ya your right, but I was trying to present a range of ideas from very complex to kinda doable. The lotus would be a lot of money and work but it would be very cool. If you were building one for you own use and didn't try to market them I think you would be ok. Same with the Mclaren.

Now one the other hand using a rotory motor in a spaceframe mid engine car could be done and could result in a very good power to weight ratio. The body work would be a chalenge but there is a lot of room to work within if you were to start with a GTD spaceframe and gt40 center section.

Most of the rest of the car, GT40, body work could use some aero improvement anyway.

Gearboxs would be fairly simple, say a audi with the proper adapter plate. The Mazda will make 300Hp with a turbo and fit very well, low, easy exaust system, same cooling requirements etc.

This car using a used 914 E production racecar as a starting point was a early idea of mine before I got onto GT40's.

Fran Hall RCR · 12-13-03, 08:25 PM

Howard,
I have a fresh street ported Rotary 13b with an Atkins 7inch supercharger looking for good home,I had it in a project car that changed direction and is now surplus to requirements,it has a complete rear engine style stainless exhaust system and an adapter plate to a Porsche /VW trans.....anyideas where to put it ????? Back of a 914 maybe ..LYNN right up your alley for the young lady in your life??....should be good for 300-320hp and loads more torque than a turbo set up.... [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif[/img]

Ron Earp · 12-13-03, 10:20 PM

Don't do a Lotus replica.

1989-1995 model years can be had for $22-35k, all in nice shape. There are no differences in the chassis or car, just the valve sizes, turbo, and brakes (if you are thinking SE or S4s) - all of which can be corrected for under $1500. The external plastic stuff doesn't mean squat.

The V8 twin turbos, 1997 model years and up, have been as low as $42k with very little difference between 1997 and 2003. Example, recent 2002 MY are $63k with very few miles. Nice cars but frequently are not getting it at the track.

It is doubtful you could pull off any sort of replica for that cash. I have a 1990 and it looks essentially the same as a 2003. The turbo 4s, are arguably, as good as the V8s. Check the LotusEsprit list on Yahoo and the track events. I run and ran 13.1 @ 107 in the quarter but missed the road track day at Summitt Point in Sept due to family stuff. And there is still a lot left, my car runs so rich you'd pass out from fumes.

Fun cars but I don't see how a replica would be cost effective. Lotus prices don't hold like Ferrari or even Porsche costs so just get the factory car.

JP · 12-14-03, 06:14 AM

Ron,

Your right! A Lotus replica?

In the U.K you would be shot, probably many times!!

You can pick up a S4s for about £20-£24k.

I always wanted a Lotus as a teenager. But urge fizzled away [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]

An awesome car never the less!

I would go for a 917 replica and do my best to get it through SVA. I know Malcolm is looking into it, and I'm sure with plenty of determination it is possible to do SVA and have some insane Sunday blasts!!

Regards,

J.P

P.S I will start my 917 project end of 2004.