Highlights
- Excellent replica of a short wheelbase Ferrari California, based upon a BMW Z3
- Red fibreglass body with period features and branding
- BMW 2.8L Straight-6 engine with 5-speed manual transmission
- No.32 of 38 built by Parker Ferrari
The Appeal
On the market from only 1957 until 1963 - with only 57 short-wheelbase versions built - the Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder is an icon of mid-century European motoring. Even with its limited numbers, it gained a huge reputation for performance and aesthetics - boosted further by its legendary appearance in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off in 1986.
It’s for that reason that plenty of companies have taken in similarly proportioned, modern cars and clad them in a fibreglass evocation - replicating the car’s legendary aesthetics and offering top-notch modern reliability.
This example was undertaken by Parker Manufacturing in 2019 and rebuilt from a BMW Z3. It now comes to us in extraordinary order, loaded with period detailing and creating a truly distinguished piece of replica work.
The History and Paperwork
- Built as a BMW Z3 in 1999
- In 2019 the car was converted to a California Replica by Parker Ferrari of York
- During this rebuild, the car’s gauges were replaced, which means the mileage has been reset
- The vehicle now indicates 975 miles
- In its 2012 MOT test, the Z3 indicates 85,683 miles
- Valid MOT until October 2024
- The car comes with the latest MOT certificate and the V5 document
The Interior
- Brand new interior in black and tan
- The vendor informs us that the upholstery is Muirhead Scottish leather
- Beautifully finished throughout to a high standard
- Seats are in flawless condition with good, full bolsters
- Period seat belts - capable of being used as 3 or 2-point lap belts
- Door cards are clean and well-kept with no significant issues
- Aluminium dashboard with leather covering
- The dashboard is beset with period-style Veglia dials
- Correct indicator switch and housing
- Period-style BOM Ashtray
- Vertical handbrake
- Bluetooth ICE system
- Some electronic features have been stowed out of sight to maintain a retro feel
- Electric options including windows, seats and roof are all still in situ and working well
- Fitted with an impressive Nardi Anni 60 wood-trimmed steering wheel, with the correct insert
- Stainless steel trims are all in good order throughout
- We're informed that the carpets are 100% wool
- These also present in excellent order
Built to evoke the period charms of its prototype, this California replica hits all of the right notes while providing a generous level of creature comforts, with the Z3’s electrical options all still happily in situ and usable.
With the period features of Veglia dials and a Nardo wood-trimmed steering wheel, this cossetting cabin is only 975 miles into its life, meaning that every trim and covering appears practically immaculate, contrasted by shining stainless steel and decked out in plenty of Ferrari branding.
As you’d expect, the boot is also spectacular - with a full toolkit stowed away and no significant signs of wear.
The Exterior
- Impressive fibreglass body, evoking Carrozzeria Pinin Farina’s 1950s design
- All shut lines and panels are tight and free of dents, dings and cracks
- Iconic Rosso Red paintwork
- No signs of wear, paint chips or cracks
- Ferrari branding is all present and correct
- Glasswork and lenses are all brand new
- Soft top is new and free or rips and tears with a correct custom-size rear window
- Brightwork is clean and nicely-kept throughout
- We've been informed that the brightwork is 304 stainless steel
- Borrani 72 spoked wheels with type 52 spinners
- Shod in a set of Pirelli tyres, which have plenty of tread
- Underneath, the car has some light signs of wear commensurate with its age
- This is due to the chassis being from the original Z3 donor
Beautifully presented, with tight panels and attractive period curves, this replica is a real looker - and practically pristine. It’s a marvellous evocation throughout, with every vent, grille and piece of branding in situ and perfectly presented.
There’s no chips, cracks or fractures - as you’d expect considering how new all of the car’s bodywork is - and the Rosso Red paintwork has a marvellous shine, contrasted perfectly by gleaming brightwork.
Underneath, the 1993 Z3 chassis is in excellent order with only light signs of wear and not a single sign of perforating corrosion - ensuring that the car’s essentials are all in fine fettle and ready to hit the road.
The Mechanics
- Powered by a 2.8L BMW M52 I6 engine - offering 190hp
- 5-speed GETRAG 250IZF manual transmission
- Engine is in beautiful condition with a Ferrari engine covers
- Tuned Ansi quad exhaust fitted to replicate the original's V12 tones
- During the car’s conversion, the Z3’s components were reconditioned or replaced
- Still features ABS braking and Traction Control
- The car has a valid MOT until October 2024
- As a result it’s in fine order throughout
- We’ve no reports of any mechanical issues across the board
Having been fully overhauled during the conversion, the 2.8L Z3 mechanics of this replica are all in fine fettle, with the engine bay presented just like a Ferrari unit in order to maintain the car’s impressive eye for detail.
Everything is practically brand new, with no reports of knocks, bangs or smoke across the board, nor any oil leaks. Truth be told, thanks to the car’s modern underpinnings, this California evocation offers a greater sense of reliability and superior handling compared to the car it replicates.
Summary
A superb replica, a curious time capsule, or a stylish period-styled car to join a hire fleet - this Parker Ferrari car is beyond what you’d usually expect from the replica market. Loaded with detail, while still offering plenty of modern comforts, this is a very rare opportunity to take on a car with impeccable character and distinction.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
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