Ferrari 250 GT California reproduction

Beautifully detailed 250 GT California reproduction, based on the original 1960’s Ferrari.
UK Registered with private registration number XFX 671 B. An original 1964 number plate.
Hand-crafted coachbuilt fibre-glass bodywork
3L engine, with bespoke exhaust created and tested to replicate the original Ferrari sound.
Under 600 miles since completion
Classic Rosso Corsa Red exterior paintwork with pelle beige leather seats, black carpets, dash and centre console to replicate the car shown in the classic film ‘Ferris Buellers Day Off’
Recently serviced, MOT’d

The Appeal
The model pays homage to the 1960’s Ferrari California, The UK manufacturer, Ludis, has created 36 examples of this car, this is number 008, and showcases the 250, replicating the model that is admired globally. Based on the BMW Z3, the donor vehicle shares almost identical dimensions of the chassis, drivetrain, engine, gearbox, electric roof and wiring loom.

With only 106 factory 250 Californias built, now un-affordable to the average car enthusiast, this provides an opportunity to enjoy the classic looks, feel and enhanced drive of a beautifully crafted 1960’s classic at an affordable price.
The chassis is the basis of the car. The donor BMW Z3 was fully stripped down, with checks done to ensure overall integrity. Upon confirmation of a true chassis, all four corners of the original suspension were discarded to facilitate fitting of new sports suspension. New brake discs and callipers and wheel alignment using spinners were fitted, using Italian handmade chrome wire wheels in the iconic Borani style. Each wheel comes with centre knock off caps reminiscent of Philip Hill and the Ferrari team from 1961 that catered for an historic design and performance. A hand-crafted, fibre-glass coachbuilt car that is virtually indistinguishable from the real thing. The drive train joints, differential and gearbox were fully stripped and re-oiled. The engine drained of all fluids, filters replaced and detailed. A full comprehension check was completed to ensure that performance remains within tolerance. New plugs, fluids, air-conditioning gas and consumables were fitted.
The attention to detail comes with the exhaust. Fitted to a 3L engine, the same cc as the original car, the exhaust is replaced with a system designed in acoustic chamber, producing a sound and decibels identical to that of the original Ferrari GT 250 California. Finally, the performance of the car is enhanced to produce a higher torque and horse power output.

The bodywork is comprised of fibreglass, with moulds that have been styled to identically match the original sketches and designs composed by Scaglietti.

From the favourable covered headlights down to the sleek boot design, each curve and edge of the car marries up to the shaping that most can only witness upon wall posters. Each minute aesthetic detail shares the same level of attention as any other part of the build. Once the handmade shell and panels are complete they were bonded to the chassis.

Owned from initial specification and build, Vehicle 008 was specified with Ferrari Rosso Corsa Red paint, (as on Ferris Bueller’s car and one of three original Ferrari specified paint options). Each layer was applied, from the primer through to top coat finished by hand. With the original car supplied in Rosso Corsa, this reproduction is a close to the original heritage paint choice as possible.

Interior
Italian style dials and original Ferrari steering wheel and ash tray compliment the interior specified from new. New leather covered door cards, electrically heated and adjustable seats are fitted a new hand cut carpet.

With the re-fitment of the electric windows switches hidden within an original effect ashtray and air conditioning controls concealed behind a dummy speaker cover the build stages move onto the final commissioning stages.

First stage commissioning
Re hung doors, bonnet and boot were adjusted so that the fitment lines and latches are positioned perfectly. Additional specified are quilted bonnet and boot linings to add a quality feel to the car. Electric roof is tested for correct storage and auto alignment to window surround for closure.

All interior electrics are tested for conformity, upgraded sound systems and Bluetooth connectivity installed. Wiring tests are then carried out checking all driver controls, heated seats, air conditioning and period radio. The gauges are then calibrated to read accurately. The re-commissioned engine and braking system are ‘bench’ tested along with exhaust fitment and all associated pipe work and wiring.
Finally, the car is fitted with an integral ‘trickle charge battery connection point’.

This is an opportunity to own a modern version of a timeless classic at an affordable price. As a lover of classic Ferrari’s, I knew I would never be fortunate enough to own an original, so when the opportunity presented itself to buy a reproduction, that I could order to my own specification I couldn’t resist. Truly enjoyed owning this car, which i having lovingly cherished. It has been driven only to local cars shows, never driven in the wet, and stored at home in an integral garage on a porcelain tiled heated floor.
Build number 8 or a limited production of 36 by Ludis Currus Ltd. Sold by Prestige Cars of Kent.
I have been fortunate enough to own genuine Ferrari’s including an 812, 458 and California, but my “Ferris” the 250GT reproduction was the one that generated the most ‘smiles’. Only being sold due to re-location overseas.
Original purchase price £129, 999.