Jeff’s Ferrari 250 GTO Replica:

When did you buy your car and what sort of condition was it in when you bought it?

Purchased as a good, registered, running, rust free 1976 Datsun 260Z 2 seater (not the 2+2) with a very bad hand-paint job in 1997. Upholstery had suffered from sun damage but everything except the electric clock worked well. The car drove remarkably well for such an ugly vehicle. It did however look reasonable from a distance.

What made you pick this car?

I had seen an advertisement for a Corsa 250 GTO kit on a Datsun 240Z in a USA car magazine in 1996 and decided that I wanted to build this stunning kit for myself. I tracked an Australian company in Victoria that had licenced the kit for the Australian market so I set about finding a 240Z in good registered and running condition for the build. The 260Z 2 seater came up as the perfect base car.

What inspired you to start modifying your car, did you always plan to modify it from the get go? How did you decide on the specific changes you’ve made?

After two years of negotiation I was finally able to purchase a basic kit in 1999. I am fortunate that I could do all the fibreglassing required (learnt from building surfboards), all the mechanics from years in car racing circles, and painting from hot rod days.

During the two years of negotiating a kit I spent much time gathering parts and knowledge for the build. My Datsun was a daily driver during the time it took to secure a kit. I never wanted the base car to be off the road or run out of registration.

The build started full on in January 2000 and after many on-off fittings and modifications to make sure it was perfect, the fibreglass part of the build was completed to undercoat within 3 months. I had to wait another 3 months for perfect weather to paint it (in my garage).

Over the following years I upgraded suspension and brakes, upgraded the 2.6 litre engine to 2.8L stage 4 with upgraded carburettors, extractors and cold air flow system. I recovered the original dash (a real feat), made and trimmed new door cards, fitted Mazda MX3 leather seats, soundproofed the whole floor section and fully carpeted throughout.

Undoubtedly the most rewarding element is that I did all the work myself and enjoyed a car built by me to my specifications. It was never intended to be a show car as I have seen so many builds start, have crazy cost blowouts and never get on the road. I was still driving it in undercoat for three months before painting and kept to my start plan to not allow ridiculous unplanned spending.

What modifications have been done to the car?

Engine:

• Nissan L26 Straight Six Engine Bored To 2800cc (Originally 2600cc)
• Stage 4 Cylinder Head & Camshaft.
• 3/4” Twin SU Carburettors
• Custom Cold Air Intake
• Exhaust Extractors & Sports Exhaust
• Reconditioned Radiator With Twin Electric Fans
• Electronic Updated Distributor.

Brakes:

• 4 Pot Calipers
• Braided Brake Lines
• Upgraded Master Cylinder

Suspension & Wheels:

• Simmons Custom 16” Wheels
• Upgraded Munro Suspension Strut Inserts & Custom Springs
• Front & Rear Strut Braces

Exterior:

• Genuine Ferrari Stickers & Badges
• Corsa 250 GTO Fibreglass Kit

Interior:

• Custom Dash & White Cluster Gauges
• Mazda MX3 Leather Seats (Re-Trimmed)
• Engine Push Start Button

Drivetrain:

• Reconditioned Gearbox

How much power and torque does the car make?

During the build I upgraded brakes with a reconditioned brake booster, braided brake lines, 4 pot calipers, oversized master cylinder and new rear slave cylinders. I had the original radiator re-cored and fitted twin electric fans for cooling.

How do you manage the balance between power and reliability?

You said you upgraded the suspension, why and how has it changed the way the car handles?

I am proud of the colour paint I chose as I could not afford any of the numerous Ferrari colour reds. After hours going through paint books and comparing reds I found a perfect match in a 1996 Dihatsu Charade “Pure Red”.

It cost a quarter of the cost of any of the Ferrari colours. I made moulds and a small furnace and cast the fuel cap and headlight surrounds myself. (You would never believe how many aluminium cans you need to make a small casting.)

How do the wheels and tires complement the modifications you’ve made?

Do you take the car to the track or car shows? How does it perform or get received in those environments?

Are there any future modifications you’re planning or dreaming about? What’s next for your build?

I am enjoying my retirement and have sold the car so have no plans for another project.

If you could start over and modify another car, which one would it be and why?

Thanks for your time Jeff and thank you for giving us the opportunity to both sell and do a car story on your pride & joy.

Note for readers: If you or someone you know owns a cool or unique car that you would like to have a car story done on please email us at contact@fuelics.com.au to get started.