These guys took a risk buying a replica Ferrari for $87K less than a real one and reveal why their fake 355 is at increased risk of Ferrari intervention
- These YouTubers snagged a replica Ferrari on Facebook Marketplace
- Given the manufacturer’s history of lawsuits, this was a risky move
- But would this car be worth any legal hassle that came along with it?
Published on Dec 24, 2024 at 3:39 PM (UTC+4)
by Ben Thompson
Last updated on Dec 24, 2024 at 3:39 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Tom Wood
These YouTubers took a chance by buying a replica Ferrari which cost $87,000 less than the real deal.
They acquired the 355 from Facebook Marketplace, based on a Toyota MR2 Turbo.
Whilst the car looks like the genuine article, Ferrari want it banned.
So, why is this the case?
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Why Ferrari want this replica banned
First, let’s take a closer look at the replica that could equal a big fat legal letter.
Usually a MR2 turbo would cost $6,265 alone.
Even kit cars without the turbo can rack up prices of $12,000 to $17,000.
So why is this all an issue for Ferrari?
As explained by YouTube channel Top Dead Center, the brand are very conscious of their image.
One of the hosts explained: “This replica definitely doesn’t have their approval.
“They’re quite famous for suing people for using their image.”
Case in point was the Deadmau5 debacle, where the Canadian DJ received a ‘Cease and Desist’ letter after he unveiled his ‘Purrari’ to the public.
The manufacturer even has a form online for people to rat out those who are impersonating the brand.
Any reports are rewarded with a free gift.
The host continued: “Anytime there is a fake Ferrari with fake badges on it, that’s when they like to go after people.”
The other commented: “That’s a problem for us, because there’s quite a few badges on this car.”
How many badges are there in total?
Oh, only a measly 33.
Yep, 33 badges plastered across the car’s wheels, seats, engine and everything else.
As noted by the host, that would be 33 reasons for Ferrari to slap a lawsuit on them.
Lawsuits are no laughing matter – as a bunch of celebrities shilling NFTs found out back in 2022.
Is this replica of good quality?
Potential lawsuits in the future aside, what sort of car were they dealing with here?
Not that anything is worth a humongous legal bill, but this is a very nice looking car.
It’s not perfect however.
Despite being in storage since 2015 and not having a ton of miles on the clock, it looks tired in some parts.
The fit has some issues – the hood being one of them.
Not only is it a royal pain to get opened, but it’s impossible to close when the lights are up.
A real deal Ferrari wasn’t on hand for a direct comparison, but this has been done in other circumstances – a YouTuber compared a $25,000 replica to a genuine Ferrari.
To see the replica Ferrari for yourself, head over to Top Dead Center‘s YouTube channel.
