Ferrari F430 Replicas

When the F430 was unveiled at the 2004 Paris two things were apparent:

• The lines were more rounded than before with more curves
• The lines were more aerodynamic

Like all things Ferrari, the ultimate design – that which gives it killer downforce and great handling – were actually taken from earlier Ferrari designs. For example, the design team took the rear lights from the Enzo and incorporated them into the aerodynamic rear end interior vents were also added (ala the Enzo). Also, in a rather large touch that harkens back half-a-century, the huge front-end ducts – that look like the open mouth of a Great White – have reappeared for superior air intake. Finally, in a tip of the hat to models like the Testarossa, the 430 badge was engraved into the sleek side mirrors.

Ferrari F430 Spider Replica based on Toyota MR2

The F430 is as much about new as it is about tradition because, though it shouldn’t be as aerodynamic as it is, computerized modeling managed to eliminate low pressure points that robbed the F430 of much of its power. The resulting vehicle was thus curvier and more aerodynamic than the 360 it replaced.

That this vehicle spelled the end of an era is evident not only in its design but also in its choice of parts. It went to the brakes specialist Brembo were made of a cast iron/molybdenum material that rendered the discs better for heat dissipation. Add to that Ferrari’s insistence that ceramic composite materials had to be available for discs, making them virtually fade free even after hundreds of hard stops. (That ceramics would have that ability is also evident from a small item like a knife. Ceramic knives are known as the knives that never need sharpening because they always hold their edge. It is true. The funny spin on this is that if you hit the ceramic the wrong way, it could crack, but it would take a heck of an impact.)

Ferrari F430  Replica based on Toyota Celica

The F430, available from 2004 to 2009, was also to prove the beginning of a new era in powerplant design for Ferrari as the automaker turned back to V-8s with 4.3-liter displacement. The 4.3-liter engine, a spinoff of earlier Maserati/Ferrari work, puts out prodigious power at 8,500 rpm – 430 horsepower with 343 pounds-feet of torque available at 5,300 rpm. Observers noted at the time, that the new engine, which actually has a slightly larger displacement than the one it replaced, also was given new new internals resulting in a sturdier more powerful package that gave the F430 a top end of almost 200 mph.

Interestingly, the F430 was relatively modestly priced – for a Ferrari – at less than $300,00 in the U.S. There were also a total of eight variants of the F430.

There are a number of kit-car makers who are using the Toyota MR2 mid-engine frame as the chassis of choice for the F430. Again, the problem is that, unless you want them to do major modifications to the frame, including some intricate welding along with the installation of a new transaxle. The MR2 is, like the  F430, a mid-engined vehicle, although the engine is a four that’s linked to a five-speed or an automatic is available, but changing the engine to an 8 requires a great deal of plumbing work.

Again, to make sure that the kit is quality, it pays to do your homework so that any work done to the frame is quality work, if it needs mig welding, for example, because the builder wants to reinforce certain areas.

If you can’t watch the build being done or if the manufacturer or kit house won’t give you written warranties as the quality of the work, go elsewhere. There is no dearth of kit car builders.

There’s nothing worse than investing $20,000 to $40,000 and having a vehicle that looks like it was built by a gang of first-graders with glue guns so it pays to make sure you check out the kit house you choose not only with the Better Business Bureau but also with its own customers. If they refuse to give you any references who will talk to  you, then it’s time to give them a pass.

Some F430 kit car makers include:

Image: motor.anuncioneon.com