Top 3 Facts about the Ferris Bueller Ferrari 250 GT

#3 Frankenstein’s Ferrari
Even though the cars used in the film were replicas, their specifications were impressive. The GT Spyder California replicas were built with a 1974 Ford 302 cubic inch V8 engine and a Chevy C-4 automatic transmission. The replicas were designed to deliver high performance and closely mimic the appearance and handling of the original Ferrari. To achieve this, the builders used a custom tube-frame chassis and sourced parts from various vehicles to replicate the Ferrari’s look and feel. For example, the windshield came from a Fiat Spider 124, the taillights were sourced from a VW Type 3, and the speedometer was taken from a Jaguar E-Type. These components helped give the replica a convincing appearance while ensuring it could function effectively during filming.

#2 Authentic vs Replica
The decision to use replicas rather than real Ferraris was a practical one, given the Ferrari 250 GT California’s extreme rarity and value. With only 56 units ever produced, the genuine Ferrari 250 GT California is a rare and highly sought-after collector’s item. Destroying an authentic model would not only have been meet with kinda regards. In recent years one authentic 250 GT sold for $17 million and another set a record high of $18.5 million.

#1 Ferrari Sues Glassmaker & Goyette!
The replicas used in the film were not without their own set of challenges. Modena Design & Development, the company behind the replicas, faced legal repercussions for using Ferrari badges without authorization. Ferrari, known for its stringent protection of its brand and trademarks, sued Modena Design for trademark infringement. Through pressing litigation, Modena Design would close shop for good.

Despite these challenges, the Ferrari replicas from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off have achieved a lasting legacy. Over the decades, they have become highly recognizable and cherished among car enthusiasts and collectors. The replicas have not only become iconic due to their role in the film but have also garnered significant value at auctions, reflecting their impact on both automotive and popular culture. Enthusiasts continue to celebrate the Ferrari 250 GT California replicas as a symbol of cinematic history and a testament to the film’s enduring appeal.

And remember, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop to look around once in awhile, you could miss it.” -Ferris Bueller