The disparity between replica supercars is vast. Sometimes it requires a trained eye to spot a fake supercar. In other cases, even non-enthusiasts will notice something is definitely not right. Good or bad, fake supercars are often a labor of love and who are we to criticize? Not everyone can afford to spend over six figures on a used Ferrari or Lamborghini. If you have the mechanical know-how to transform something like a Chevy Camaro into a European exotic, we say go for it.
Up for sale on Facebook Marketplace is this "hand-built 1986 Camarossa." The name suits it perfectly. This isn't the first time it's been up for sale as we managed to dig up some now-deleted eBay posts, but its latest asking price is $14,500 and is currently located in Abilene, Texas.
Specific details such as build time and performance capabilities were not listed, but Sunset Classics does provide some relevant background. The car started out as a 1986 Camaro and supposedly every major body panel was re-shaped to match (as best as possible) that of the Ferrari Testarossa. The hood was even lengthened while the front end and grille were reshaped. Meanwhile, the bottom rocker panels, doors, and quarter panels were hand-built. Those famous Testarossa-like door slots were also individually done. Out back, the trunk lid was completely redone and even the five-point polished wheels were custom-made.
Mechanically, the suspension received a significant overall thanks to heavy-duty shocks and lowering springs. Under the hood - yes, it's still front-engined - power comes courtesy of a Chevy small-block V8 that's been modified to produce about 500 horsepower. Power continues to go to the rear wheels through a reworked five-speed manual.
The tan leather-upholstered interior is also quite impressive. The builder didn't just swap out the original steering wheel and call it a day. He ripped out the stock gauge package and replaced it with Phantom gauges, while the Ferrari-style gated shifter is hand-built.
Given all of the custom components, time, and effort, we definitely think the asking price is totally fair. Of the many replica supercars we've seen over the years, this is definitely one of the better ones and its builder deserves plenty of praise.