ABARTH
BENTLEY
BMW
DNA
FORD
HONDA
JAGUAR
LEXUS
MG
MINI
MORGAN
PORSCHE
Please call Jordan on 07473 911 911 for more information or to arrange viewings, walk-around videos etc. I am happy to assist with worldwide shipping, or covered transport within the UK. Part exchanges of any age/value can be discussed. Viewing really is a must to appreciate the craftsmanship and sheer love put into this project.
Overview:
A faithful recreation, but with a hidden modern twist! Under the tightly proportioned and timeless SWB California body sits the full platform from a very well kept late, low mileage Z3 3.0 manual roadster, chosen for its 46mm difference in wheelbase and great driving dynamics. Modern benefits such as a folding fabric roof, air-conditioning, electric seats & windows, power steering and ABS are core to the ethos of the build and are cleverly concealed into the original 50’s design. To puzzle those prying eyes, it has been correctly re-registered as a DNA 250 with the DVLA and will be familiar to specialist insurance providers.
What sets this apart from even other factory built examples is the time and money spent during it’s factory build on the narrowed the rear axle for dimensional accuracy and to allow the fitment of genuine knock on wheels. Finished to an incredibly high standard with the utmost attention to detail thanks to the conversion being carried out in-house by DNA.
The DNA 250 blends the design and soul of one of the most iconic cars ever made with modern technology, usability and safety and genuinely offers a driving experience that warps you back to a time when ‘special’ cars were for the drive not the destination. It is a very special driving experience, and so much attention has gone into how it makes you feel. The noise of the sonorous straight six, the tall gear lever selecting the cogs in such a way you’d swear blind it’s not a modern Getrag box and pulling away with the view of the dash & gauges through that Nardi steering wheel honestly makes your hairs stand on end.
I am well versed in the world of high quality recreations such as this 250 and have been privileged to deal with numerous very special cars. The builder and client who commissioned the conversion are both dear friends so I’ve seen this car transformed into what it is today and been lucky enough to have enjoyed some of the 4,500 miles that it’s covered since. I think it’s fair to say that many people are unlikely to lay eyes upon a 250 California, let alone drive one yet a homage such as this offers access and usability to those who understand the ethos of such a car. The phrase ‘imitation is the finest form of flattery’ may not leave the mouth’s of Ferrari or purists, but as soon as you are behind the wheel of this fabulous motor car I’m sure, like me, you’ll be sold
Exterior:
Finished in a period correct Grigio Grey in a nod to the Steel Grey hue that was worn by # 1795GT, the very first 250 GT SWB California Spider built and the car that Ferrari chose to showcase at the 1960 Geneva Motor Show. The GRP body is of the highest quality ensuring straight lines and tight panel gaps and the paint finish itself is excellent. The rear light lenses are Lucas lamps but totally rebuilt with custom injection moulded reflector units for incredible accuracy. The front light units are a polycarbonate lens with a stainless steel surround so durable and simple to replace. Front and rear bumpers are custom made in stainless steel and are free from any damage or pitting, as is the front grille, with a Matt Black finish to the interior elements.
The wheels are a genuine knock on’s, 15” in diameter in a chrome finish with 3 eared spinners. Rather than an English Lace (as per Jaguar/Morgan etc) the centre lace design is closer to the original Carlo Borrani Record’s. Although a modern tread pattern, I feel the Firestone tyres have a vintage enough look and are from a brand synonymous with Ferrari and their F1 efforts from the 50’s onwards and offer the grip levels needed for the powertrain.
Interior:
The interior has been re-trimmed in Connolly Vaumol ‘Rosso Corsa, for most it’s the only choice with a Grigio Grey exterior and presents almost as new with no scuffs or wear to be found.
It really is a work of art inside, and incredibly close to the ‘real deal’ yes it’s beautiful to look at but for me aesthetics are only part of the picture. For me it’s the best part of the car and offers the spirit and tactile feel of a 60’s Ferrari. Bar the pedals, almost all sign’s of the BMW have been replaced leaving a period correct interior. The grained metal custom fabricated dashboard is adorned with Veglia style dials, the stalks have been replaced for a more period correct look and key items such as the air-con & electronic roof switch are well hidden but accessible by the driver.
The window winders have been adapted to control the electric window motors, and the door pulls are also fully functioning with the original mechanisms. The worry of monitoring temperatures & pressures may not be a thing, but all gauges have been re-wired to work correctly with the BMW hardware so fuel levels, RPM & speed can be kept in check! The seats are again very close in design to the original shape & design and remain electronically adjustable. If it were mine, I would add an ash tray to the centre console, any 60’s car should have one! I would hide a couple extra USB ports in there as you can never have too many on a road trip!
Mechanical:
The 3.0 Z3 platform suits the build perfectly, and so the mechanical side of things remain mainly unchanged. The wheelbase is just 46mm away from the original, and thanks to the narrowed rear axle the wheels sit correctly and have the required dish to them. The stainless steel exhaust was hand made with the correct tip layout. It sounds fabulous, carefully tuned for a sonorous note that is perfectly in character with the car.
The donor car had only 4 previous keepers the most recent for the last 5 years all of which seemed to have cared for the car very well and kept on top of its maintenance very well. It’s mileage prior to the conversion was just over 52,000, it was in very good condition and HPI clear so free from any accidents, thefts etc.
The bonnet is opened using the original pull lever, whilst the boot has been modified to be opened with a remote solenoid and is fitted with a chromed push button boot handle.
Present with the vehicle is two sets of keys (2x original BMW immobilizer fob’s and 2x custom badged classic dash keys) the current V5 log book and plentiful current and historic MOT certificates and maintenance invoices.
This Bike Comes With:
