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1995 Ferrari 500 Mondial Replica Registration Number: RAB 500V (RAB 500 for show purposes only)Chassis Number: 0508 MDEngine Number: 0508 MDThe 2-litre Mondial was developed by Ferrari alongside the 3-litre Monza and was similar in design to the type 735, with chassis based on the 250 Mille Miglia. The prototype car's bodywork was by Scaglietti and set the coachwork standard for the 750 Monza and later Mondials. The prototype 500 Mondial first appeared in the sports car race at Casablanca driven by Ascari and Picard, finishing in second place behind a much larger 4.5-litre Ferrari.Based on one of the three prototypes built by Stan Daniel, this car was assembled by David Gurnham MBE around a new chassis, closely echoing that of the original Mondial. In order that the car followed the design of the original as closely as possible, mechanicals were selectively chosen for their proximity to the original concept, whilst retaining relative ease of the availability of spares. The registration document gives identity to the majority of mechanical components by showing the car as registered as an Alfa Romeo. As such, the engine is a Lampredi-designed 2-litre from a 1979 Alfa Romeo, which closely follows his Ferrari design. The transaxle is Alfa and the suspension De Dion with all-round disc brakes, inboard at the rear. The engine was stripped and rebuilt by Dave Arnold, and on inspection showed almost no wear at all, with the bores requiring little other than glaze busting. New rings and bearings were installed, as were new timing chain and gears, with any other parts showing wear being replaced and the engine reassembled. The Dellorto carburettors were reconditioned and an exhaust fabricated to emulate the original by Philbrands of Tamworth.The fibreglass body is exceptional in quality and very, very convincing. Constructed by Transformer Cars, it has been expertly painted Rosso Corsa by Peters and Hales of Minworth. Adding to the deception, the car is very well detailed, with period-type seats, instruments, steering wheel and wrap-around Perspex windscreen. The gear lever is detailed down to the aluminium gate with reverse lock-out, and generally the car bears very close inspection, right down to the Ferrari-style chassis plate. The test of any faithful replica is the cohesiveness of the build. Not only should it look the part, echoing the original in as many ways as possible, it should not be over or under engined, and not use blatantly incorrect design or components in its build. With a tubular chassis and 2-litre aluminium twin-cam engine and transaxle which is estimated to produce a healthy 170hp, this car sticks faithfully to the original design, whilst not stepping into today's price realms for original examples.Condition ReportWe are happy to offer our opinion as to the integrity of the vehicle at the sale, however you should accept this is an opinion only and should not be relied upon. In short, you should satisfy yourself as to the completeness, condition and integrity of any lot prior to bidding.We started this car today, which has been little used for the last 10 years, warmed up nicely and drove well, but i sense would drive even better if recommissioned, given the issue with modern fuels which can gum up the jets in the carburettors.The car was created from a kit in 1995, but the donor car dates from 1979, so is MOT and Tax exempt, so could be insured and driven legally, subject to registering as a historic vehicle with the tax office. Any car that has not been driven for a long time will need recommissioning. Sadly, we know little about the replica company, only that the running gear is all Alfa-Romeo.The car has some surface micro-blistering to the paintwork, but as far as is possible to note, the car is starting and driving as expected, subject to recommissioning as already stated.
