Geoff's 250 SWB Replica Build

[y cymro]

Originally Posted by Tribute Automotive

Here's something for you to think about:


Use the chassis, running gear, floor pan, inner structure, move bulkhead/steering/pedals back, rack windscreen/side windows back, skin with slightly stretched SWB panels.

I have one of those waiting to become a hot rod, but this idea might be better.

Presumably an LWB?

[Mister Towed]

Interesting idea, is that going to be an alternative to the Z3 donor, or is it a complete change of direction?

I'm still wondering how you'd address the angle of the back of the door glass using the BMW doors with a Z3 donor.

Maybe scratch built fibreglass doors is the way forward. They'd also cut the weight down and it shouldn't be too hard to sell on the donor's doors.

Hoping to see some progress soon...

[y cymro]

It's noticeable on the SWB how the angle at the rear edge of the door continues up to the side window at the B pillar, and how this angle is matched at the bottom of the Z3 door before it curves to become vertical.
For my car I would like to see the rear of the z3 door extended at the same angle as the Tribute SWB bodyshell to fill the gap seen in the picture above by extending the door skin with a welded add on fillet. It would be possible to also reshape the rear inside corner and door lock mount panel on the door by increasing the angle to allow a new SWB profile window to be fitted - which could open and close vertically using the original window tracks. This would require some re shaping of the B post above the door catch if a new window is to be fitted, though from the outside this would be covered by the glassfibre rear wing. Looking at the pic, I wonder if there's a compromise position so that the door skin could be extended to continue the angle to match the SWB without needing to modify the door catch panel but still allow a new side window to be fitted?
I agree with MrTowed that this is an important element of the SWB shape and makes the B/C pillar more elegant. But the curved, original rear screen helps this effect too and that's another thing that complicates the build.

Of course, this may take the concept of a relatively easy build to a more difficult place and not fit with the original spirit of a 'Tribute'. Chris and Dan are ever resourceful at finding lateral solutions and I too can't wait for the next update.

[Mister Towed]

Perhaps a complete fibreglass replacement door skin with integral window frame with a channel to take sliding glass/perspex side windows would be the most elegant solution.

If you look at an original, the doors open quite a way forward of the windscreen, so the BMW doors won't need shortening, just extending back to fit the opening.

I'll take mine in Argento...

[casamolino]

Two side on shots of 250 SWb`s , how can the same car! look so different , so which ever door line i end up with it will be right Geoff .

[mike.gamble]

As the originals seem to have so much variation, with quarter lights, without quarter lights and then different shaped glass frames, wouldn't it be easier to do away with any upper running frame and use a one piece that would fit the opening perfectly, similar to the 250 Californias?



This picture shows one with a hardtop fitted and the window line looks very nice and clean?

[casamolino]

Morning Mike , good photo those side windows look very similar to the standard Z3! , my plan is to have frameless windows , thanks Geoff .

[y cymro]

Originally Posted by casamolino

Two side on shots of 250 SWb`s , how can the same car! look so different , so which ever door line i end up with it will be right Geoff .

Morning Geoff
Like most hand built cars, and especially ones built for racing there were a number of subtle changes over it's short lifespan.

According to the RM Auction website:
"In both versions, “Lusso” and “Competizioni,” Ferrari constructed less than 200 SWB Berlinettas in total, these being built to three or four different specifications as to their external details – window configurations, marker lamp locations, body vents, etc. Also, one must remember that since these cars were totally hand-fabricated, in reality each SWB Berlinetta, while similar in appearance, is totally unique! Aesthetically they are unmistakably Ferraris – aerodynamic and devoid of superfluous bulk or embellishment with minimal overhangs and body corners wrapped around the polished Borranis. The general appearance of these fastback projectiles speaks of power and purpose. "

Power and purpose eh. Just like all of us!

The roof profile was changed in 1961. I can't find evidence if this was due to manufacture of body shells changing from aluminium to steel.
Steve.

[y cymro]

Whilst this isn't the right profile for a SWB, a separate quarter light could work well as shown on this 250 GT Cabriolet Speciale which has a door window shape very similar to the Z3

[Pandora]

alloy and steel cars were built concurrently, and any detail changes would be equally at the discression of the coach builder ot customer.

Worth bearing in mind a lot of these were (literally!) formed using a tree stump, so the 2 sides of the same car may nor even be identical!

I once measured the lengt of the driver and passenger side doors of a 275 we had and there was quite a big difference in the length (over an inch! Precision it was not! I think the argument was "well, you'll never see both sides at the same time, so it soesn't matter"

[Mister Towed]

Originally Posted by y cymro

Whilst this isn't the right profile for a SWB, a separate quarter light could work well as shown on this 250 GT Cabriolet Speciale which has a door window shape very similar to the Z3

That was one of the possibilities I'd thought through - a glass fillet attached to the rear bodywork with an 'H' section channel for the BMW side glass to slide up and down in on its front edge.

Then I realised that due to the length of the door it would get ripped off when you opened the door with the window up, and would be hanging in thin air if you wound the window down first.

Anything like that would need to be attached to the door in its own frame over the extension at the back of the BMW door, with the frame extending forward over the side glass to the top of the front quarterlight to make it strong enough not to fall off if someone (inevitably) shoulder barges it as they climb aboard. (hope that makes sense)

Intriguing stuff, can't wait to see the car morph into a production ready kit.

[Mister Towed]

I'm still thinking that scratch built stripped out racer look doors with sliding windows in alloy frames could be the way to go -

[Tribute Automotive]

Originally Posted by Mister Towed

Interesting idea, is that going to be an alternative to the Z3 donor, or is it a complete change of direction?

I'm still wondering how you'd address the angle of the back of the door glass using the BMW doors with a Z3 donor.

Maybe scratch built fibreglass doors is the way forward. They'd also cut the weight down and it shouldn't be too hard to sell on the donor's doors.

Hoping to see some progress soon...

Just an idea to use a pre-existing windscreen/door glass as another option for those, like yourself, who may require a more period base vehicle. Full steam ahead on the Z3 version, which will be the easier build option for most customers I feel.

[Mister Towed]

Having already built one car on an old chassis I'm actually inclined to go down the Z3 donor route for a 'winter' car, and the 250SWB would fit the bill nicely.

Sorry if I keep fishing for info on how the door glass will work, but it just looks like the biggest hurdle in getting it to look right to me.

I'll shut up now and wait to see how you tackle it, I have every faith it'll look fantastic.

[zagmad]

Er the headlight covers on the California look like the Alfa spyder duetto still available to buy. £85 or their abouts before postage and packaging for a pair. And use of the swb front with those laid on the bonnet nose.

[y cymro]

Originally Posted by Mister Towed

I'm still thinking that scratch built stripped out racer look doors with sliding windows in alloy frames could be the way to go -

According to people on the Ferrari chat forum this car (a GTO) is a replica and was bought by the same ginger haired chap who owns lots of other Ferraris. They say he bought it with full knowledge it's a replica.

[mike.gamble]

I'm still itching for more pictures of the progress being made!

[redratbike]

Originally Posted by y cymro

According to people on the Ferrari chat forum this car (a GTO) is a replica and was bought by the same ginger haired chap who owns lots of other Ferraris. They say he bought it with full knowledge it's a replica.

There are replicas and there are replicas

This isn't a datsun underNeath..probably another ferraroi rebodied

[y cymro]

Originally Posted by redratbike

There are replicas and there are replicas

No there aren't. Replica means exact copy.

[DSG4ME]

There are Replicas, Lookalikes and Forgeries.

Lookalikes are cars that look very similar but are not exact copies.
Replicas are nearly identical to the original. In some cases can be better
than the original.
Forgeries are perfect replicas that are passed off as original. For example
the Favre Ferrri GTO, built on an original GTE but had its chassis
number manipulated.

Although there are many forgeries around, most of them are well known
and are still sold for millions. In many cases they are better finished than
the original.