Reducing a Ferrari: Uncovering methods to acquire a significant portion of a 250 Testa Rossa for under £200,000
In the world of classic car replicas, a new player has emerged with a unique offering - the electric 250 TR 'pontoon fender' J, a 75%-scale replica of Ferrari's iconic 1957 racer. Created by Hedley Studios, a company known for its meticulous attention to detail and authentic craftsmanship, this electric vehicle (EV) is turning heads and challenging the traditional notion of vintage racing cars.
## Design and Craftsmanship
The production of the 250 TR J begins with meticulous planning, using Ferrari's original drawings and potential 3D scans to ensure accuracy. The design process focuses on scaling down the dimensions while maintaining the essence of the original design. The bodywork is hand-formed and polished aluminum, similar to other projects by Hedley Studios.
## Power and Performance
The replica is equipped with an electric powertrain, which involves selecting appropriate electric motors and batteries to achieve the desired performance while maintaining the aesthetic integrity of the original model. With three suitcase-like batteries under the car's nose, the 250 TR J offers a range between 12mph and 37mph and four drive modes: Novice, Comfort, Sport, and Race.
## Customisation and Availability
Clients can customise their 250 TR J via a configurator on Hedley's website, choosing from historic Ferrari liveries, interior colour changes, and race numbers. With only 299 units being produced, making them rarer than a LaFerrari, demand is high. The 250 TR J can be purchased for around £100,000, and the build time depends on the level of personalisation, with an average production time of around 12 weeks.
## The Legacy of the 250 TR
The original 250 TR won three times at Le Mans in 1958, 1960, and 1961, solidifying its place in racing history. Today, an early 1958 250 TR 'pontoon fender' fetches a guide price of £26-30 million at auction, reflecting its enduring appeal.
Hedley Studios, which began operations in 2019, has delivered over 450 vehicles to clients in more than 50 countries. With the 250 TR J, they are continuing to push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of classic car replicas. The World Sportscar Championship of the Fifties and Sixties was exuberant, and with the 250 TR J, that spirit lives on.
The 250 TR J, despite being an electric replica, maintains a traditional approach in its craftsmanship, mirroring Hedley Studios' commitment to authenticity. This lifestyle choice merges the classic appeal of sports cars with the contemporary advancements of technology, offering a unique experience for collectors and enthusiasts.
In contrast to the thunderous roar of the original 250 TR at Le Mans, the 250 TR J's performance is quieter and more modern, yet it continues to embody the exhilarating spirit of the World Sportscar Championship, bridging the gap between classic motorsports and today's technology.