Replicas

Theres many points about this thread that I could spend hours answering. I won't because there is no point. I am a replica builder. I would love to own a real one but I can't afford it, or rather, afford to run and maintain it. However, and this is the one area I want to address, I won't settle for a replica that in my opinion carries visual differences to the real thing. The silver replica talked about early on is a prime example. The amount of work, time and money that has gone into that car makes me respect the owner no end, but personally I wouldn't be happy with it for the reason's someone mentioned ie wheel gaps. front fender widths, sv scoops being incorrectly shaped etc.

My point is that not all replicas are based on the IFG car and there are quite a few alternatives now that have moulds pulled from a genuine Diablo shell. My replica is one of them. See www.lamboreplica.co.uk/body.html and scroll to the end to give you an idea. Yes, your man is right, it takes a lot of filler and sanding to get the bodies right but it CAN be done. Also see www.paralleldesigns.co.uk/gallery.html and scroll down to the pics of the orange gtr (and before anyone says, no it doesn't have the original front fenders (yet).

Personally I would never knock a real Diablo, or it's owner, and most guys that do can appreciate why someone would build a replica, but I'm just trying to point out that there are lookalikes, and there are replicas. Personally I would rather put my money into a replica that looks right than spend XXX on the engine. For that reason I went for a spaceframe chassis (so I at least sit in the right place), a body pulled from a genuine car, genuine lights, glass, window frames, interior mouldings, exact copy wheels, genuine wiper arm (God that cost a packet), genuine locks, handles, interior door pulls, ignition barrel (had to have the Lambo bull on the key!) and a full set of genuine badges. Sure, theres loads of things on my car which aren't genuine, or a poor alternative to the original (like the very low powered Buick/Rover V8) but these are things that I decided were not important to me.

At a fully built cost of around £35K (about $52K?) it's going to give me what I can afford, but more importantly I will be able to drive the thing when I want, as much as I want. If it goes wrong, I won't be heading off to Lambo with a wad of notes either, more likely over to the local Rover dealer...

Cheers to all

Nathan.

i must admit with a replica you still get that evil devilstyle, but nothing else lambo at all like that magnificent V12. what engine and drivetrain others use in their replicas? mclaren? bmw? ferrari? or american muscle?? auto box or 5 speed? gearbox in front of engine??
i'd probly buy a diablo replica on mclaren f1 or koenigsss?? running gear and engine :)
of course if i had the money which i'm working on

At a fully built cost of around £35K (about $52K?) it's going to give me what I can afford, but more importantly I will be able to drive the thing when I want, as much as I want. If it goes wrong, I won't be heading off to Lambo with a wad of notes either, more likely over to the local Rover dealer...

Cheers to all

Nathan.

to be more realistic a fully built good replica would run ya around 65k-98k.

OK, say that I bear with you (and accept that my car isn't 'good' enough for you) a $65K replica is still far cheaper than a real one unless you're another one of those people who insist that replica owners should just go out and buy a real one for the money they have spent. I've seen £55K ($80K) genuine Diablos. They ain't worth mud IMO.

OK, say that I bear with you (and accept that my car isn't 'good' enough for you) a $65K replica is still far cheaper than a real one unless you're another one of those people who insist that replica owners should just go out and buy a real one for the money they have spent. I've seen £55K ($80K) genuine Diablos. They ain't worth mud IMO.


lol oh no...im all for replicas:) heck too many people bash on replicas i think but the truth is if you take it out on the roads virtually 98% of the people out there would not know the difference saying that its a good complete bulid inside and out, ive seen it with my very own eyes since there are 2 of them that live in my area. but that would depend on the person again....if i had the money of course id buy the real deal but right now a replica will do nicely for me....plus i want a daily driver so it works for me! with that being said ive also seen alot of crappy ass replicas out there as well for like 35-40K on ebay that dont do it justice...ick.

North American Exotic Replica Cars Inc. even replicates the engine. That seems to be the problem that people have with replicas, it's more about looking like the real thing as opposed to being (like) the real thing.

North American Exotic Replica Cars Inc. website:
http://www.naerc.com/

"Engine Bay Replication Parts Are Now Available":
http://www.exoticreplicacars.com/html/news/news_main.shtml#cover
http://www.exoticreplicacars.com/images/news/engine_cover.jpg

"Whether you are running a V6 or a V8, ,whether your engine is cross mounted or longitudinally mounted, when you open your deck lid everyone will swear you are running a Lamborghini V12!"

lear60man, you have some good points, as well. Here is my reply:

You said the people you know with Diablos sold them for reliability issues, and you agree that reliability declines with performance increase. This is what I was trying to point out... If your replica has far less power, then the reliability will be better (given all other factors are the same). Buying a race car (we are not talking about luxury cars, here) dictates that you are going to feel more bumps on the road, and there is usually going to be more repair bills.

Regarding build quality: I think we may be speaking about two different terms. Often discussions turn into arguments over a definition problem. I define build quality to be, not only the expertise of the person building the car, but also that of the materials being used, and the quality of the machines used to create them. I agree that an expert craftsman can do just as well a job as the people putting Diablos together, and I agree that anyone (even a Diablo builder) can have a bad day. I am sure this is evident in some exotics running around today, if you care to look closely. So, what I believe separates the original from the replica are the quality of the materials, and the quality of how they were manufactured into the parts that are used to build the car - and not necessarily the expertise of the craftsman (although I am sure they are well above average).

> So I guess the original question still stands. Is a Replica better than the original?

I have respect for people who can build their own cars, even if it is a result of them being unable to find a car out there that they like. However, building your own car and building something that resembles another car (to fool other people into believing you have the original) are two totally different things. If it is built to resemble and perform (as good or better) than the original, then that's a different story. For example, some 427 Cobra replica builders make Cobras pretty much exactly the same way the originals were built, even the same engines, and are very comparable on the track.

...however, and it basically boils down to this...

If a replica builder can make a Diablo replica that is as good (or better) than the original in all aspects (I do not mean just 1/4 mile ETs), then why couldn't this guy merely change the body to his own design, and sell a $250,000+ car. It would run with the big boys, and would certainly be desirable.

Jason, thank you for the well thought out reply. I was also, as others on this thread, a nay sayer to the whole kit thing. But with the invention of the internet the trial and error period for making custom cars is closing. I guess I dont want to make my own design because of the fabricating of pieces and time involved. I can write a check and now purchase the body off molds pulled from an original. For me the perfect car is one that goes like a bat out of hell, looks awesome and is reliable. If anyone asks I'll fess up in a second. I worked in Hollywood as a propmaster. I made countless props that were identical to originals from a toaster to full scale aircraft mockups. For me half the fun is in the building / modifying process. So in the end I am one of thoes people who is going to be driving a car that is exactly what he wants because I made (or had it made) to my exact specs.
Cheers

lear60man, you have some good points, as well. Here is my reply:

You said the people you know with Diablos sold them for reliability issues, and you agree that reliability declines with performance increase. This is what I was trying to point out... If your replica has far less power, then the reliability will be better (given all other factors are the same)..

Reliabilty DOESN'T decrease with performance increase, (at least not with the power to cc figures we are talking about) you should just be building the car accordingly.

This is one area which is a sore point for me. I don't buy into the 'Diablos & Ferraris etc. are allowed to be unreliable because of the power they produce' scenario. I owned a TT Supra with the HKS big twin kit/cams/uprated fuel system etc. before I started my replica and at around 550~600bhp on the stock engine with pump fuel they will perform for years and years. The first one we built 7 years ago (on a big single) is still around and has had nothing more than an oil change every 3K and 2 cambelts. Look at the reliability of 450bhp+ Porsches- they can do it, why couldn't Lambo and Ferrari?

Much as I love Italian exotics it's fair to say they have been getting away with murder for years simply because people get sucked into 'it's the nature of the beast Sir I'm afraid' spiel from the salesmen who know that the punters who buy them simply adore the car so much that nothing else matters. Only now, with the Gallardo and Murcielago do I think we will see a change in the reliabilty stakes because Audi would be turning in their graves to be associated with the known reliability problems of the past.

Love the italian exotics for what they are, but don't ever kid yourself that it's not possible to build a reliable, powerful engine, or indeed, a reliable car just because it's overall performance is on a higher plane.

Cheers

lear60man,

I understand where you are coming from. In reality, the amount of work you are placing into creating the vehicle is something you would normally be paying for, if you bought the exotic. So, it is potentially possible for a person to create something as good as the exotic for much cheaper, only because you are not paying yourself for labour. On the other hand, you need lots of money for researching and testing. They spend millions of dollars on this for their cars, and without a wallet that is that deep, you would never be able to match your car against the original. Basically, what I mean here, is that it is unlikely that a replica would beat an original on the track, even if it had a more powerful engine - because there is a lot more to a race car than a frame and an engine. Also, you must consider the opportunity cost. The amount of time you are working on the car, apparently saving money, you are spending away from your real job in which you could be making money. But, nonetheless, I can understand where you're coming from... It is far cheaper for you to buy the pre-made design on the Lambo than create your own. And, it certainly takes talent to produce quality replicas. I just think it is a sin that people are buying engine covers to pretend their V6 or V8 is actually a V12. There's something about that that rubs me the wrong way. I would buy a good Cobra replica in a second, because I believe they are as close to the original as you can get - same engine, looks, performance, etc. Of course, this is my personal opinion...

Adrenalin Trip,

I think you missed the point. The point was, if you have two identical cars (i.e. a Diablo original, and a Diablo replica that is made as close to the original as possible), and you test the cars with the V12 in the original, and a Corvette V8 in the replica, then the replica will be more reliable. I am saying that this is not a fair test.

I agree 100% with you that just because a car has a lot of performance, it is not an excuse for it to be unreliable. Take a look at the folks at Lingenfelter - they have some pretty impressive upgrade packages, but they also have (if I am not mistaken) 100,000 mile warranties on them, so they didn't just add turbos to make your Vette have 700+ HP, but they ensured the rest of the car is up to par to handle it. In any case, this is not what I was arguing, and I agree with your points.

Something just feels wrong about this...

http://www.exoticreplicacars.com/images/gallery/cover_2/pic_001_bg.jpg
http://www.exoticreplicacars.com/images/gallery/cover_2/pic_003_bg.jpg
http://www.exoticreplicacars.com/images/gallery/cover_2/pic_004_bg.jpg
http://www.exoticreplicacars.com/images/gallery/cover_2/pic_006_bg.jpg
http://www.exoticreplicacars.com/images/gallery/cover_2/pic_010_bg.jpg
http://www.exoticreplicacars.com/

...and I think the reason someone would dislike this 'pretending' is the same reason someone would dislike replicas to begin with. There's just something wrong with pretending to be something you're not. No matter how perfect a replica is, it is still a replica and not the real thing. I think "Lamborghini" is more than just looks and performance, it's a status symbol and a lot of other intangibles.

I still have a great deal of respect for anyone who can produce their own automobile. Check out http://factoryfive.com/ for example. I do like their Cobra replicas. For some reason, replicating a Cobra does not seem as bad as replicating a Lamborghini. I think it has a lot to do with the fact that these replicas are built almost exactly the same way as the originals, as Jason explained above. A Lamborghini with a V6 is not build the same as a true Lamborhgini.

Factory Five has moved on to building their own super car...

http://factoryfive.com/table/ffrkits/GTM/GTMkit.html
http://factoryfive.com/table/ffrkits/GTM/gtmupdate/gtmrelease.html

...This I have no problem with at all, but if they started replicating Lamborghinis, I would have disliked their decision.

I think "Lamborghini" is more than just looks and performance, it's a status symbol

With a statement like that it's absolutely no surprise that you aren't keen on Lambo replicas.

Personally my cars have all been about personal choice, not about advertising my status. If I was in love with a Skoda I'd be happy to drive that no matter what anyone else thought. I find the Diablo a thing of utter beauty- it is for that reason alone that I wanted one (or something that looks like it :biggrin: )

Fake engine covers...? Hmm....well I've got a fake engine, chassis, interior, wheels and god knows what else so why not?

Maybe I'm getting the wrong end of the stick, but if I owned a real Diablo I'd be flattered that people are being as resourceful as they are to construct an accurate-looking replica. Indeed, I've met a couple and they were both quite impressed although we all knew that it will never compare to the real thing. However, I guess there will always be a few genuine owners who feel threatened that their 150K 'status symbol' looks no different to a well-made 35K replica from 10 feet away.

Bottom line is I'm surprised that the genuine V replica debate gets so heated. Lifes too short to think you're special where a car is concerned. Save a life or something equally as important and then you're special. I could bang on about how I think genuine owners are mugs for allowing themselves to get fleeced by Lambo for what are effectively extremely shoddily-built cars. I won't because we buy these cars blindly on their beauty, and if I had the money I dare say I'd allow Mr. Lambo to fleece me too...

I respect everyone- genuine owners as well as replica builders and always will do. We all have the same thing in common IMO...except maybe....status.

Cheers to all

Adrenalin Trip, you should have quoted me entirely: I said, "...it's a status symbol and a lot of other intangibles." Status symbol is only one of many intangibles. "Lamborghini" is more than just looks and performance, wouldn't you agree? Otherwise, any replica that looks and performs the same is, in fact, a Lamborghini. Also, wealthy people would then buy replicas instead. This proves there are intangibles beyond looks and performance.

It is no surprise that the first intangible that came to mind was "status symbol" as that's what most people buy cars for. I know too many people that pretend to have more money than they do by dumping it all into their vehicles. Like you, Adrenalin Trip, my interests are about the car, not the status. (Lamborghini become my favorite car in grade 4, before I understood that a Lamborghini was an unattainable car to most of the population.)

"Fake engine covers...? Hmm....well I've got a fake engine, chassis, interior, wheels and god knows what else so why not?"

Good point. But, at the same time, that is my point too. Faking the heart of the car is basically the same as faking the rest of it. My point was that it is this "faking" thing that drives replica-haters.

I'm not sure if genuine owners would ever feel threatened, as they know they have the real deal. Genuine owners also know that replica owners can't fool as many people as they would like. Word gets around quickly.

I don't think this debate is too heated... we are all in close agreement with both sides. In the end, cars purchases are based on impulse and emotion, not logic. Some people will always hate replicas and others will not.

"I respect everyone- genuine owners as well as replica builders and always will do. We all have the same thing in common IMO...except maybe....status."

I respect the talents of everyone as well, but there is always something about pretending to be something you are not that bothers me. Everything else about building a car from scratch I have lots of respect for. I bet, more often than not, replica owners are bigger car fans than genuine owners.

Faking the heart of the car is basically the same as faking the rest of it. My point was that it is this "faking" thing that drives replica-haters.

I'm not sure if genuine owners would ever feel threatened, as they know they have the real deal. Genuine owners also know that replica owners can't fool as many people as they would like. Word gets around quickly.


i would never say the replica is better than the real deal...but the majority of the population out on the roads(the average joes) will not noticed any difference fake or not and most people out on the streets WONT even care as most of them just admires the car for its rare beauty since they have never seen one. i know a guy who owns one who lives right down the street from me and he does NOT try to fool anyone saying its the real deal cause you can tell cause he has the v8 cadillac emblem in the back of his lambo replica so obvisoulsy he is not trying to fool anyone. i talked to him before and hes a really nice guy and had told me that it was a replica right from the start...trust me when you see his car in person the last thing on my mind would be "bah your car sux cause its fake"....the attention to detail on the well built ones are so amazing and when he drove it down to the boston car meet he nearly got swamped by people giving him praises even though people knew it was a replica....heck it was the main attraction of the show! so just because the word gets around that its a replica isnt really going to keep people away from admiring the beauty it since they are so rarely ever seen on the main roads anyways. besides replicas or not how many lambos do people see out on the roads? for me if someone wants to buy a real one great! if they want a replica that is also great! just give me a few cars to look at out on the roads is all i ask:)

lovetogofast, good post. I have no problem with the guy who lives right down the street from you. I admire anyone who can build a car from the ground up. It's an amazing process. I know that I'll never have the time (nor talent) to do so myself.

If your friend down the street were to drive around my town, I would definitely be checking out his car, no question. I agree with everything you posted. The only problem I have with replicas is the pretending to be something you are not, and it sounds like the guy down the street is legit.

(Could you post pics of his replica?)

so you prefer McDonalds over Hungry Jacks, GET OVER IT....

If your friend down the street were to drive around my town, I would definitely be checking out his car, no question. I agree with everything you posted. The only problem I have with replicas is the pretending to be something you are not, and it sounds like the guy down the street is legit.

Well, you're confusing the hell out of me. On the one hand, you're knocking Diablo replicas for not being the real deal, on the other, you're saying you would be checking out the guys replica, no question. You even add that the guy is 'legit'.

Why would you even go to see this car? Because he hasn't got the fake engine cover and admits to most it's a fake? Where do your standards change between someone being legit because he admits it's fake and 5 minutes before when you saw it driving down the street?

I tell you what, I won't be telling anyone my car is real but if someone like you came up and knocked it I'd much rather you just kept your opinions to yourself. In fact, don't even bother coming and checking it out in the first place. You might think you'll find the owner 'legit' and then find it has a fake engine cover....

any replica that looks and performs the same is, in fact, a Lamborghini. Also, wealthy people would then buy replicas instead...

I forgot to add that I also know of two genuine owners who have put orders in for high-end replicas because they were fed up with the originals reliability. Neither of them will be using the OE V12. Indeed, that the last thing they wanted, along with the electrics, so it sort of suggests that not everyone buys a Lambo for the 'heart' of it.

So in fact your quote above sort of back-fired a little....

Like someone else once said, theres only so many times a person (especially a wealthy one) wants to sit on the hard shoulder waiting for the recovery services. If that same person can build something that looks the same, but without the foibles, then why not? You seem to think that replicas are only for the poor fakers....think again.

Sorry If I confused you. If a replica is fairly good, then I would check it out. (If it looks like this Countach replica... http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=90267 ...then I would not care to see it.) It does not mean I would want to buy it myself. It does not mean that I would choose the replica over the real deal. People do check out vehicles that they would never personally want. Sorry if I was unclear. I will never be the owner of a Lamborghini replica. This does not mean that I do not have respect for anyone who has built their own car. The choice of replicating a Lamborghini (pretending to be something you are not) is the only thing I do not like. Maybe I would earn more respect for one if I was able to check one out.

When I said the guy was "legit", I meant that he was not pretending to be something he was not. However, I see your point. Anyone who drives around in a replica is 'pretending' to a certain degree, unless you have "REPLICA" pasted on the side of your car, so to label him as "legit" is not entirely accurate. However, he is as legit as a replica owner can get, and I was giving him as much respect as I could.

OK Doucette, at least we both agree on one count- that Countach replica is absolutely pointless in my opinion. However, it doesn't mean I have any less respect for the builder than a top-class copy.

It looks like you hear me on the other point too, about at what time does someone be 'legit' and a 'faker'.

The one concern I have is that the more trouble someone goes to to make their car look authentic, the less legit you feel that person is. I would say the opposite. I feel that the sheer act of trying to make the car as accurate as possible is flattering to the original. After all, we are all in agreement that bad copies (like the countach in the thread) are hidious. Surely it follows that the more accurate the replica, the more respect we should have for the builder in not bastardising the Lambo name? As I have said, I will personally make people well aware that my car is a replica, but that doesn't mean I want it to look like one.

I think the best thing you could do is gain a little more knowledge on accurate Lambo replicas and better still try and keep an open view on the builder. You may just find that your 'non-legit' builder has a lot more in common with yourself than you think...

All the best

Adrenalin Trip,

We are in agreement that more respect comes from replicas that are closer to the real thing.

"...about at what time does someone be 'legit' and a 'faker'."

I'm not sure about this. I previously concluded that no one with a replica is 100% legitimate, as they are still pretending to have a car they do not have. (Are there any replica Lamborghinis ever that are better than the original?) The issue is not black and white. Replicas are not real, they are fake. However, you can not group them all in the same category (as that Countach replica link I posted above shows.)

I think someone is less legitimate the more they pretend to be something they are not. Someone who can better duplicate a Lamborghini, has more skills, and deserves more respect. However, is this person less legit because this person's skills allows him/her to pretend to own a Lamborghin better than the next replica owner? I think these are two different issues. You can build one and you can pretend to own one. They are different issues.

Everyone on this board has something in common, no question. I am here because I love Lamborghinis. The biggest dividing factor has to be this replica vs. real debate.

I think these are two different issues. You can build one and you can pretend to own one. They are different issues.

Good call, and I agree. I'm glad we got to the bottom of that because I think your initial wording was far from clear on that.

What I originally didn't like was the way you disregarded the whole replica engine cover scenario, and that it didn't really command respect. My point is that it does, in bucketloads. I may be wrong, but you certainly gave the impression that a person who used such covers (or went to any other similar lengths to make their car look real) would undoubtably be the sort of person who would try and fob people off that their car was real. I'm saying that isn't necessarily so.

In fact, I think you will find that there are very few replica builders out there who would really try and tell someone that their car was real. We all love the original so much that we simply couldn't disrespect it in that way.

I'm still not convinced about your quote: "I previously concluded that no one with a replica is 100% legitimate, as they are still pretending to have a car they do not have." This is a very sweeping statement as it assumes that anyone with a replica is pretending to have a car that they don't. Not true IMO. I will not be pretending to anyone, nor will I hide anything. The fact that my replica looks like another manufacturers vehicle just happens to coincide with the fact that I fell in love with the bodyshape. Like I said at the start, if I was in love with a Skoda's bodyshape and I couldn't afford a real one I would have a replica of one of those instead.

The bottom line is that I'm not pretending anything. It's the onlookers that are making the assumptions...

...(your statement) assumes that anyone with a replica is pretending to have a car that they don't. Not true IMO.My opinion is based on my statement being true. If my statement is not true, then my opinion is wrong.

As usual, disagreements come down to problems in definition. To me, the definition of a replica is a car that is pretending to be the real deal but is not. Based upon this assumption, I also assume the owners and drivers of replicas are pretending to own and drive a car that they don't have. Like I said, if this is not true, then I see nothing wrong with a replica.

I never saw anything wrong with Cobra replicas, so I'm not completely on one side of the fence. I think it has to do with the Factory Five Cobras that actually out-perform the originals. They are also built better than the originals too, something that is as important as performacne. If someone were building Lamborghini Diablo replicas that were destroying the originals on a track, AND more reliable, AND more beautiful, then those replicas are in a different league than the ones I have seen so far, and they would demand much more respect, probably more than the real thing.

It is the onlookers that are making the assumption, very true! But you have to expect that when you mimic the Lamborghini bodystyle.

No matter how you look at it. Or how much deatail goes into a car, a replica is a replica and the anyone with any knowledge of exotics can tell. If your in to replicas and enjoy them then that's fine and it shouldn't matter what others say. However, I still don't and never will see a point to owning a replica.

TexasF355F1, exactly, and that is the bottom line. There is no argument. Replicas and originals are two different things and can not be compared.

oh as long as your happy than who cares! whos to say what and what you cant do with your own replica or money, if thats consider faking than so be it! this thread has gone from cars to whats right and wrong....obvisiously people are not going to like people who pretend but the fact is that our magazines show it ...our schools show its okay and our tv shows all show it...if thats the case isnt breast implants consider faking????! plastic surgery??? hell all i know is i aint complaining about big breast...lol. trust me if you buy a real lamborghini you think alot of people will be happy for you? envy envy envy my friends....oh gosh people will just hate you for owning the real deal cause just look at the supra stomping diablo thread!!! as quoted in that thread..."you people should be ashamed of yourselves for spending all that money on a car when theres so many homeless needy people out there".....my point is just do what makes YOU happy and who cares what anyone else thinks cause it really doesnt matter since life is short....just go out and make yourself happy:)

[QUOTE=Doucette]
As usual, disagreements come down to problems in definition. To me, the definition of a replica is a car that is pretending to be the real deal but is not. Based upon this assumption, I also assume the owners and drivers of replicas are pretending to own and drive a car that they don't have. Like I said, if this is not true, then I see nothing wrong with a replica.QUOTE]

Definition indeed. I accept that the CAR might be 'pretending' to be an original but that doesn't mean the owner is thinking along the same lines. Your quote above again assumes that the owner is pretending or a fake as well, which is nearly always not the case.

It is your assumption of an individual that you have never conversed with that I have issue understanding. Man has come a long way to not making judgements on someone whatever their colour, clothing or even what car they drive. I don't, I just expected others to as well. I guess I've just met too many people who have completely blown my perceived impressions of them out of the window. Nowadays I don't assume or perceive anything about anyone.

As for Texas355F1 comment, I agree. In fact, an individual with even half a clue about ANY automobilia (not just exotics) can tell the difference between a V12 and a V6/V8. Again, this is another reason why very few replica builders would try and convince someone that their car was anything other than a fake.

Live long and prosper guys.

I agree, Adrenalin Trip. Thanks for opening up my eyes on this one. There are those who claim their replicas are better than real Diablos, and it is that type of mentality that makes no sense to me. However, you have shown that not every replica owner thinks this way. I'm glad this turned into more of a discussion than an argument. (See my quote below!)

lovetogofast, funny but true post! (What thread is the supra-stomping thread?)

lovetogofast, funny but true post! (What thread is the supra-stomping thread?)



http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=71752

Diablos aren't very fast cars,if your compairing them to other sports cars considering the price. My $8000 mustang would easily keep up with one,and they need constant maintenance. Those cars are for show and need to be garaged kept. Why would you want to spend that kind of money for a piece of junk like that. I would rather have a ferrari,Mercedes or a Porsche. Spend the money you were going to spend on the replica on a nice Mercedes

mantus: huh? You're obviouslu judging something that you have no idea of, a Diablo's top speed is far over 310km/hr, or 200mph, and 100km/hr (60mph) in first gear, your mustang means shit to us, and it doesn't have shit when compared to the diablo. But if it were a replica, i'd have MY money on you.

I would rather have a ferrari,Mercedes or a Porsche. Spend the money you were going to spend on the replica on a nice Mercedes

Oh dear. The trolls have returned.

If you are bright enough to open those flaps of skin covering your eyes try and take the effort to point them up slightly and look at the words heading this forum. In case you have trouble with more than one syllable it says 'for-um' and Lam-bor-gi-ni'. I admire you in one way though- there really is proof of a missing link.

mantus: huh? You're obviouslu judging something that you have no idea of, a Diablo's top speed is far over 310km/hr, or 200mph, and 100km/hr (60mph) in first gear, your mustang means shit to us, and it doesn't have shit when compared to the diablo. But if it were a replica, i'd have MY money on you. Where the hell are you going to go 200mph? 145mph is all i ever went,and that was too fast for any city around my way. I'm talking about quickness.

Oh dear. The trolls have returned.

If you are bright enough to open those flaps of skin covering your eyes try and take the effort to point them up slightly and look at the words heading this forum. In case you have trouble with more than one syllable it says 'for-um' and Lam-bor-gi-ni'. I admire you in one way though- there really is proof of a missing link. I was accually wondering that myself. Why am i in a Lamborgini forum saying they suck? I don't know,i must have been bored yesterday. they are nice cars,i agree.
:banghead:

we're saying replica's suck, and they do, end of story, hehe

Dale Van Blokland’s “Exotic Dream Builders” (website - http://www.lambobuilder.com/edb/) in Austin Texas, in my 7 year of searching opinion, is the best place to buy a Diablo replica. The frame itself was designed like a real Diablo’s, and the body is identical. They look great, and this man doesn’t play around – he is serious about building them exactly right. The actual company that creates the body and frame is North American Exotic Replica Cars at http://www.exoticreplicacars.com/. :iceslolan

I'm curious about how old you guys are and what you do for a living,that you can spend $60,000 on a kitcar

Do these people need Lamborghini's permission,in order to copy these things. It's like the people who sell the fake designer pocketbooks. Alot of these people are now getting busted. I'm sure this guy has some kind of license.I'm willing to bet money,that this guys replicas are much more reliable than the real thing.

why the fuck do you want to know hwo old they are and what they do for a living to afford a REPLICA?? any half wit asshole with a decent pay slip can afford one, i'd be more concerned what the REAL diablo owners do for a living, not some jackass who likes to look good in something that's not real.

why the fuck do you want to know hwo old they are and what they do for a living to afford a REPLICA?? any half wit asshole with a decent pay slip can afford one, i'd be more concerned what the REAL diablo owners do for a living, not some jackass who likes to look good in something that's not real.I'm not talking about your $30,000 replicas. I'm talking about the good $100,000 ones that are on that guys site. I'm asking the guys who are thinking of getting them,obviously your not one of them.

Do these people need Lamborghini's permission,in order to copy these things. It's like the people who sell the fake designer pocketbooks. Alot of these people are now getting busted. I'm sure this guy has some kind of license.I'm willing to bet money,that this guys replicas are much more reliable than the real thing.

This article touches upon that a bit:
http://www.lamboshop.com/herald.htm

"Heick calls his cars the Vision 2000, since he can't call them Lamborghinis without infringing on the company's patents."

...and...

"The company doesn't need special permission from Lamborghini to produce the cars - because the cars are not technically Lamborghinis."


...and off topic of permissions, but relavent to the replica discussion:


"The original Lamborghini Countach was conceived and designed in the early 1970s, Heick said, and the design was relatively unchanged until the company stopped producing the cars and moved to the Diablo model in 1991.
"The Countach is essentially a dinosaur," he said. But Heick said that every car he and his team build has been changed and modified, a process that he said makes them better than the real thing, which costs nearly 10 times more.
When asked why the original costs so much more, Filho compared it to people paying extra money for designer jeans.
"It's kind of like Levi's," he said. "People are just paying for the tag on the jeans.""

Heick's website:
http://www.lamboshop.com/

I'm not talking about your $30,000 replicas.



MY 30,000 replicas? what are you talking about? I'm AGAINST them! I've been saying for a few months that you wouldn't catch me DEAD sitting in one.

why the fuck do you want to know hwo old they are and what they do for a living to afford a REPLICA?? any half wit asshole with a decent pay slip can afford one, i'd be more concerned what the REAL diablo owners do for a living, not some jackass who likes to look good in something that's not real.

Quality. You really are a dolt aren't you? I'm sure that the genuine owners on this site really appreciate your ignorant comments and are probably a little concerned that you are running for Lamborghini ownership (you don't actually have one do you?) and will obviously be as outspoken then as you are now. You really will paint a good picture of a Lamborghini owner.

Considering every genuine owner I have spoken to has been nothing but friendly, polite and curteous I can only hope that I never have the unbearable misfortune of meeting you and your new found love (when you eventually get it that is).

I find it quite amusing that you can knock replica owners as 'jackasses that like to look good in something thats not real' when you can post a comment like 'I'd love to just cruise around to the beach every weekend just to show off...that's my dream/goal.'

Get a life.

wow, where did you pull that one from? Your ass?

You obviously do NOT see my point, so why bother arguing when you don't understand?

My point was to question why he asked people who want to build a replica, rather than asking someone who can afford the 'deal deal'
I don't know how much of this thread you've read, but if you have only just started on this page, go and read from the begining, you'll see my point, and everyone elses point.

And I don't doubt that their nice people, my point was to get the other guy to realise than anyone can afford one, so why is he so concerned? I than said That I'd be MORE concerned to know what a REAL diablo owner does for a living to afford such a car. OK?


If you have a habit of abusing people when you dont' even know the full story, than you should get a life.

Hello,

this thread is heading the wrong way, please try to keep things polite here ... no name calling and using abusive words ... there are still rules when writing on a forum.

Several people have been banned before, don't become one of them, it's not worth the time and effort you know.

There are people out there that buy a replica, others save up an entire life to be able to buy the real thing ... each his own.

I would like to react to the post about the Countach replica builder ... he states that his replica cost ten times less because it doesn't have the 'name' like on designer jeans.
He is partly right, I agree, but also keep in mind that he doesn't have to earn the money to pay hundreds of people Lamborghini employs, the outstanding loans on the factory and stuff like that.
I think the overhead costs for Automobili Lamborghini are higher than we can imagine ... Ferruccio himself stated that he lost money on every single car he sold during the first years, I don't think any of our replica building friend are losing money on their cars.

As I stated, we all like Lamborghini's and we try to maintain this forum as best as possible ... let's keep it fun for everyone OK ?

Kind regards

Well, I agree Mark. Whether your post was aimed at me, Davo, someone else or all of us I don't know but as far as I'm concerned it's clear that Davo is not adverse to openly swearing and generally being a very confrontational individual and to save you the hassle of worrying about it in the future I'll tell you now that as long as Davo is here I won't be. Shame it didn't work out- I joined up to talk Lambos, real or replica with no offence to owners of either but I certainly wasn't expecting the language or ignorance eminating from Davo's mouth combined with the inabilty to discuss matters without offending people.

I have a lot of respect for mods on any forum. I hope it works out for you.

Best regards.

You just don't get it, do you? I told you to READ THE THREAD, and you still didn't. We're all very opinionated, but when you start building an entire story around ONE thing that I've stated, you exaggerate too far and you believe that i'm a total prick.

I had ONE out lash, ONE, If you read the 3 pages (or so), 100 replys or what ever, the entire thread is ONE BIG REPLICA CAR BASHING, there are insults, abusive language, obscene language, and the occasional off-topic, why single ME out?

Do your self a favour, don't join another forum if you're not prepared to read an entire argument before joining in.

I agree with mark also.

I came here to chat to people like my self, other lambo lovers, As much as I can't see a replica being a lamborghini, doesn't mean i hate them.

I've been trying to cool the argument down for over a month by telling people to slowly build a bridge and get over it, but SOME people (i.e. you..and a few other people) KEPT the argument going? Why, I have no idea.

I didn't enter it, but I somehow managed to trigger something that pissed you off, even though that 'thing' was none of you're business.

Best regards.

Theres many points about this thread that I could spend hours answering. I won't because there is no point. I am a replica builder. I would love to own a real one but I can't afford it, or rather, afford to run and maintain it. However, and this is the one area I want to address, I won't settle for a replica that in my opinion carries visual differences to the real thing. The silver replica talked about early on is a prime example. The amount of work, time and money that has gone into that car makes me respect the owner no end, but personally I wouldn't be happy with it for the reason's someone mentioned ie wheel gaps. front fender widths, sv scoops being incorrectly shaped etc.

My point is that not all replicas are based on the IFG car and there are quite a few alternatives now that have moulds pulled from a genuine Diablo shell. My replica is one of them. See www.lamboreplica.co.uk/body.html and scroll to the end to give you an idea. Yes, your man is right, it takes a lot of filler and sanding to get the bodies right but it CAN be done. Also see www.paralleldesigns.co.uk/gallery.html and scroll down to the pics of the orange gtr (and before anyone says, no it doesn't have the original front fenders (yet).

Personally I would never knock a real Diablo, or it's owner, and most guys that do can appreciate why someone would build a replica, but I'm just trying to point out that there are lookalikes, and there are replicas. Personally I would rather put my money into a replica that looks right than spend XXX on the engine. For that reason I went for a spaceframe chassis (so I at least sit in the right place), a body pulled from a genuine car, genuine lights, glass, window frames, interior mouldings, exact copy wheels, genuine wiper arm (God that cost a packet), genuine locks, handles, interior door pulls, ignition barrel (had to have the Lambo bull on the key!) and a full set of genuine badges. Sure, theres loads of things on my car which aren't genuine, or a poor alternative to the original (like the very low powered Buick/Rover V8) but these are things that I decided were not important to me.

At a fully built cost of around £35K (about $52K?) it's going to give me what I can afford, but more importantly I will be able to drive the thing when I want, as much as I want. If it goes wrong, I won't be heading off to Lambo with a wad of notes either, more likely over to the local Rover dealer...

Cheers to all

Nathan.

Very Nice BTW

......................

why the fuck do you want to know hwo old they are and what they do for a living to afford a REPLICA?? any half wit asshole with a decent pay slip can afford one, i'd be more concerned what the REAL diablo owners do for a living, not some jackass who likes to look good in something that's not real.

thank God for the Ignore Feature

...............................................

then use it.

Hi. I've got an itch to build a replica too but I just dont think the bodies are that good and it takes too much work to build the cars. I read at another forum even the BEST MADE bodies have to have lot of bodywork to get them looking good. My brother is a full time body man and I've worked in it some before so I suppose they're having to use a lot "plastic filler" (better known as Bondo) to get em to look good. Who wants a new car with BONDO over 75, 50 even 25% of the surface? I don't!!! If the bodies were good quailty, only needed a little body work here and there to make them look good, then I would probably build one. I suppose you could even build a pretty good car on a modified, upgraded, Ferio Chassis. There's no way it would be as good as an origional but it could be a fun affordable car. I've been seeing the replica tube chassis at one site but I still have concern about that. First it's built with mild steel where most car companies use some type of HSLA steel. Is it good enough? I don't know! Also the chassis was designed for a V12 and they're putting Corvette engines in them. Is this different engine and the different weight of the body going to throw off some weight ratios or something and make a poor handling car? I don't know, but those are concerns I have before I shell out $60,000 or more for parts!!! There's only one way to find out. First consult some top chassis builders and get their opinon about the mild steel. If they say its good enough then hire some professional driver to take it to a track and wring the heck out of it and then get his opinions. I don't think these kit companies have done that or at least I haven't read about it. I don't want to build a car on a chassis-engine combo that hasn't been tested and researched! Until they do some testing and build better bodies you would be a fool to sink $35 to $60k in a car thats full of Bondo. You better off putting that toward a Corvette or some othe sports car!! Then I hear some guys say " Oh but they're chick magnets". Do you really want a woman that just wants you because you got a sharp car? Do you really want a woman that flips for a man that spends up to $60k on a car full of bondo? I don't want either one!

Has any known replica builded tested their replica against a real Diablo on the racetrack?

Hello,

this thread is heading the wrong way, please try to keep things polite here ... no name calling and using abusive words ... there are still rules when writing on a forum.

Several people have been banned before, don't become one of them, it's not worth the time and effort you know.

There are people out there that buy a replica, others save up an entire life to be able to buy the real thing ... each his own.

I would like to react to the post about the Countach replica builder ... he states that his replica cost ten times less because it doesn't have the 'name' like on designer jeans.
He is partly right, I agree, but also keep in mind that he doesn't have to earn the money to pay hundreds of people Lamborghini employs, the outstanding loans on the factory and stuff like that.
I think the overhead costs for Automobili Lamborghini are higher than we can imagine ... Ferruccio himself stated that he lost money on every single car he sold during the first years, I don't think any of our replica building friend are losing money on their cars.

As I stated, we all like Lamborghini's and we try to maintain this forum as best as possible ... let's keep it fun for everyone OK ?

Kind regards

I don’t like arguing over cars either. Either people love performance, or they become addicted to the financial rank they believe a certain name brand car will bring them.

Everyone has their personal love of Lamborghini Diablos – looks, power, V12, whatever. I drove a 1983 Countach several years ago, and I did not like the way it drove, or handled. Then the Diablo was released, and I joined Diablo chat rooms where I got the lowdown on them. I absolutely love the way they look, but I have no interest in an overkill V12. My cousin was a master mechanic (he died in 2001 unfortunately), and he, along with myself agree that super performance does not require 12 cylinders – 8 cylinders are enough, (check out the Koenigsegg CC 8S powered (mainly) with a modified Mustang Cobra V-8 block. It holds the world’s fastest car record).

So, the Canadian Diablo kit company builds not only a body that looks like the beautiful Diablo, but a frame designed after Lamborghini’s as well. I’m not into 210 MPH, so a nice turbo-charged American V-8 is all the power I’d ever need, the kits are beautifully realistic, they cost a minimum of $98,500.00 to have them built, and they are an ‘every day driver’ car that won’t deplete all one’s cash for repairs.

This Lamborghini room is called ‘Replicas’, so I just thought I’d give my opinion on what I like about a Diablo, and what I demand from a car. Don’t forget the 1988 Callaway Corvette Sledgehammer that achieved a top speed of 254.76 MPH with a V-8 16 years ago). So, everybody drive what ever they like, and let's let everyone live with their dream car. :smokin:

(check out the Koenigsegg CC 8S powered (mainly) with a modified Mustang Cobra V-8 block. It holds the world’s fastest car record).Have any extra info on this test? We were just discussing fastest (production) cars in the McLaren F1 forum.

[QUOTE=Sexy beast]Hey I'm a smart guy, I've had plenty of rich dipshits bring their overpriced car into my garage with a small problem and leave with a $12,000 repair bill. So I'm pretty smart.

If its such a small problem how come the bill is so large? That sounds like to me that maybe your not an honest repairman. Please do explain !

What is the real Diablo body made of? I think I read the doors are made out of aluminum. Is the rest of the body made of fiberglass. If it is fiberglass is it wavy or smooth? I've never been around many Corvettes but I've always heard thet the fiberglass is wavy. If the Diablo's fiberglass is smooth, how do we know they didn't smooth it up with bondo at the factory? Ever think about that? I wasn't there and I doubt if you were either when they built it.

i agree with your first post (above that one about the over priced) but then if you think about it, a small problem on a 300,000 dollar sports car will cost a fair bit.

i'm not sure what you mean in your second post, correct me if i'm wrong, but are you talking about the structure of fibreglass?
if you magnify it, it's a woven fabric, and nothing is perfectly smooth.

Davo et al,

I've really enjoyed reading this debate, but i have one question...

Where is Dallas_Diablo, the man with the replica that's better than the real thing?

(Sound of can of worms being opened)

i was thinking, it's all good and well that people believe that a replica is better, or just as good as the real diablo, and i know why.

How can you judge two object when you only have experianced one? By saying that, yes, it does exclude me from the argument, because 1) i have never driven or seen a replica, but, i have seen, a real diablo.
We can all use figures as proof, but it means sh*t in the real world, it's personal opinion that makes it what it is.
A replica owner would feel the grunt of the car, and think it's just as good, if not better than the original, because s/he has not experiance the grunt of the real diablo.
Being a passenger is one thing, an experiance, but the driver feels the emotion.

did that make sence to anyone? know what i'm trying to say?

Yes,it made perfect sense. I say there is no way a replica feels and drives like a real Diablo,but,if you own a real one,you need lots of money for upkeep. If you were to take a good replica and a real Diablo,you could probably drive the replica alot longer before it needed repairs,but no way in hell is it going to feel as good. No,You can't compair $100,000 to $300,000,your right