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I think the value of these cars is in their rarity and originality - the replica would be worth a tiny fraction of that, because its not original, and many buy

I think the value of these cars is in their rarity and originality - the replica would be worth a tiny fraction of that, because its not original, and many buy them because of their investment potential not because they are a great car to drive (a lot don't get driven as it reduces the value and is risky). Also, don't underestimate the cost involved in making something like this. While obviously not $20m, having every part created from scratch involves creating accurate drawings and understanding the specifications of the materials and processes involved, which isn't simple. Even creating a replacement set of gears for an existing gearbox takes an immense amount of investment in time, and creating something complex such as an engine block or gearbox casing would be considerably more. Yes, the originals were built in a machine shop, but also a foundry, and a design department, with a larger supply chain for many of the smaller components, and you'd need to replicators, or all of their work - a substantial effort.

WalterBright 6y ago
Oh, I know it would be expensive. But Ferrari doesn't make those parts anymore, and people go to great lengths to restore them. So somebody is making these parts. There are lots of shops that make drag racing engines, including forgings. I know, I put forged rotating parts in my Dodge. They aren't particularly expensive. Ditto for things like special gears for your differential. So these foundries exist, and I'm sure you can write them a check and they can build whatever you want. You would need an original engine to get the specifications off of. You might be able to get a blown one for a reasonable price. You may also be able to examine the parts from someone who is doing a restoration of the same engine. You might be able to share expenses with someone who in a pickle because he has the car with a blown engine. As for driving it, one of the points is to be able to enjoy driving it, rather than have a $37m museum piece too valuable to drive. I'm not terribly interested in a museum piece. I wanna drive it. It would likely cost a couple million to do this. But it would be a way cool project! Besides, an "original" car is hardly original. It's got new paint, new coachwork, new rubber, lots of rusty parts replaced, new oil, new bearings, etc.
- WalterBright 6y ago
  Also, for low production runs, a forging can be replaced by a "billet" chunk of metal machined to size. I seriously doubt Ferrari was relying on some secret exotic metal for their engines in the 50's and 60's. A top fuel drag engine builder should know everything needed to make a very suitable clone of the originals.

WalterBright 6y ago

Oh, I know it would be expensive. But Ferrari doesn't make those parts anymore, and people go to great lengths to restore them. So somebody is making these parts. There are lots of shops that make drag racing engines, including forgings. I know, I put forged rotating parts in my Dodge. They aren't particularly expensive. Ditto for things like special gears for your differential. So these foundries exist, and I'm sure you can write them a check and they can build whatever you want. You would need an original engine to get the specifications off of. You might be able to get a blown one for a reasonable price. You may also be able to examine the parts from someone who is doing a restoration of the same engine. You might be able to share expenses with someone who in a pickle because he has the car with a blown engine. As for driving it, one of the points is to be able to enjoy driving it, rather than have a $37m museum piece too valuable to drive. I'm not terribly interested in a museum piece. I wanna drive it. It would likely cost a couple million to do this. But it would be a way cool project! Besides, an "original" car is hardly original. It's got new paint, new coachwork, new rubber, lots of rusty parts replaced, new oil, new bearings, etc.

WalterBright 6y ago
Also, for low production runs, a forging can be replaced by a "billet" chunk of metal machined to size. I seriously doubt Ferrari was relying on some secret exotic metal for their engines in the 50's and 60's. A top fuel drag engine builder should know everything needed to make a very suitable clone of the originals.