Ferris Bueller's Day Off Ferrari 250GT California

[spencer1984]

Built from the Academy release of the Italeri kit. I shaved the bumperettes, replaced the tires and wipers, made new door panels, customized a set of seats from a Doyusha DB5, and did some engine detailing.  A full writeup of everything I did is available here, and as always any comments/criticisms are welcome!

[Gustavo Reis]

Another beautiful movie replica. 

[Dragline]

Gorgeous from every angle. Lots of red ponies at the end there.

[Ragtop Man]

That is a beeeeeautiful build! Box art quality, surgically clean. 

Is there a Hobby Design (or other brand?) photo etch wire wheel that is correct for the 250 GT cars?

I know there is a set for the Testa Rossa and GTO... pretty sure I have both. 

Appreciate any tifosi input! 

[SpikeSchumacher]

Very nice, Bill!

[Jim B]

Great looking Ferrari.  Very well done.

[Jim N]

Great work.  Really outstanding.

[VanGoGo]

"You fellas have nothing to worry about... I'm a professional"... that car was in one of the funniest scenes in the movie

[Kah puts]

That’s a pearl 👍

[Pete75]

Absolutely beautiful job. Congrats 

[Rattlecan Dan]

Very nice work. Car looks beautiful.

[Mike 1017]

Fantastico!

[espo]

Beautiful looking replica. 

[Bruce Scully]

A top class build,really nice.

[1959scudetto]

Absolutely wonderful model, nice Ferrari collection !

[XYHARRY]

Loved the movie, loved the car. Really well done Bill. 

[spencer1984]

Thanks, everyone!

On 7/18/2025 at 11:28 AM, Ragtop Man said:

Is there a Hobby Design (or other brand?) photo etch wire wheel that is correct for the 250 GT cars?

I know there is a set for the Testa Rossa and GTO... pretty sure I have both. 

Appreciate any tifosi input! 

Alex Kustov of ItalianHorses.net used a set of Detail Master DM3180-3 Custom Wire Wheels on his build, and they looked great. I had tried using a set of Hasegawa 250TR wheels, but they were definitely the wrong shape. It turned out that the kits supplied wheels didn't look half bad with a black wash and a set of better tires.

[bondo bill]

great build

[STU111]

That is a superb build. Top notch. 👍🏻 A classic car in its own right, but its feature in the movie adds to its appeal. I still feel uncomfortable in the scene where it gets fired out of the rear of the garage! 

[slusher]

Fantastic build!

[Ragtop Man]

11 hours ago, spencer1984 said:

Thanks, everyone!

Alex Kustov of ItalianHorses.net used a set of Detail Master DM3180-3 Custom Wire Wheels on his build, and they looked great. I had tried using a set of Hasegawa 250TR wheels, but they were definitely the wrong shape. It turned out that the kits supplied wheels didn't look half bad with a black wash and a set of better tires.

Many thanks for the hint on the wheels; once in a blue moon the DM wires pop up, will keep my eyes open.

I think I've seen 3D Borranis, but I need to go dig for them. Have been hoarding Revell slot car tires for the job now for the better part of a decade... need to get on the stick when my shop re-opens.

[spencer1984]

Thanks, guys!

12 hours ago, STU111 said:

I still feel uncomfortable in the scene where it gets fired out of the rear of the garage! 

That's fair, even as a stunt car it's very realistic!

1 hour ago, Ragtop Man said:

Many thanks for the hint on the wheels; once in a blue moon the DM wires pop up, will keep my eyes open.

I think I've seen 3D Borranis, but I need to go dig for them. Have been hoarding Revell slot car tires for the job now for the better part of a decade... need to get on the stick when my shop re-opens.

You're welcome! I've seen some 3D printed options, but never with a confirmed source on where to get them.

[PappyD340]

Very nice build!

[JCH]

Great build.  I like the 312T as well.  You've got a knack for laying down a sweet red. 

[1959scudetto]

21 hours ago, Ragtop Man said:

I think I've seen 3D Borranis, but I need to go dig for them. Have been hoarding Revell slot car tires for the job now for the better part of a decade... need to get on the stick when my shop re-opens.

 

20 hours ago, spencer1984 said:

You're welcome! I've seen some 3D printed options, but never with a confirmed source on where to get them.

 

Jason of Jackmodelling makes excellent 3D printed Borrani spoke wheels in several sizes (even with matching Dunlop racing tires) - highly recommended !

Below, find 2 pics of this wheel/tire combo on a Ferrari 250 GTO (Italeri):

He is on holiday now, and will be back on July 30 - here is his e-mail address and e-bay shop:  

 contact.jackmodelling@gmail.com

https://www.ebay.com/str/jackmodelling