Sexy Alfa Stradale 33 Body for 818 Chassis?

[dexterford]

Just fantasizing: The 818S body is great, but feels kinda "Butch, Stripped-Down Boxster" overall.

I wonder if a replica of the incredibly steamy 1960s Alfa 33 Stradale would work for a (later) FFR model? 818 wheelbase is 3 inches longer, but the basic proportions look similar.

[freds]

That Tipo 33 and the D Type Jag are my all time favorites.

[Mechie3]

I'm too young to want a 60's car.

[wleehendrick]

I wonder if a replica of the incredibly steamy 1960s Alfa 33 Stradale would work for a (later) FFR model? 818 wheelbase is 3 inches longer, but the basic proportions look similar.

I don't think it would look right... if the proportions aren't spot-on it would look like the worst of the kit car industry, i.e a fake Ferrari on Fiero chassis.


I'm too young to want a 60's car.

It's before my time too, but IMHO that era produced the most beautiful car designs ever: Miura, GT40, Shelby Daytona, Dino, etc...

[freds]

I'm too young to want a 60's car.

Sometimes I forget how old I am...don't feel it...fortunately! I might be the oldest 818 builder....72 in June.

Anyway, to me, the D type Jag is just flat out beautiful....even today.

fred

[flynntuna]

Their are other Co's out there that have that niche. Porsche 904's as an example.







FFR's 818 is a ground breaking car, and not meant to copy any other car.

[freds]

I didn't mean to imply that the 818 should look like any other car...I was just mentioning two of my "pin-up" favorites.

I'm more than happy with the 818 in every way...that's why I'm building one!

[Mechie3]

I did see some d type jags at the Indy speedway on Saturday. By the time I was into cars fast and furious had come out and the exotics were things like McLarens and f360s. Just another case of the things you seem to like the most are the things you liked when you were in your most impressionable years.

[bwwooster]

Only if you can stick this behind the seats!
29030

[Boog]

Shouldn't the poll have a third option of "No, I would not buy one or make one"?

[Canadian818]

The appeal for most of us is the 818 isn't a replica at all.

[carbon fiber]

The op was just fantasizing, personally I think the alfa is MUCH sexier than the 818. MY FLAMEPROOF SUIT IS ON!

[wleehendrick]

The op was just fantasizing, personally I think the alfa is MUCH sexier than the 818. MY FLAMEPROOF SUIT IS ON!

I agree! I bought my donor from Jeff Awender, who put off his 818 to build this (http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?9912-What-is-your-OTHER-project&p=97813&viewfull=1#post97813):

http://www.awender.com/pictures/NF1.jpg

I got to check it out when I picked up my donor.


By the time I was into cars fast and furious had come out and the exotics were things like McLarens and f360s. Just another case of the things you seem to like the most are the things you liked when you were in your most impressionable years.

I came of age in the 80's and lusted after the super-cars of the day (Countach, Esprit, Testarossa...). Today, I find that era of styling bland slab-sided wedges. The lovely balanced curves of a 60's Italian race/exotic, Jag D/E, etc... are pure sex on wheels. Today's super/hyper-cars (La Ferrarri, P1) are starting to recapture some of that flare, with a modern interpretation, but the realities of aerodynamics dictate otherwise.

[carbon fiber]

I like new, old, lots of styles, but the old lines are sexy.29044

[metalmaker12]

It's a beautiful car, I have seen a few in person.

[evilfirbolg]

As a die hard Subie guy and big time rally car freak who has followed the 818 development from the beginning I remember some mention of the concept or philosophy of the Lancia Stratos. That certainly got my attention. I have piles of Subie drivetrains and have been a Stratos fanatic since I was a kid. And to be honest, i didn't pull the trigger on putting money out there on one of the first builds because of the styling that got settled on. Just didn't feel that philosophy was kept and I really don't dig the way the car looks, too MR2 Spyder for me. But not knocking its effectiveness and have stuck around as a lurker to watch a few get built and decide if I wanna dive in anyway. I mean, the R has grown on me somewhat. But truth is I want this....29052

[Doowop]

Yeah the Alfa is awesome but I personally can not stand replicas of any kind, that is why I am doing the 818 and eventually a GTM.
ANd your Poll is incomplete as there is no way to say NO! :)
Evilfirebolg, I've loved Stratos since I was a little car. Have you check the price they sell for lately? IN-SANE!! :( I guess I'll never own one....

[EricScottZehnder]

Ugh, the Alfa and Porsches posted here from the 60's are just pure sex. Mid to late 60's saw some of the most beautiful race and road cars we've ever seen. Not even just that but muscle cars were never better (in my opinion) than that same era.

I would LOVE to see a third-party offer a body swap to either the Alfa or Porsche style. Even something that's just based on those sorts of lines but not necessarily a copy would be a HUGE draw to me. The 818 is OK in my opinion. I'm not drawn to the looks at all - just the price vs. performance. The design simply doesn't do it for me. I think it feels very late 90's early 2000's in design cues. Even a modern Ford Fusion or Kia Optima feels much more modern and sleek and those are family sedans!

EDIT: That poll is kind of crappy. I want to vote for both. Yes, if FFR made a body swap like this I would want to build one. I don't expect them to, though, as it would raise costs and there specialty isn't in complex panels, obviously.

[UpstateCobraGuy]

As a die hard Subie guy and big time rally car freak who has followed the 818 development from the beginning I remember some mention of the concept or philosophy of the Lancia Stratos. That certainly got my attention. I have piles of Subie drivetrains and have been a Stratos fanatic since I was a kid. And to be honest, i didn't pull the trigger on putting money out there on one of the first builds because of the styling that got settled on. Just didn't feel that philosophy was kept and I really don't dig the way the car looks, too MR2 Spyder for me. But not knocking its effectiveness and have stuck around as a lurker to watch a few get built and decide if I wanna dive in anyway. I mean, the R has grown on me somewhat. But truth is I want this....29052

My thoughts exactly, I was pumped over a Stratos type concept. It didn't have to be an exact replica but needed to catch the flavor. The 818 is fine but you won't see me plunking down my hard earned cash on it. The builds are creeping more expensive than originally planned (like the GTM) and needs to have true all weather protection (like my Miata).

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TGX55u-jmLI/AAAAAAADMrg/qR1He050_G8/s1600/New-Lancia-Stratos-1.jpg

IMHO, if I'm going with a tuner type design, make mine a Flyin' Miata turbo or LS V8 conversion and be done.

Sorry,

Pat

PS, 818 as a name is even more lame....

[evilfirbolg]

Agreed with you Pat. Had they made one of those coupes from the original design submissions I would have been one of the first in line. Just not into the design, and the creeping cost. Knowing that Imma hafta chase down those expenses to get what I want I have shifted my focus to a Superlite SLC and trying a turbocharged EZ30/33 in front of one of my PPG straight cut trannies or a 6 speed. Most folks are using a heavy LS7/ Ricardo combo but I am sure I can make similar numbers with far less weight. Not that I don't think the 818 is a nifty piece of kit, and if they ever decide to make one of those coupes I will be more enthused, but for a roadster track car I'll stick with the DSR/ CSR thing or a Formula Ford. But if I could have one of those concept new Lancias!! Boy o boy is that sexy!