This 1985 Modena GT Spyder California was one of three used in the 1986 film, in which Ferris Bueller, played by a young Matthew Broderick, convinces his friend Cameron to not only bunk off school for a day, but also to take his dad’s 1961 Ferrari 250GT California. In reality, though, that car wasn’t a real Ferrari. With the Italian machine’s value deemed far too high for the production of the film, it was the Modena GT replica that was used.
Built by Modena Design and Development in California, it shares little in common with a real Ferrari aside from a pretty convincing look. In fact, the fibreglass body is said to have been modelled on an MG. This particular example is powered by a 5.0-litre Ford-sourced V8 engine, which gives the car quite a different character to the real thing’s 3.0-litre V12 unit. It’s covered just 1,520 miles – apparently not wound back in reverse gear – and comes with a certificate of authenticity from Modena Design to back claims that it appeared in the film.
Alongside the car itself, the highest bidder will also receive some Ferris Bueller memorabilia – although exactly what this is has not been revealed.
The famous Ferrari replica will be sold by Mecum at the Monterey Car Week in California, with its auction taking place from 23-25 August. It’s estimated to sell for up to $300,000 (about £235,000) but, as with real Ferraris, that price could
skyrocket.
