What are Replica Cars?

Replica cars are copies of drivers’ favourite vehicles and are designed to resemble the original as closely as possible, if only in appearance. They are also known as kit or component cars and come in parts or as a complete vehicle.

Why choose a replica car?

A replica can offer ‘almost’ everything that the original can, but for a fraction of the price. This is great news for those of us who can’t afford to just pop out and buy an iconic car. Choosing to go for a replica is often safer too, as it can be made from newer, safer components that will last a lot longer between repairs than those from decades past.

Are they popular?

Without realising, you have probably driven past countless replica cars that you could have sworn were the real deal. Some of them are tricky to spot and cars that are copied can range from old classics from the early 1900’s to modern racecars, so you never know when one might pass by.

Famous replica cars

Generally, builders take inspiration from well-known vehicles such as Ferrari or Lamborghini, then turn a less flamboyant car into a flashy sports car lookalike. Perhaps the most famous example is Ferris Bueller’s ‘Ferrari’ that is in actual fact an MG MGB in disguise; even film and TV companies often opt for replicas in place of the ‘real deal’ when it comes to cars!

Celebrities with replica cars

Most well-off celebrities prefer to splash out of the latest and greatest supercars, but there are still some famous faces out there who opt for a replica instead. Bill Goldberg for example, of wrestling, sport and acting fame, now has many cars he dreamt of as a child, including a 1965 Shelby Cobra replica. Since the 1970’s, copies of the legendary Cobra have cropped up and the trend for these particular copy-cars is showing no sign of slowing. Another fan of the duplicate classic car is rock star Jeff Beck. He owns a 1932 three-window Ford coupe, just like the one from “American Graffiti”. ‘Celebrity Rides’ has also featured a couple of replica projects over the years, including a black 1977 Pontiac Trans Am for Bury Reynolds and a 1955 Porsche Spyder for Kevin Dillon.

Want to own an iconic classic car, race car or ultra-modern supercar without paying a crazy amount? Then a replica car could be your answer!

If you are thinking of going for a replica, you can either pick one up that is finished and ready to drive, or take the time to build your own from a kit. You can get replica cars online – eBay and Autotrader have plenty for sale – or there are companies out there who will help you craft your dream car from a base or complete kit.