The Art Of The Replica

[tkb289]

I recently came across a great video on the Petrolicious website, about a beautiful 1959 Ferrari 250 Testa Rosa replica, built by Peter Giacobbi. It’s a very nicely done video about the car and more importantly about the man who built his dream car and why in his own words, he did it. His use of an original body, then building the rest of the car around that body with the best parts he could source or create, truly captures the essence of his dream.

Building Your Dream Is A Beautiful Thing | Petrolicious

In my opinion, this story to a great extent also applies to Cobra replicas and the people who build them and who drive them. The vast majority of us here own and drive a replica or continuation Cobra, but there are also a few folks here that own an original.

Peter’s passion, dedication and craftsmanship is remarkable, and his interactions with people that own an original Testa Rosa that have seen his replica or ‘fake’ as he calls his Testa Rosa, is not unlike what some of us have experienced with our cars. This is not to say that all Cobra replicas are built to the same degree at Peter’s Testa Rosa, as that is a very high standard indeed, but there are some that are no doubt near or at that level.

I am sure a number of us here went down the same path as Peter, build the car of our dreams (the Cobra in this case) to experience to some degree what Ken Miles, Dan Gurney, Bob Bondurant and others experienced, because that is what we wanted to do and with a replica or continuation Cobra could afford to do.

Call it what you will … just dream it, built it and drive it!

[Jamo]

Very cool.

[4pipes]

Great video, pretty much sums up how we all feel. Those roads look like they're around our neck of the woods.

[mdross1]

A similar story a lot of us could tell, with the same passion.

[MOTORHEAD]

How lucky to find that body ! Fantastic build ! Would I trade my Cobra for it ? I'd have to think long and hard about it !

[LMH]

Very nice! Like I say, replica's should replicate.
I love the period suit, the Leston helmet and string-back gloves! Plus that sound!!
Larry

[Large Arbor]

I would agree, very nice and very well done. Loved his comment to the newer Ferrari owner, (i.e. Fiat parts). Not trying to start a debate here, but its amazing how the technological advantages have enabled the production of some better components today. I get the value and beauty of the original Cobras and the patina value, but hands down I think you would have a hard case saying an original is better built then some replicas including this one above.

Having said that, it does show you how far ahead Shelby was thinking when the Cobra breathed. I envy the original owners and the Shelby newer owners, and Kirkham owners.
All beautiful cars in their own right.

Thanks for the video and beautiful car.

Phil

[4pipes]

Not sure Shelby was thinking ahead, he just want to beat Ferrari. Jim Hall was the guy thinking ahead.

[Maricopa]

Makes me warm in the pantal region!

[xb-60]

Great find , Tim. I'll have to keep a check on the Petrolicious website; there are certainly some excellent videos there.
What an incentive to build a 250 TR replica when he found that body! Right decision to not 'perfect' the body , and to not paint it.

Thanks for posting.

Cheers,
Glen

[LMH]

Kind of bizarre but I think I've seen his car in person. Anyone know if he lives in southern California?
Larry

[tkb289]

Larry,

I read a snippet of an Autoweek article on Peter Giacobbi and his TR, it mentioned that he lives in Orange County. So you are correct southern California and sounds like you have seen the car in person.

- Tim

[LMH]

Thought so! I think it was in the car show section at the Coronado Speedfest a couple years ago. Now I'll have to dig through many photos.
Larry

[cycleguy55]

That is a very special car. Sounds like a spectacular ride.

Thanks for sharing.

[1985 CCX]

I totally get this........

[ACademic]

That was simply awesome. Thank you for sharing.

[Tom Howland]

Great story Tim!!! I was smiling the whole time. Thanks for sharing.

[CobraBoy]

I saw that video too. I am a Petrolicious subscriber. The films are superb: beautifully photographed and full of personal interest too.

Peter's is a fabulous replica of a 250 Testa Rossa - a 1959 model. I too think he went about creating his homage in the correct way, just like many folk go about constructing their Cobra replicas. I would love to construct something like that, which I guess is partly why I intend to construct my own homage to the Cobra myself some day. I hope to be able to capture an amount of authenticity in my own Cobra build purely for my own satisfaction.

Long may the replica hobby continue!

Paul

[Detroit Bill]

Very interesting.

[Dangerous Doug]

Spectacular! I have a great deal of respect for his artistry and craftsmanship. It's hard to believe anyone would turn their nose up, but I guess a snob is a snob.

Great post, Tim. I'm forwarding the link to quite a few people.

DD