Highlights
- Evocative and lightweight 1950s racing replica
- Based on 1950s Maserati race car design
- Registered as 1963 historic vehicle, tax and MOT exempt
- MOT valid to January 2027 with no advisories
- Custom-built on a Locost chassis with a bespoke widened cockpit and 99" wheelbase
- Fitted with 16" Aston Martin wire wheels and Porsche 356 seats
- Only 614 miles since completion
The Appeal
If the photos of this Formosa are giving you Jaguar C-Type, Aston Martin, and, of course, Maserati vibes, then we’re with you. The 120GR was designed to evoke all those streamlined ‘50s racers without slavishly copying them. The result is a gorgeous, capable evocation rather than a deliberate copy.
This car is a Maserati-badged 120GR ‘Longnose’, which means that it has a longer wheelbase to accommodate taller drivers. Most Formosas were based on Scimitar chassis, but this one takes the lightweight idea even further, as beneath the stylish body is a Locust Super Seven chassis. We’re told that the work was done four years ago, the car then being finished in a beautiful two-colour colour scheme similar to that used on 80s and 90s Maseratis. It works well, helped by some neat decals, black wires and a suitably stripped-out cabin.
The vendor tells us that the car is fitted with a Ford Zetec engine running twin-choke carburettors and a manual gearbox. The digital odometer indicates the car has covered only 614 miles since completion. There is the added bonus of a voluntary MOT valid to January 2026 with no advisories.
This is a really well-detailed and evocative alternative to the more common Cobra replicas.
History and Paperwork
- Registered on V5 as a 1963 Formosa 120 GR historic vehicle
- First registered 8th April 1963
- Six keepers recorded by DVLA
- Registration number 56 SC included
- MOT and tax exempt by age
- Fresh MOT valid to January 2027 with no advisories
- Custom-built approximately four years ago by Formosa Cars
- Built using 99in Locust Super 7 chassis to suit taller driver
- Colour change recorded by DVLA in January 2020
- New headlamp cover ordered and will be included in the sale
- DVLA records 1,147cc diesel engine, which is likely an error buyer may wish to rectify
- V5C included
- HPI report as shown
- VIN number GD468RS
The Condition
- Fibreglass bodyshell painted a Maserati colour, believed from the 1980s or 1990s
- Paintwork is in good order with some scratches and chips to note in photos
- Features period-style decals as shown
- Virtually stock 120GR long-nose body from the mould
- Wheel arches radiused further to accommodate larger wheels
- Aluminium panels used to join sections and create 1950s race car aesthetic
- Maserati badges and livery fitted
- 16" black wire wheels which the vendor says are Aston Martin units
- Black Porsche 356 seats trimmed similar to Ford GT40s
- Additional subframe section created to widen cockpit area
- 99" wheelbase instead of traditional 93-94" to suit taller drivers
- New headlamp cover ordered and included in the sale
- Digital odometer and classic-style dials
- Three-spoke wood-rimmed Astrali wheel
- Chassis as shown with no structural advisories on MOT
The Mechanics
- Vendor states car has a Ford Zetec engine running bike carburettors
- Type 9 five-speed manual gearbox
- Locost chassis underneath with additional subframe
- 99" wheelbase configuration
- Triumph Vitesse steering column
- No advisories on MOT
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✓ The seller of this vehicle is registered as a business seller. And you are covered by Car & Classic’s Terms and Conditions.
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✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
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