It’s time to shock the neighbours with this re-dressed Toyota MR2. This Ferrari 430 look-alike will have everyone thinking you’ve won the lottery. Finished in the only colour, bright red and with suitably matching black rims, it really does strike a pose. Bought by an elderly Gentleman who unfortunately passed away before he could enjoy it and is now being sold on behalf of the Widow. Little is known of the origins of the car, but on appearances, the vehicle has been nicely converted with a high level of attention to detail to make a more convincing finished car and seems to have been cared for since.

 It is a shame that there is very little in the way of documented history for this car, particularly as it has clearly been a well-executed conversion. Bought as a finished project back in September 2021 but was unfortunately unused as the owner passed away shortly afterwards. The Widow knows nothing of the vehicle’s origins and has put it into the hands of a family friend to sell. There are a couple of previous MOT certificates, but the car is presently on a SORN certificate.

The car has been treated to several pseudo-Ferrari items inside the cockpit, things like the extra 430 emblazoned central vents, the bright yellow rev counter and of course a Ferrari-style steering wheel, complete with a dummy starter button. There is a slight issue with the steering wheel as it seems to be a non-airbag model which means the airbag light is illuminated on the dash. This will need to be addressed before taking for an MOT. The fit and finish is generally good inside the car and all the switchgear appears to function as it should, as does the air-conditioning. An aftermarket large-screen entertainment system is also fitted and appears to be working.

The outside is where it’s all happening with this car and it pulls off the illusion of being a 430 pretty well. It is unknown if the kit, which is more than likely made by DNA, was fitted professionally or at home. Either way, the job has been undertaken with obvious attention to detail as the fit is good. There is an issue with the roof, however. The friend of the Widow has no idea how the rear engine cover opens, and as this cover needs to open to lower the roof it has been impossible to say that it lowers satisfactorily. 

A browse on the internet is likely to throw up a solution. The date of the conversion is unknown, but the overall condition of the bodywork is good and is apparently free of any repairs or stress cracks that can so often beleaguer fibre-glass body panels. The clever deception is further enhanced with a pretend set of drilled discs and Ferrari callipers at each corner. The car is set low to the ground so the underside has not been viewed or photographed.

All the mechanical components remain reassuringly Toyota enabling an owner to be reassured of both reliability and affordability. The engine was not viewed on the day of the photo session due to the inability of opening the cover, but it started straight from the key and settled into a quiet tick-over. Throttle response is keen and instant and there were no unwanted fumes emitted while the car was manoeuvred. The manual gearbox shifts easily between forward gears and reverse and the clutch is delightfully light. 

If you want to turn heads by owning a great-looking car but want to keep a tight rein on your cash, then look no further. This MR2 provides all the fun of the spirited little Japanese firecracker with the style and looks of an Italian Supercar. Sure, there are a couple of issues to overcome with the airbag light and the unknown method of gaining access to the engine, but these are insignificant when you appreciate just how much work has gone into the conversion. It really is a machine that supplies fun by the bucket load and attracts the looks without forking out for a real Ferrari.

This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*

UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.