While many Ferrari replicas are epic disappointments with horrible proportions and underpinnings the likes of the Pontiac Fiero, this unfinished 250 GTO replica may be one of the better ones we’ve seen. Plus, the owner has sourced a Jaguar V12 to put a worthwhile powerplant under the hood and already has the necessary Datsun 240Z donor shell ready to convert into the cheapest 250 you’ll ever find. The stillborn project is located here on eBay with bids just over $3K and the reserve unmet.

Fellow writer Todd Fitch wrote up one of these Datsun-based kits a few months ago, and I have to believe this is a McBurnie conversions as well. As he points out, the final product is still easily discernable from the real thing, but it’s a better recreation than most. It’s clear the seller has been preparing for this project for years, and I’m mildly disappointed he’s throwing in the towel. Unlike other more rudimentary conversions, at least this one uses a good handling, well-designed car like the 240Z as the foundation.

The seller is correct that having the donor car ready to go is one less headache for the next owner. From the ad: “Next we have a very solid (and California titled) 1975 Datsun 240Z donor car as well as a complete parts car. The donor has been stripped and made ready to receive the new body skins.” There you go: a clean-titled vehicle, essential for any replica build like this. The seller is also including a large stash of high-grade parts, such as black leather Recaro seats, new Ferrari gauges and emblems, and Borrani wire wheels with knock-off center hubs.

Perhaps the best part is the seller didn’t rely on a wheezy, emissions-strangled four- or six-cylinder. No, he went straight to the top shelf and got himself a “…freshly rebuilt Jaguar 5.3 V12 motor,” ensuring the replica will have at least enough snort to put on a convincing display as a tribute car. The rest of the pictures in the listing tell the story of an owner that seemed to have a vision most of us can get on board with if you need a replica in your garage. Sure beats watching the rich guys have all the fun!