Oh no, this isn't some Photoshop gone wrong. Upon first seeing this while scrolling through the depths of the internet, I just had to ask myself one question, "Why in God's name would anyone want to turn a Ferrari into a stretched limo?". I then promptly reminded myself that there's plenty of madmen in our world, and for better or worse, the damage has already been done to this poor machine. Your opinions might differ, but I absolutely would never let something like this to be done.
The car in question is an early 2000s Ferrari 360 'Modena', which remains highly sought after and treasured even till this day. It was gorgeously penned by famed design house, Pininfarina, and had a sonorous 3.6-litre mid-mounted V8. If you wanted to know how angels sound like when they sing to you in your dreams, then stick your ears close to the exhaust of a 360, and have a listen. Not too close however, as its V8 howl and bark might just burst your eardrums.
Even better, the 360 was one of the last Ferraris to be sold with the gated manual transmission, with a tactile feedback that oozes with sensory overload. For those looking at buying a classic Ferrari that's neither too old, too slow, nor too expensive, this one is a great choice on the classifieds. Or, you could spring towards a 360 Challenge Stradale, the road-going version of Ferrari's Challenge race-cars; just as brutal on a Tesco parking lot, as it is around Fiorano Circuit.
A Ferrari + A Bottle Of Viagra = ...
Credits to: Ferrari 360 Limo - Carsales.au | The Beast (not) from Maranello.
So, the question remains then; why did some crazed Aussie thought to import this once perfectly functional 360 from the UK, and promptly turning it into a limo? The simple answer, is that renting limousines is a lucrative business, and you could really ramp up the rental prices if you're offering a one-off like this Ferrari. In contrast to the regular bunch of Lincolns, Mercs, and Hummers, you could have your guest sip win at the back of your Fezza, while listening to the crescendo of that V8.
Ostentatiousness pays. To create this monstrosity, the creator, Scott Marshall had used an air hacksaw and "cut the bastard in half", courtesy of one interview. It would be easy enough to chop any car in two, but sewing it back together into a wholesome piece is the tricky bit. Marshall added an aluminium frame, while the rest of the panels are made from fibre-glass. The point was to keep the weight down, but for a limousine, what's the damn point?
By taking a pop or two of "the little blue pill", they've added a porky 2,400-lbs to this once-lightweight supercar, nearly an extra 2/3 of the original 360's mass. It looks like they've added about 3x more in length, too. Ensuring it doesn't get beached while manoeuvring, and that you don't spill your cocaine everywhere, air-suspension is fitted. The engine wasn't modified despite the added weight, though given how slowly limousines drive, it probably would've made no difference.
Credits to: 360 Modena, 360 Challenge Stradale, and WallpaperUp - Tipo F131 V8 Engine | Pure, and untainted by evil.
Adding a bit more to the list of sacrilegious acts done to this 360, they've swapped the lovely 6-speed manual for an automatic transmission from none other than a Subaru Legacy GT. This is to make sure it drives smoothly, even if the driver's done two bottles of wine. Looking aside my amazement that a Subaru's gearbox could take the strain, I had to wonder as to why Marshall didn't just buy a 360 with the F1-styled automated-manual gearbox instead? I assume that gear-lever in the photo is just a decoration.
Such a cannibalism is making me feel utterly distraught, and at this point, this 360 has lost whatever sporting performance, or dynamic athleticism that it once had. At least they've honoured its pedigree somewhat by keeping the engine in the rear-mid configuration, which is certainly very unique for any limo. It can no longer storm a lovely coastal road at 100mph, nor will it ever be able to make a tight hairpin turn on a mountain pass.
Besides, it would be a shame to spill all that champagne. What it can do, is make you look double cool as you arrive to your prom night, graduation ceremony, nightclub, or bachelor party. Getting in and out is done gracefully past two gullwing doors, which the original didn't have. There's seats for six in the back, caressing your buttocks with supple Italian leather. There's not one, but two TVs, and a minibar that lights up brighter than my entire apartment.
Credits to: Ferrari 360 Limo - Carsales.au | Party time with a Prancing Horse!
The price for all this madness? Well, it's up for sale right now at a dollar shy of $400,000 AUD, or nearly $285,000. Absolutely shocking, since a regular 360 can be had for around $80,000 in good nick, or even as low as $50,000 for a more used example. The ones with gated manuals would command a hefty premium, stretching past $100,000. More to that, even the exclusive Challenge Stradale costs under $200,000 in most cases.
Clearly, all that conversion is quite heavy on the wallet, and it'll take quite a few rentals before breaking even. I've mostly looked at this insane creation in disgust, and although I still have that bitter aftertaste, I still can't avoid being in awe of its incarnation. I hate it, but secretly I have to admire the work that's been done. Does such a sour feeling flood your soul, with equal parts of tears and rage, too? Or, are you a fan of it? If your answer is the latter, then you better pray I don't know your address.
Credits to: GIPHY