One-of-three Ferris Bueller movie cars for auction at Mecum

By: Alex Affat, Unique Cars magazine

Date: 02.08.2019

It’s not a real Ferrari, but it’s still estimated to fetch up to AU$590,000

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, a true cult classic from 1986, introduced the public to two new stars: Matthew Broderick, and the Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder.

As is often the case, genuine Ferraris were too expensive to use for filming, so three exacting replicas were sourced from Californian company, Modena Design.

August 17 will see one of those three Modena GT Spyder Californias come up for auction as part of Mecum’s Monterey sale, estimated to fetch between US$300,000 and $400,000 (AU$440,000 to $590,000).

The real Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder was produced from 1957-1962 in both long and short wheelbases. Both variants featured a triple-carburetted 3.0lt V12, with a claimed top speed of 268km/h. Less than 100 were ever built.

Prior to movie production, director John Hughes chanced upon a magazine featuring the Modena’s GT California replica. He got in contact with Mark Goyette and Neil Glassmoyer, Modena Design founders, and tasked them with delivering three cars for the film… in just four weeks.

This car is number one of the three screen-driven "Hero cars", and has recently undergone a body-off restoration by Glassmoyer.

The tubular chassis was constructed by Bob Webb, chassis engineer for Roger Penske, and yields a perfect 50/50 weight distribution.

There’s no 3.0lt V12 under the bonnet unfortunately; but instead a 427 stroker V8 topped by a 750 CFM Demon four-barrel carburettor and an Edelbrock RPM intake manifold. The engine package produces a dyno-tested 420kW, which is sent to the back wheels via a TKO 500 five-speed manual and limited-slip differential.

The car is suspended by fully adjustable coilovers with independent suspension at each corner. Wilwood six-piston front brakes, and four-pot rears provide the stopping power.

Overall the car looks impeccably presented, and is a unique piece of movie automobilia.

It’s travelled just 552 miles since its restoration and will be sold with a cache of movie memorabilia, and documentation. See the car at Mecum’s Monterey Sale, August 17.

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