CLASSIC DRIVE: Skunkworks Z250 VR Evocation - a tribute to the Ferrari California Spyder

We head to MotoVillage outside Cape Town to drive the rare Skunkworks Z250 VR, a "tribute" to the Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder that is built right here in South Africa. Its existence may divide opinion, but it left quite an impression on us. 

Words and pictures: Wilhelm Lutjeharms

What do you do when the car you desire trades for multiples of R10 million? Plus, there is quite possibly not a single unit in South Africa? There are a number of such examples, one being Ferrari’s gorgeous 250 GT California Spyder, manufactured from the late 1950s into the '60s. It was a golden period in the automotive industry and an era that saw the production of some of the most beautiful cars, ever. 

• Find a classic car for yourself, here.

Back to the initial question, though. It is difficult one, but one that several small independent builders have answered over the years. Located in Cape Town is a company called Skunkworks that have built, and are still building, cars called the Z250 VR and the Z250 SL.

Based on BMW’s Z3 3.0-litre, six-cylinder roadster, these cars have been developed with the idea to offer a buyer a car that can be seen as an affordable tribute to one of the most beautiful Ferraris ever made. There will be a crowd that immediately frowns at the thought of buying or driving such a car, and I’ll admit, I am probably one of them, but for between R1.6 and R2 million rand you can have a beautiful, relatively fast and modern car that appeals to you personally. Who cares what anyone else thinks!

Orders can also be placed for two different types of bodywork. The Z250 SL (Superleggera) Evocation’s body is made from alloy (costing around R2 million), and the Z250 VR (Vetroresina) Evocation’s body is manufactured from glass fibre (costing around R1.6 million). It is the latter that is the subject of this drive.

Behind the wheel

Firstly, I have to admit that I’ve never driven a Z3 3.0-litre, so there was another reason I was looking forward to experiencing the recipe the Z250 VR had to offer. Before the build starts, the Z3 donor car is obviously analysed in terms of its condition. This also includes the drivetrain. No performance enhancement is made to the donor car before the building process starts, except for the neat four-pipe, stainless steel exhaust, which do add some lovely aural pleasure when driving. 

I kept the roof down for my entire time behind the wheel, as I believe that is how this car should be enjoyed most of the time. The interior has elements of the original car, but it is more modern and more comfortable than the car it is trying to represent. There are benefits to this though. There is modern radio hidden in the glove compartment, there is fully-functioning air-conditioning, and when it comes to ordering parts or servicing of the car, it is after all just a simple BMW, which makes the process much less complicated.

Once seated, I turn the key and press the starter button and the engine starts with a semi-deep sound, indicative of the six-cylinders up front. A quick flex of the right foot allows the rougher exhaust note to be heard, and I have to admit, it sounds quite pleasing and rather sporty.

To your left is the long gearlever, which allows for easy shifts throughout the 5-speed gearbox. Interestingly, it doesn’t feel as rubbery as I thought it would, a feeling often associated with BMW’s manual gearboxes.

Knowing it is a BMW Z3 underneath, you have more trust in the car than you would have of a 60-year old car. Here I refer to the engine, handling and braking for example. Needless to say, one would understandably be a bit careful if this is was the real deal!

As is to be expected, apart from the exterior design and some of the visual clues when driving, the experience is that of a modern roadster. The engine pulls eagerly and you can’t help but grin at the sound of the raspy exhaust note. You can even see the outline of the vented bonnet through the windscreen. There are also fewer rattles and shakes than I anticipated, while the steering felt good, the engine has a clear willingness to rev and the brakes also did a good job during the minor braking I had to do. In terms of handling it took the corners well, changing direction in the way I expected it to and offering a true sporty experience.

When I parked the car to do the necessary photography in Kalk Bay’s main road as well in the neighbourhood close by, a number of pedestrians stopped to discuss the car, and yes, a few thought it was the real deal. Their surprise when I told them, rather quickly, that it was not the R100 million original car, illustrated that the builders of the car had achieved their goal. True enthusiasts will obviously be able to see the differences quite quickly. 

Verdict

There are a lot of sports cars you can buy for up to R2 million. But, in the same way that many of us would like to develop or build a car to offer us what we want, this car offers the same principle to a different buyer. It is arguably one of the most desirable shapes from the 1960s, offers a modern drivetrain and still delivers an exhilarating driving experience – there really is not a lot to dislike. If you already have a few cars in your garage, I can understand why the Skunkworks Z250 VR might be appealing to some buyers.

Specifications: 

Model: Skunkworks Z250 VR (Vetroresina) Evocation

Engine: 3.0-litre, six-cylinder, petrol

Power: 170 kW at 5 900 rpm 

Torque: 300 Nm at 3 500 rpm 

Transmission: 5-speed manual, RWD

Weight: ± 1 360 kg

0-100 km/h:  ± 6.0 seconds

Top Speed: ± 240 km/h