Living Large With a Half-Size Ferrari California Replica
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Affordable small roadsters and subcompact commuter cars are all but gone from American showrooms. But automotive enthusiasts don’t let go of dreams so easily. Maybe it’s time to consider a new niche strategy—tiny low-speed roadsters, like the half-size Harrington Ferrari 250 GT California replica "junior car" recently offered on eBay.
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Eye-Popping Junior Cars
Group Harrington - opens in new window or tab., based in Vietnam, is mainly in the business of making stainless steel bumpers for the restoration market. But Harrington also produces a dazzling collection of half-size junior cars.
Buyers can choose an electrified drivetrain or an internal combustion engine mated to a three-speed semi-automatic transmission. In addition, every junior car has lap belts and a speed governor underneath the hood.
Harrington’s junior cars can reach a brisk 40 miles per hour. They can accommodate one adult or two children. Although not street-legal in the US, these little beauties are fine on private roads.
Harrington’s half-size tribute model line includes:
- The F1L Racer - It’s a breathtaking homage to classic Formula One race cars of the 1960s. Girl and boy racers can live the dream with Gulf, John Player Special, and traditional green Lotus - opens in new window or tab. liveries.
- The Series 1 - Road & Track magazine called the E-Type Jaguar - opens in new window or tab. “the greatest crumpet collector known to man.” Harrington’s interpretation lives up to that big promise—even on a small scale.
- The Land Junior - If classic Land Rover - opens in new window or tab. 4X4s are Junior’s jam, this sweet little Chelsea tractor will whet his appetite. Alas, it’s only offered with rear-wheel-drive.
The 300, Cobra 289, Daytona, GB Spirit, Military Jeep, Spyder, and XK 120 fill out Harrington's lineup.
Hand-Built Retro Gems
Harrington’s junior cars are hand-built at the company’s Ho Chi Minh City factory. The firm builds approximately 100 vehicles per year without the aid of robots.
These are not plastic kiddie cars or crude go-karts. Instead, Harrington’s composite bodies use five layers of fiberglass. Each vehicle is equipped with headlamps and turn signals. The level of detail is impressive.
Harrington’s expertise in stainless steel shines, from the bumpers to the headlight sockets and side mirrors. The interiors are equally impressive, with the choice of vinyl or leather upholstery.
Every steel-box section chassis is jig-built and engineered with a fully independent suspension system, adjustable gas shock absorbers, and rack-and-pinion steering. The hydraulic braking system uses vented discs and Brembo calipers.
Micromobility Needn’t Be Boring
Enthusiasts have long been fascinated by tiny vehicles - opens in new window or tab.—from the Peel P50 and Crosley to the Suzuki Cappuccino - opens in new window or tab. and Honda Beat kei cars. Harrington’s junior cars open a world where small can be cool again. They are not merely extravagant toys.
These crazy little critters are like drivable Matchbox cars - opens in new window or tab.. Sure, you can’t (and wouldn’t want to) drive a junior car on public streets, but if you live in a neighborhood with private roads or on a few acres in the countryside, they’re pure magic.
With a price tag in the eight digits, ownership of an authentic Ferrari 250 GT California is a stratospheric goal only achieved by the precious few. But all is not lost. For a mere, ahem, $19,990, you too can live out the Ferris Bueller dream and earn YouTube fame with this gorgeous red Harrington tribute.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.