Ferrari Replica from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off Auctioned for $396,000

In the classic 1980s movie Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, young protagonist Ferris famously recommends picking up a Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder—if you have the means, of course—because “It is so choice.” While one might hesitate to take advice from a Ferrari-stealing, joyriding truant, Bueller was correct on this point. The genuine article, a real 250 GT California, is a drop-dead classic worth millions. Conversely, this 1985 Modena Spyder California—recognized globally as one of the three Ferrari replicas used in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off—is nearly as good, thanks to its cinematic fame, and recently sold for a more attainable $396,000 at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction in 2020.

The Story Behind the Replica

The movie’s director John Hughes intended to feature a Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder as the star vehicle in his film. However, the original Ferrari was prohibitively expensive, especially considering the car’s perilous treatment in various scenes, including jumps and being launched from a suburban Chicago home into a ravine. Thus, it became evident that a replica would be more practical.

Hughes discovered Modena Design, a California-based company founded in the 1980s, which specialized in producing replicas of this legendary car. Three cars were commissioned for the movie, each in different states of completion. Only one of these replicas was returned to Modena Design for repairs, and after subsequent sales, it was last auctioned in 2010 for around $100,000. Today, it is listed with the National Historic Vehicle Registry. However, the car that achieved success at Barrett-Jackson is not the same vehicle.

Chassis 001: A Unique Journey

The car in question is one of the two remaining chassis that led more enigmatic lives after the production of Ferris Bueller. While the third car, chassis 003, remained unsold at Mecum’s 2019 Monterey auction with a high bid of $225,000, chassis 001 has undergone a full restoration. Modena Design co-founder Neil Glassmoyer performed various mechanical updates and cosmetic refurbishments, ensuring the car’s appearance matches its cinematic glory.

• Powered by a robust 7.0-liter Chevy V-8 engine.
• Equipped with a five-speed manual transmission.
• Rides on chrome 16-inch wire spoke wheels.
• Features a coil-over suspension for optimal handling.

This non-Italian Ferrari replica, restored to high standards, is undeniably enjoyable to drive. The auction at Barrett-Jackson saw enthusiastic bidding, culminating in a final price of $396,000, inclusive of the buyer’s premium. Although it remains uncertain which scenes chassis 001 appeared in throughout the film, its status as a movie icon is undeniable, and it commands considerable value in the collector’s market.