We must admit, we’re not overly fond of automotive lookalikes. Typically they involve an uncanny valley approximation of a Ferrari, Lamborghini, or Porsche’s bodywork, stuck to the running gear of a poor Volkswagen beetle or some other humble automobile. Sure, the resulting ‘replica’ might pass for the real article from a distance and it will certainly cost a fraction of the actual dream car’s market price, but if you get any closer and — god forbid — drive it, you’ll discover that the similarities ended roughly 100 metres away from the driver’s seat.
That’s exactly why we’re so conflicted about this Deon Mirabeau heading to auction with Historics Auctioneers on November 23rd. Its bodywork makes a fairly convincing impersonation of a roofless Dino 246 GT (which was only ever available in coupe or targa top variants), and the engine — a 2.5-litre, 24 valve Alfa Romeo Busso V6 — is perfectly in-keeping with that of the baby Ferrari. The specs aren’t half bad either, with this Deon producing 190 horsepower and weighing in at a mere 950 kg, meaning it should feel fairly sprightly.
Then there’s the level of love and care dedicated to this unusual sports car. After the previous owner purchased it in 2013, they spent over 80,000 pounds and nine years restoring it to showroom condition. In the process, they redesigned the front spoiler, strengthened and redesigned the sills, retrimmed the interior and installed a new dash and instruments, before completely removing and respraying the bodywork in Ferrari’s fabulous shade of Blue Scuro. Mechanically, it received upgraded brakes, new coilovers and fresh suspension components, a new radiator and all new seals to name just some of the work done.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, very few Deon Mirabeaus were ever made, and we doubt any have been treated to such a comprehensive restoration with so many mechanical improvements. So, if your favourite pastime is thoroughly stumping your enthusiast friends when you pull up to the pub, this Deon Mirabeau might just be the ultimate wild card your collection needs!
Weybridge, 23 Nov
