This is one of my favorite replicas in the whole wide world - the Extreme 355. It was the company’s first, and they have evolved much since then, but still, it has a special place for me. There are many reasons for it, and I will try to explain you why.
The Extreme Sportscars are known for the visually almost identical replicas. If they make one, you will be hard pressed to notice a difference. Hell, only the most careful observer will spot any differences even if you get them parked next to the original. Those are some expensive modifications, though. It’s not the price of the kit, as much as the fact that you can’t build them yourself if you don’t really know what you are doing. The Extreme 355 is different, though.
As I said, it was the first model, in the era when the 355 was one of the favorite models to replicate. Back then, you could already get a Toyota MR2 Mk2 pretty cheap. Also, it was mid-engined, pretty similar in shape (kind of), and just waited for the right kit to arrive. Also, it could easily swallow a 3 liter V6, which gave it a lot more power and noise. It didn’t drive like a real deal, but it was really fun nevertheless. It can simply give you enough thrills on the winding roads.
In those times, Extreme Sportscars decided to make a simple kit, one that is easy to bolt on. It wasn’t exactly perfect, but exact enough. Sure, a Ferrari owner could easily spot the differences, like the A pillars being too tall and narrow, and even the persistent observer could spot the huge wheel spacers and small brakes. For most, though, it was another Ferrari. One more thing I love about it is, it had a metal engine cover - no need to cheat in some fake cover of disputable quality. Sure, the interior can’t really match the original, and sure, it is not absolutely the same as the original.
But you know what? Put in a decent V6, some interesting exhaust, and a proper paint job, and with relatively small amount of work, it will get darn close.
The manufacturer website can be found here.
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