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This Ferrari 250 GTO replica began as a 1976 Datsun 280Z that was modified with fiberglass Alpha 1 GTO bodywork before it was purchased by Paramount Pictures and driven by Tom Cruise in the 2001 Cameron Crowe film Vanilla Sky. It subsequently underwent a refurbishment from 2007 to 2008 before it was purchased by the current owner in 2012. The car is finished in dark blue over black vinyl upholstery, and power comes from a 350ci Chevrolet V8 paired with a three-speed automatic transmission. Features include an Edelbrock Performer intake manifold, independent coilover suspension, power-assisted front disc brakes, 15″ wire wheels, a retractable antenna, sliding side windows, a rear hatch, a Le Mans-style fuel filler cap, and a wood-rimmed steering wheel. Service performed in 2023 included the installation of an MSD Atomic electronic fuel-injection system, a replacement brake master cylinder and booster, a paint correction, and the application of an Artdeshine nanographene coating. This 250 GTO replica is now offered by the seller on behalf of the current owner in Concord, California, with Alpha 1 literature, recent service records, a copy of the previous California title in the name of Paramount Pictures, a promotional photo signed by Tom Cruise and Penélope Cruz, a Vanilla Sky press kit, a Hot Wheels Elite 1:18-scale model of the car, and a clean Montana title in the name of the owner’s LLC listing the car as a 1976 Datsun 280ZX.

350-Powered Alpha 1 GTO from Vanilla Sky

The fiberglass bodywork was produced by Alpha Design & Engineering of Huntington Beach, California, and is finished in dark blue with Ferrari badging and Scuderia fender decals. Additional styling incorporates fog lights, plexiglass headlight covers, fender vents, a retractable antenna, sliding side windows, a rear hatch, and a Le Mans-style fuel filler cap. The underside of the hood features McBurnie Coachcraft markings. The exterior was wet-sanded and a paint correction was performed in December 2023, at which time an Artdeshine Nano Graphene coating was applied. There are stress cracks on the right fender and rear hatch, and the rear hatch struts are described by the seller as weak. The brake lights do not work, and the driver’s door weatherstripping is loose. The rear hatch handle was repaired in January 2024.

350-Powered Alpha 1 GTO from Vanilla Sky

The 15″ chrome wire wheels wear three-eared knock-off hubs with red and yellow prancing horse center caps, and they are mounted with 215/60 front and 235/60 rear BFGoodrich Radial T/A tires. A chrome spare wheel with a Michelin tire is stowed beneath the rear cargo floor. The four-wheel independent suspension features BC Racing coilovers at all four corners, and the car is equipped with rack-and-pinion steering. Stopping power is provided by power-assisted front discs and finned rear drums that were serviced in 2023 with the installation of a replacement master cylinder, booster, and steel lines.

350-Powered Alpha 1 GTO from Vanilla Sky

The cabin features bucket seats trimmed in black vinyl along with color-matched door panels and carpets. Equipment includes three-point seatbelts and a B&M shifter with a wooden shift knob. Areas of white paint underneath the rear carpet can be seen in the gallery. The JVC cassette player and air conditioning system do not work, and the right rear strut tower trim is peeling.

350-Powered Alpha 1 GTO from Vanilla Sky

The wood-rimmed steering wheel features a prancing horse center cap, and it frames Datsun instrumentation in an aluminum bezel. The 160-mph speedometer, the coolant temperature gauge, and the dash lights do not work. The tachometer is described as erratic and cuts out when the headlights are on. The five-digit odometer shows 82k miles, approximately 200 of which have been added under current ownership. Total mileage is unknown.

350-Powered Alpha 1 GTO from Vanilla Sky

The replacement 350ci Chevrolet V8 features an Edelbrock Performer intake manifold and finned Mickey Thompson valve covers. An MSD Atomic electronic fuel-injection system and an alternator belt were installed in 2023, while a replacement alternator and exhaust gaskets were fitted in 2019.

350-Powered Alpha 1 GTO from Vanilla Sky

Power is sent to the rear wheels via a three-speed automatic transmission. Corrosion on suspension, brake components, and the exhaust system can be seen in the gallery.

350-Powered Alpha 1 GTO from Vanilla Sky

A copy of the previous California title in the name of Paramount Pictures is included in the sale along with a promotional photo signed by Tom Cruise and Penélope Cruz with a certificate of authenticity, a Vanilla Sky press kit, a Hot Wheels Elite 1:18-scale model of the car, and a Ferrari-branded key ring.

The car cannot pass a California emissions test, therefore it cannot be sold to an in-state private party buyer.

Filed under: datsun, nissan

Road Tests

Auction Result

Winning Bid USD $183,000 by Tony_Rado
Auction Ended February 12, 2024 at 10:44AM PT
Bids 69
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BaT Essentials

Seller: Artdeshine
Location: Concord, California 94520
Listing Details
  • Chassis: HLS30303255
  • 82k Miles Shown, TMU
  • Used in 2001 Film Vanilla Sky
  • 350ci Chevrolet V8
  • Edelbrock Performer Intake Manifold
  • MSD Atomic EFI
  • Three-Speed Automatic Transmission
  • Alpha 1 GTO Fiberglass Body
  • Dark Blue Paint
  • Black Vinyl Upholstery
  • Wood-Rimmed Steering Wheel
  • Sliding Side Windows
  • Rear Hatch
  • 15" Wire Wheels
  • Independent Suspension w/Coilovers
  • Power-Assisted Front Disc Brakes
Private Party or Dealer: Private Party
Lot #136144