tempero cars

[jagman21]

are the well known builder of replicas (esp jags) still in business, heard a romour they fell upon hard times??

[Bull1t]

How recent are you talking? A few years back the busines changed a lot and they moved buildings and started making cars for predominantely one customer (someone in america from memory)

[lowdrag]

Came across this while researching for an article. Tempero were bought out by Vintage Motors of Saratoga and I had a chat one day with Earl Tempero after the takeover. They had big plans to up production and for a time there were laods on the Saratoga web site for sale - in fact there is a teaser there today but the Tempero site has expired and the company closed down. They weren't the best of replicas anyway, having coil over shock suspension etc.

[Bull1t]

Thought it was them behind the recent sales of some pretty average ferrari shells/interiors. They were taking lesser loved Ferriaris and using the running gear for replica exotic Ferraris. Can't say I agree. A real ferrari is better than a replica even if the replica is a more interesting model.

Would be like pulling a perfectly good e-type to bits to make aa C-type replica. Bit different if its a more common run down jag saloon, xjs etc but theres no such thing as a common ferrari.

[CRM]

Still going from a converted dairy shed just out of town.

Seems to have plently of work on with lots of donor cars parked outside.
http://www.rodtempero.com/

I drive past often and always strain my neck to have a wee look.

[lowdrag]

I see that it is Earl's son who is now running his own business. Good for him. Hopefully, without the americans pushing him he'll create some good stuff.

[Rod Tempero]

I am running my own workshop building a variety of different models, including XKSS, P4 Ferrari , GTO Ferrari both 1962 and 1964 models all in Alluminium and all with the correct chassis engine spec's. I have also built a 1952 PininFarina A6 Maserati Coupe. Photo is of P4 I built

[th130]

That p4 is awesome. Admired it when it was in classic car mag. The amount of work must be unreal. Esp the doors.

[Dan M]

th130 said:

That p4 is awesome. Admired it when it was in classic car mag. The amount of work must be unreal. Esp the doors.

I am lucky enough to have visited Rod's workshop a few times and the amount of work it takes and the skills Rod has are mind-blowing. My background is in mass production vehicles, I've seen clever production techniques but to see the work of a craftsman is a whole different world. The body is hand crafted aluminium panel and the attention to detail is absolutely superb, it's almost a shame they are painted.

Having seen the vehicles I have less of a problem that old cars may be used as donors. A lot of old Ferraris have had complete rebuilds and very little remains original or authentic, they just look the same.

If you are passing I recommend a call to Rod and ask if he's up for a quick visit. If, like me, you have an abundance of neck hair, prepare for it to get the viagra effect.

[th130]

Would love to go and see when down south. Being a sheetmetal worker i truely understand how much skill there is involved.

[CRM]

th130 said:

Would love to go and see when down south. Being a sheetmetal worker i truely understand how much skill there is involved.

Book it in. The fiat needs a good run.