BUELLER... BUELLER...? 2 of the most FAMOUS FAKE FERRARIS | Miami Vice AND Ferris Bueller's Day Off!

Video Description

In this Deep Dive, our Associate Curator Shervin takes a closer look at two of the most iconic entertainment cars ever to grace the screen—machines that became cultural symbols far beyond their on-screen roles. First up is the 1983 Mardikian 350 GTS by McBurnie Coachcraft, forever associated with Miami Vice. When the groundbreaking crime drama premiered in 1984, it redefined television with its cinematic visuals, contemporary music, and bold sense of style. Central to that image was Detective Sonny Crockett’s sleek “Ferrari.” In reality, the car was a fiberglass-bodied replica built on a Chevrolet Corvette chassis, commissioned by dealer Albert Mardikian and constructed by McBurnie Coachcraft. Of the four replicas produced, this example—car #4—served as the primary hero car used on screen, becoming one of the most recognizable vehicles of 1980s television. Shervin also explores the legendary car from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986): the 1985 Modena Spyder California. While director John Hughes originally envisioned a genuine 1961 Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder, the rarity of the real car made that impossible. Instead, a meticulously crafted replica from Modena Design & Development stepped into the spotlight. Multiple versions were used during filming, including incomplete cars for stunt work, but the on-screen “Ferrari” quickly became a lasting symbol of teenage rebellion, freedom, and consequence. Its unforgettable role—and fate—secured its place in film history, leading to its inclusion in the National Historic Vehicle Register in 2018. From pastel-soaked television streets to a perfect day off gone wrong, these cars tell stories far bigger than themselves. Join Shervin as he dives into the design, production, and cultural impact behind two replicas that became legends. Special thank you to both vehicle owners for their cooperation in realizing our curatorial, and YouTube production dreams! Be sure to like, subscribe, and let us know in the comments which iconic movie or TV car you’d love to see featured next.