The temptation to redecorate may seize different people in different ways, but it seems as though one car enthusiast has taken the idea to heart. The latest design is a shrine to Ferrari.
Pedestrians walking by the home of Chris Smart in Bishopstoke in Hampshire were treated to a visual spectacular recently.
Mr Smart had become tired of his house’s facade, saying he ‘hated the garage door before, it was really boring’. As an art graduate he was perfectly placed to employ his creative zeal. He also now works for a marine company, which came in handy in his mission. He used water-resistant paint and a satin varnish in his commission.
He decided to transform his garage door by painting a life-sized Ferrari 250 GTO on its front. He was inspired with artwork he had seen online, saying ‘ I’d seen garage covers advertised on the internet with trucks and Formula One cars but I thought I’d make it look as though I’d got a nice sports car parked in there’.
He has indeed envisioned a very nice sports car. The iconic pocket rocket is extremely highly prized as only 39 of them were ever made. They have been praised as one of the best investments one can make, since a GTO was sold for £20m in February this year. They have attracted critical acclaim from a select fan base as well. Both Radio 2 DJ Chris Evans and Pink Floyd’s Nick Mason are proud GTO owners. That is no surprise since the three-litre three hundred horsepower engine sprints from 0 to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds and enjoys a top speed of 174 mph.
The racy red sports car became a cult model and despite his younger age, even Mr Smart was not immune to its charms. ‘I wanted it to stand out so it had to be an expensive, red Ferrari and I’ve always loved the 250 GTO’ he said. Otherwise he entertains his love for speed and power with the BMW he drives.
Working indoors and in the open air, he took about two weeks to create the true-to-life masterpiece on his garage door, and now his artwork is so spectacularly real that he fools passers-by. The ‘garage’ also includes realistic items and signage from racing eras from the past to give an authentic image of the classic sports car in its cosy nest. This has led to amateur paparazzi capturing the image photographically. Mr Smart quotes ‘we’ve had a few kids stop and stare as they walk past. Originally one of my neighbours wasn’t too keen, but now she loves it. I’m not sure if people mistake it for a real car. We’ve seen some passers-by take photos’.