Have you ever wished to own a sleek Ferrari V12 grand tourer, only to be reminded of your frugal financial situation every time you glance at your bank account?

Fear not! There’s a unique solution that will ignite your supercar dreams without draining your wallet. Meet a spectacularly modified Toyota Celica from Thailand, a conversion that aims to capture the allure of a Ferrari—albeit with a budget-friendly reality.

From Celica to Ferrari... Almost!

This imaginative build is based on the sixth generation of the Toyota Celica, produced between 1993 and 1999. While many would go for an homage to older Ferrari models, this rendition cheekily opts for inspiration from the modern Ferrari F12 Berlinetta, which was unveiled in 2012. The front end, featuring custom headlights, pronounced fenders, and a hood with vents, tries hard to channel the spirit of the F12, although a bit of refinement remains necessary—especially for the bumper intakes that could use a more authentic touch.

What's Wrong with the Details?

The side profile is where the transformation begins to falter, struggling to replicate the elegant lines of the original F12 Berlinetta. Instead, black stickers attempt to disguise the vehicle’s origins but only accentuate its shortcomings. The aftermarket wheels paired with stretched tires are a misfit, and the tiny BMW M-style mirrors appear ridiculously out of place, akin to wearing flip-flops to a formal gathering.

As for the rear, the homage strays further as it resembles a budget imitation inspired by the Lykan HyperSport, featuring cumbersome taillights and a faux aggressive look from an oversized rear wing. The entire design seems scattershot, with fake center exhausts and clumsy diffusers that lack finesse.

Step Inside for a Dash of Red!

Upon entering, you are welcomed by an overwhelming sea of red. With red leather seats, dashboard accents, and door trims all harmoniously screaming "speed", the interior feels like a Fast and Furious fan's fever dream—but with an airbag-less three-spoke steering wheel that prioritizes "sportiness" over safety.

Despite the dazzling aesthetic modifications, the performance aspect is left largely unaddressed. The engine bay reveals a stock 2.2-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, churning out merely 135 hp. This engine, paired with a five-speed manual gearbox, propels the front wheels without generating any real excitement beyond showroom appeal.

Affordability Meets Imagination

Listed on the "Toyota Celica Club Thailand" Facebook group, this Celica-turned-stylized pseudo-Ferrari is priced at 235,000 baht (approximately $6,800). This makes it an exceptionally affordable alternative to any genuine used Ferrari, which would likely cost a small fortune. However, even a cursory glance might reveal that it’s not exactly fooling discerning aficionados.

What truly captivates the imagination is not just the vehicle itself but also the ambition behind it—taking a humble Toyota and attempting to transform it into a head-turning sports car clone. While it may not hold a candle to the real thing, this Celica proves that with a little creativity (and perhaps a hefty dose of confidence), one can simulate the allure of a legendary supercar without breaking the bank.

So, would you be tempted to rev your engines behind the wheel of this thrifty transformation?

Or would you rather save for the real deal? The choice is yours, car enthusiasts!