A CAR lover who couldn't afford his dream ride took a novel approach to the problem – and got a replica built from scratch.

Former amateur rally driver Neil Calvert had always coveted the stunning 150mph Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta but the rare models can fetch up to £10million at auction.

His car is the result of a two-year project by experts at Grassbank Conversions to recreate the classic.

Mr Calvert, of Burnley, said: “Unless you’re extremely wealthy, these cars are simply impossible to buy these days, so the next best thing is to build one.

"The beauty of that of course, is that mine has all the mod-cons that the original versions don’t have.

"It’s got air conditioning, heated seats, a DAB radio with bluetooth, as well as front and rear parking sensors.

"It’s nicer to drive than the originals and is more economical too."

So eye-catching is Mr Calvert's car, he has just been awarded a special trophy by bosses at The Lakeland Motor Museum in Cumbria.

He awarded the accolade when his faithfully recreated Ferrari was judged to be the most ‘interesting or unique’ vehicle at the most recent Drive & Ride-In Day at the South Cumbrian attraction.

Mr Calvert said: "I’d only just recently heard about the museum and its Drive & Ride In Day and thought it sounded like the perfect time to go and check it out.

"I didn’t know vehicles were being judged, so it was a really nice surprise to have my car recognised like that. I was just over the moon.”

An original example of the Ferrari was such a hit with one British petrolhead that he forked out $16million on it three year ago.

John Collins stayed up until 4am to seal the deal on a unique Ferrari he described as 'sex on wheels' - and says he would have happily paid millions more.

He paid $16million (£10.5 million) for the 150mph Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta, designed by 23-year-old Giorgetto Giugiaro for Nuccio Bertone, boss of the famous Italian design house.

Mr Calvert's car was on display at the weekend’s Classic Car Show at Manchester’s Event City.