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With Talent and Tools, Graxinha Transformed a 2009 Ford Ka into a Ferrari-Inspired Replica with Scissor Doors and Luxe Interior
Many people dream of having a Ferrari in their garage. But few actually achieve that goal. Italian sports cars cost millions and require the brand’s approval to be sold. Daniel dos Santos, known as Graxinha, decided not to wait for that.
With creativity and tools, he transformed a 2009 Ford Ka into a Ferrari-inspired replica. The model even got its own name: Karrari.
The son and brother of mechanics, Graxinha owns a wrapping shop in the Tatuapé neighborhood of São Paulo.
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He shared in an interview with Autoesporte that this is the second Ka he has customized. The first was purchased in 2014, at the time he opened his first shop. “It was also red and had 17-inch wheels,” he recalls.
After closing that shop and opening another one at a gas station, the new unit went bankrupt in just eight months. To pay off debts, he had to sell the car.
In 2020, with his current shop operating, the entrepreneur bought another Ford Ka. This time, to make the dream of transforming the vehicle “his way” come true.
Since then, the compact hatch has undergone a series of visual and internal modifications, all done by himself.
Modified Interior and Imported Steering Wheel
The list of changes to the car is extensive. He replaced the door linings with Alcantara and imported a forged carbon fiber steering wheel from China.
The dashboard was replaced with a digital model. The car now features two multimedia centers, one for music and another for GPS.
Another highlight is the panoramic sunroof, which was taken from an Audi Q3. The seats were replaced with sports bucket-style models, similar to those used in the LaFerrari.
They are upholstered in leather. The seatbelts are yellow, and the wheels are from Ferrari itself.
Lamborghini-Style Doors and Air Suspension
But what stands out the most on the Karrari is the “scissor” doors, similar to those used in Lamborghini models.
These doors were adapted by Graxinha himself. He explained that he had never worked with MIG welding before, but he bought the adapter with the shock absorber and hinge, cut the door and long member pins, used a sander, and welded everything together with his own hands.
Afterwards, he removed the fender and painted the entire car at the shop.
The car’s suspension was also replaced with an air suspension. The model also gained a push-button start and a multifunction steering wheel. Graxinha registered all the modifications in the car’s documentation, including the visual changes.
Original Engine, but Renewed Components
The engine of the Ford Ka remains original: a 1.0 flex aspirated inline four-cylinder that delivers up to 72 horsepower and 9.3 kgfm of torque. However, the entrepreneur stated that he replaced all the parts of the mechanical assembly.
Even while keeping the factory engine, he didn’t skimp on details. The imported steering wheel cost R$ 10,000, while the sports seats required an investment of R$ 12,000.
The purchase price of the car was R$ 16,000 in 2020. According to the owner, the model went through auction before being acquired by him.
Custom Ferrari Logo with Smiling Donkey
In addition to all the mechanical and visual changes, the Karrari also stands out because of the emblem on the fenders. Instead of the famous Ferrari horse, Graxinha created a new emblem: a smiling donkey.
The change was made intentionally to avoid issues with the Italian manufacturer, which is known for its strictness regarding the use of the brand and its symbols on other vehicles.
This detail catches attention when the car is taken to sports, luxury, or modified vehicle events. The donkey has become a sort of signature for the project.
Dream Achieved with the Car That Seemed Ugly
Many wonder why Graxinha chose exactly a Ford Ka for this transformation. He explained that at the time, his dream was to have this model. “When I got it, I started working on it and thought: this car is ugly, but I will make it beautiful,” he said.
Today, the car is valued at around R$ 190,000, adding the purchase price and all investments in customizations.
What was once a simple entry-level urban hatch has become a unique and exclusive piece. The Karrari may not be a real Ferrari, but it holds a special place in its creator’s garage.
With information from Auto Esporte.
190 mil… dava pra ta andando num bom carro com um motor mais empolgante que os 72 burrinhos do 1.0…
Coitado do **** … Tá lá quietinho no coxo dele…