There's a particular sort of person who would spend five figures on a car they can't legally drive down the street. And if you're that person, congratulations, because a company called END OF S.T.A.Y. has just made your next questionable financial decision considerably easier.
The Shanghai-based outfit, which produces remarkably detailed half-scale electric recreations of automotive icons, has officially launched in Australia through local distributor Scuderia Autoart.
Leading the charge is a miniature 964 Turbo, complete with those unmistakable widebody arches, whale tail and a frankly unnecessary amount of performance for something measuring just 2.2 metres long.
Built on a steel chassis with rear-wheel drive, adjustable seating and a hydraulic handbrake for drifting, the 964 Turbo Junior is considerably more sophisticated than the lawnmower-engine powered contraptions you might remember terrorising the driveway in as a child. It can accommodate drivers up to 190cm tall, meaning the kids will have to find something else to play with.
The specifications are fairly outrageous.
The entry-level Carrera S produces 25bhp and tops out at a claimed 80km/h, with prices starting at $12,500 plus GST. Another $2,500 gets you into the GT3-inspired Performance variant, which packs 34bhp, slick tyres and a claimed top speed of 114km/h.
For those with more enthusiasm than self-preservation, there's the $19,500 GT3 RS-inspired Ultimate. With 45bhp, a water-cooled motor and a claimed top speed of 151km/h, it'll apparently reach 97km/h from a standstill in just 4.5 seconds. Which sounds absolutely terrifying when your bum is inches from the tarmac.
There's even a Dakar version for the same money, complete with raised suspension, all-terrain tyres and 34bhp, should your miniature Porsche adventures extend beyond the driveway.
The company says a typical build time is around four weeks plus 6-8 weeks shipping from China. All prices exclude GST and shipping.
For those who prefer other marques, the local lineup also includes half-scale versions of the AE86, MX-5, Defender and Bronco, with custom colours, racing liveries and interior finishes available across the range.
Australian distribution will be handled by Scuderia Autoart, with servicing and support through Sydney's City Performance Centre. The company is also exploring the possibility of organised closed-course driving events for owners, which sounds almost worth the price of admission alone.
As far as unnecessary garage additions go, it's hard to think of anything more appealing. Particularly if you've already got a full-size 911 to park it next to.