Ferrari 250 GTO painted on garage door of Hampshire home

Passers-by have taken photographs of the painting on the garage door

A man in Hampshire has painted a picture of a Ferrari 250 GTO on the garage door of his home to fool passers-by he owns the classic car.

Chris Smart spent about two weeks transforming his garage in Bishopstoke by painting the cult, red sports car.

Mr Smart, 32, said: "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."

A real version of the car sold for about £20m ($31m) in February.

Radio 2 DJ Chris Evans and Pink Floyd's Nick Mason are both GTO owners.

Mr Smart, an art graduate who now works for a marine company, used a water-resistant paint and a satin varnish in the artwork.

He said: "I hated the old garage door before, it was really boring.

"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.

Mr Smart transformed his "boring" garage door with water-resistant paint

"I wanted it to stand out so it had to be an expensive, red Ferrari and I've always loved the 250 GTO."

Mr Smart also painted old racing signs in the background of the garage scene to make it look more authentic.

The 32-year-old, who actually drives a BMW, added: "I'm not sure if people mistake it for a real car. We've seen some passers-by take photos."

The GTO is one of the world's most sought-after cars. Only 39 were ever made.

Its three-litre V12 engine develops 300bhp and does 0-60mph in 6.1 seconds with a top speed of 174mph (280km/h).