Man paints himself a classic sportscar

A Hampshire car enthusiast couldn't afford the classic Ferrari he'd always wanted - so he painted one on his garage door instead.

Chris Smart, 32, spent two weeks sketching and painting the rare 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO with weather resistant paints.

Now neighbours and passers-by could be forgiven for thinking the customer support worker has traded in his BMW 1 Series for a classic motor.

Drivers even slam on their brakes to catch a glimpse as they pass the garage in Bishopstoke, near Eastleigh.

Married Chris, who studied art at college, said: "I hated the garage door before because it was really dull.

"I saw garage covers on the internet and wanted one unique to me. I have always loved this particular car and wanted to make it a bit of fun.

"People do have to do a double-take and they they smile when they realise what it is. Lots of kids have been taking photographs."

The realistic three-dimensional scene also includes Harry Potter's broom, a KFC bargain bucket and a paint pot with Chris' name on it.

But the creative garage door hides a boring, standard garage, which contains tools, a push bike and boxes of junk.

Wife Kerry, 32, added: "Painting the car on the garage door is as close as he's ever likely to get to it unless we win the lottery."