Ford GT40

No experience with kit car construction myself (though I always wanted to do one of the Bradley GT VW-based things in my younger days), but I've had a ride in a real GT40.

As a teen, I frequented a car lot that specialized in the unusual and exotic; got to lust after Lambos and Ferraris, and became good friends with the proprietor. When he got the GT40 in (a MK IV), I'd never heard of it. I remember not liking the blue and orange paint, and thinking it looked even more primitive inside that the Pantera he had at the time. When he offered me a ride, I wasn't expecting much. Ten minutes later, legs shaking, I was a changed young man.

I've lusted after that kind of horsepower and engine sound ever since (the thing ROARED).

Hi Yoda,

You may find this link useful and informative:

Ford GT40 Enthusiasts

It has links to other GT40 sites, including replica manufacturers.

Enjoy!

Richard

Has (cough) Noel Edmonds still got his GT40? Gotta admire the man's taste in cars...

John

TC '..'
"Sun went down in honey. Moon came up in wine. Stars were spinnin' dizzy, Lord, the band kept us so busy we forgot about the time."

Yoda,

Just seen your post re the GT40.

I have no experience of building a GT40 kit. Although I have not built a GT40 I have built a replica of the AC Cobra 427, so would be willing to do my best to give you any guidance I can.

The best GT40 replica is the GTD40. However, better in my opinion is the Garnder Douglas replica of the Lola T70, see www.gdcars.com

My replica is a GD 427 replica, see picture below.

Sorry the picture was too large, try again.

Yet another opinion from someone who hasn't built a GT40, but I knew a couple of people who have. From what I've been told, the GT40 kits are not exactly ideal first kit cars, being relatively complicated and expensive, with not much easy transfer of parts from a donor vehicle.

GTD seems to be going through some tribulations just now, but some details are available at GTD40 note that this is not GTD's site, but a page on the GT40 enthusiast's site at www.GT40.co.uk.

Lastly, the other notable quality supplier of GT40 kits in the UK is Tornado: Tornado Sports Cars

Hope that piques your interest!

Chris

Chris,

You reply is not very offensive.

I made it quite clear that I have not built a GT40. The purpose of my post was to offer to speak with him as I have extensive experience in building other kits. So I was purely offering a contact who has built kit cars before.

The suggestion of one of the better GT40 is based upon feedback from owners I have spoken to at various kit car shows. Now if you want to discuss the ranking of the various cobra replica then this is some thing I do have knowledge. Most people will probably jump to DAX as being the best, nothing could be further from the best. I have based my opinion on the GTD40 fromfeedback from owners of many owners and from the engineering I have observed (I'm a qualifed engineer with an aerospace background) so feel able to be objective).

If you have direct experience of building kits then please give Yoda the benefit of your experience in my place.

Regards

Ian

PS I do not keep a track on the manufactures of GT40 replicas, so cannot comment on the current on GTD.

Ian - I think you got the wrong end of the stick - it sounds to me like Chris was just saying that his own opinion was not based on experience.

Alan

Ian,

No offence was intended, and Alan is correct that my comment was to indicate that I had no direct experience of building a GT40 replica myself, not any criticism of the previous posts. In fact, my kit car experience is limited to helping out a couple of colleagues during builds of Seven replicas (well, one Caterham, and one Westy, so one was actually a "real" Seven).

FWIW, as far a Cobra replicas go, top of my list would be the Gardner-Douglass. I would put Dax second, but purely because the shape of the Tojiero is probably the most accurate replica of the 427 there is, but I don't like the Jag underpinnings.

You are quite right that the GTD40 is the most respected of the GT40 replicas, but, as I say, GTD seems to be going through some funnies just now. As far as I know, the Tornado is the best GT40 kit currently available in the UK - but I strongly hope that GTD get sorted out.

The only GT40 replica that might better the GTD would be the almost legendary Mallock GT40, but that was never a kit, AFAIK, and very expensive.

Chris

Chris,

I'm sorry I misunderstood your post, please don't take any offence.