Anyone here build a GT40?

[Blitzboy54]

I’m considering my next project and I really like the idea of a GT40. I know FFR doesn’t offer them and it would likely be a next level kind of kit. A lot of fabrication etc. I’ve also noticed the resale is quite solid. I think if you do it right you can count on making your investment back (just a bonus).

At any rate I know a lot of you guys have dabbled in other projects (some of you even build air planes!) curious what your thoughts are on the GT40 generally and what kit you would consider. That said Superformance is out of my budget and I don’t want a pre made roller.

[2FAST4U]

I built one back in 2005 and finished in 2009. Spent $96,000

[2FAST4U]

[Blitzboy54]

That's gorgeous. I thought a lot about RH vs LH drive. For me I think it would be made, driven and eventually sold in the US so I would probably go LHD. Do you still have it or did you sell it? Who did you purchase the kit from?

[RoadRacer]

I built one in the 80's/90's in the UK. I had so much fun and drove many European circuits. My local circuit was goodwood and did hundreds of laps there. Did 60k road miles in it as my daily driver..

image0000127A.jpgimage0000126A.jpg

I've had a hankering for an RCR40, but we'll see... a lot of money!

[Kbl7td]

My next project as well. The RCR are nice, but damn that chassis makes working on things 10x harder than space frame.

Had an SLC I just sold.

[2FAST4U]

I sold it shortly after finishing it. Just too difficult to drive on the streets, parking. Lots, gas stations, etc. I purchased an RCR chassis and kit

[Blitzboy54]

My next project as well. The RCR are nice, but damn that chassis makes working on things 10x harder than space frame.

Had an SLC I just sold.

Do you have any pictures?

[Fman]

I know someone local to me who just completed a Superformance GT40 (installing the engine and trans) he drove it for the first time to a local cobra gathering we had a couple weeks ago with me. They are amazing cars but he quickly noted they are difficult to drive, terrible visibility (especially backing up), cant make a u turn, difficult to shift (some type of cable shifter mechanism they use), hard to get in and out of. Sourcing the transmission/linkage parts also took many months to locate. Just something to consider, I would definitely recommend trying to go for a drive in one or at least sit in one.

[michael everson]

I have worked on 3 of them and drove one of them. Couldn't get out of that thing fast enough. Not a joy to drive at all. Tiny cockpit tiny foot box can see anything. Hard to get in and out of.
this particular one was a CAV.
Mike

[RoadRacer]

Funny my hot rod is just as hard to get in and out of. The gt40 was a dream car, I drove mine every chance I got. 30k miles a year.. and loved every second.

That was the car I should have kept forever.. we all have one of those I guess!

[J R Jones]

I was part of a group that built an authentic GT40 MKIV and raced it in vintage for years. It was built with original parts and parts fabricated to factory prints. Yes, honeycomb panels bonded and riveted.
I drove the car on the street to a couple of shows and at Road America. It is not an easy car to drive but somewhat easier on the track. It was stable at speed.

One of the group is building an RCR GT 40 and another buddy is building an RCR P4. Neither is easy or quickly done.
jim
GT40 rides (2).jpg

GT40 ride2.jpg

[Jim1855]

I drove a Superformance GT40 years ago. A seriously cool car.
Great to drive on the backroads in NC, shifted well and was exceptionally fast with a 427W. I don't think I'd like it in-town. AS has been offered visibility wasn't great, real low. I did find it comfortable once in. This was Olthoff's demo car and saw a lot of abuse.
A few days later I drove it on VIR South Track. The AC failed, it was high 90's on the tarmac, way hotter inside and the cable shifter was out of adjustment making shifting difficult.
As a track car it was exactly what I'd want, not so much as a street car.
Jim

[Skuzzy]

Two friends of mine are building RCR GT40's. The issue they have, right off the bat, is the transaxle. Neither of them wanted to use the Porsche transaxles due to the torque limits of those assemblies (one is using a 427W twin turbo, and the other is using a supercharged Aluminator). They went with Mendeola, and have been waiting 2 years for them and still no sign of them being delivered.

Also noted the lack of any steel in the roof or the A and B pillars. Be prepared to do extensive fabrication work.

[philg]

Recently completed an RCR GT40 and currently building an Active Power GT40. Feel free to reach out anytime. No luck downloading pictures.

[Blitzboy54]

I appreciate all the feedback. I am not in a huge hurry to get rid my MK4 but I am actively preparing to sell it. I am trying to decide how much I want to invest back into it first. After 2 seasons of driving, I feel the finish could use some attention. A few small chips and reset the clear.

If I was ready to go today, I would order an RCR Mk1 with a 347. Keep it period correct ish + a little extra. Also holding the line at the 450 HP range means I don't have to worry about an exotic trans-axle. I am excited about the idea of a next-level build. If I fall in love awesome, if I don't the resale opens up even more opportunities.

[drewr]

I'm just like you. I've been seriously eyeing RTR's GT40 with idea of a 347 based build. Either the GT40 or a Beck 904. The Beck is largely prebuilt, just needs engine and transaxle. I don't know. I'm seriously enjoying my Coupe, so maybe I'll see how long that love affair lasts. I imagine the Coupe and the GT40 are pretty similar performance-wise if both have a 347. The Coupe may be easier to live with.

[RoadRacer]

I imagine the Coupe and the GT40 are pretty similar performance-wise if both have a 347..

A 50/50 weight distribution is nice, but on the track it's hard to beat the ~60% rear weight that a GT40 offers.

[Namrups]

Jesse, When you get a chance I will let you drive the coupe. Then drive a GT40 to compare. From what I've read, the coupe has more interior room.

[RoadRacer]

Jesse, When you get a chance I will let you drive the coupe. Then drive a GT40 to compare. From what I've read, the coupe has more interior room.

Oh yes I don’t dispute that! Once you slide in and remember to duck it feels very snug in there. I made my door tops removable and it made a lot of difference