Quality-wise, which GT40 you prefer: CAV or SPF?

[RodKnock]

Sorry, I meant Ron (Igofastr). I think he purchased the Gulf car from Dynamic West. I edited my post.

There should have been a side-by-side pic posted on one of those threads, but I also have many pics on my computer of both the CAV/BDR and SPF. I took a look at each car and I offered my opinion.

Your opinion is different and you own a CAV. I own neither. I posted a couple links for everyone. The OP and the rest of CC can form their own opinion.

The CAV is a high quality reproduction as is the SPF.

[Igofastr]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

Ron, I just figured out that you bought the Gulf livery car from Dennis Peck (Dynamic West) in Redwood City. Is that correct? Beautiful car, if that's the case. I thought about it, just a little bit.

Pat, my eye sees slight difference in the front and the rear. The CAV's rear droops a little lower in the back and I believe others might agree with me. Here's a thread from www.gt40s.com:

http://www.gt40s.com/forum/superform...spf-v-cav.html

Yep, thats the one. It was hard to let the Kirkham go (they are absolute jewels), but I wanted to try something different. I will own a Kirkham again. Don't know when or what (I really like the FIA/USRRC cars), and I think that they are the best deal out there (yes, better than SPF).

That said, a GT has always been on my "bucket list," and I think that the SPF is the best fit for my current needs. I'd really like a GOX, but can't see having the time to build until retirement. Back before I bought the Kirkham, I was weighing between the two, but SPFs were so new, nobody had one, and they were an unknown quantity. I went with the Kirkham.

Sorry for the thread drift....CAVs are nice too.

Now for the fun part, adding my personal touches. I have already ordered a bunch of parts and do-dads. It should be cool when I'm finished (if ever).

[Igofastr]

I would like to add, that philosophically, I prefer "originality." Not everyone does. I want an "original" experience, warts and all.

Thats why I went with the Kirkham, and thats why I chose SPF over any of the other easily attainable US GTs. ERA has a sparkling reputation, but is hardly original. CAV is even more "original," but not as much as the SPF. Frankly, a Ford GT would be the easiest to live with, but the least original by far. It's just a matter of taste.

I would look at the links that Rodknock provided, some good info there.

Not to swipe at the RCR GT, I just know the least about them. I considered amputating 6 inches off of my legs so that I could fit into the tube-framed 917K. Fran, if you do an ACCURATE 956/962 replica, I will sell all of my cars and buy one.

[66gt-Norway]

This must bee somme of the best? built in sweden, built as an orginal.

http://www.sportscar.se/index.php

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by 66gt-Norway

This must bee somme of the best? built in sweden, built as an orginal.

http://www.sportscar.se/index.php

How much are these Swedish GT40's? I didn't see a price.

[Kit Cars Mexico]

What do you think of this one:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1966-...t_15726wt_1167

[Xavier]

WOW, I cannot believe people are not talking as much as a RCR. Unbeleiveable quality. Beautiful machining, parts and as I understand it, service. Every part on the frame and suspension seems to be very well thought of.

Clearly a lot of people have not seen the RCR, if you are going to build a GT-40, why not get something with Kirkham like machining work from the USA?

[RodKnock]

Pretty. RHD. I can't tell if it's a post-100 or pre-100 CAV, since I'm not an expert, but it does have a ZF transaxle, which is a big plus, but they had a few types available from the M1 and Pantera.

I'm not a fan of the MKII rear scoops on a MKI, but I'm sure they're there for a reason.

I'd buy it!

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by Xavier

WOW, I cannot believe people are not talking as much as a RCR. Unbeleiveable quality. Beautiful machining, parts and as I understand it, service. Every part on the frame and suspension seems to be very well thought of.

Clearly a lot of people have not see the RCR, if you are going to build a GT-40, why not get something with Kirkham like machining work from the USA?

The OP asked for a comparison of the CAV and SPF. RCR was not mentioned.

The RCR is typically for the builder, although they will probably do a turnkey for a customer, but I'm not sure how long it will take. That's not for me.

They all have their pluses and minuses and all those pluses and minuses have been hashed out over at the other forum.

Edit: Dean Lampe built what maybe the finest RCR GT40 in RCR's history. I wish I had "donuts" to have bought it. A lucky buyer out there somewhere.

[Xavier]

The OP asked for a comparison of the CAV and SPF. RCR was not mentioned.

I know, but that did not stop anyone from mentioning the ERA. Also suprised that someone that was willing to spend $80 to over a $100k on one that they may want to do a little investigation and take a second (or first) look. Deans look really great, and there are a few great builds at the GT40s forum, a great deal are RCRs, but like you said, not everyone wants to build.

[Kit Cars Mexico]

I would love to build a GT40, but due to the economic situation I think it would be a better deal to buy one that's been made already.

[RodKnock]

BTW, Dean Lampe is selling a red SPF GT40 and I believe, when he was selling it himself, the price was $78K.

It's now with a dealer and the dealer's ebay auction just ended with the car not meeting reserve.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...K%3AMEWAX%3AIT

[Igofastr]

Mea culpa.

I did mention ERA (and RCR and GOX)...guilty of drift. I hereby retract all mention of non-approved manufacturers.:O

[Mark IV]

They are ALL nice cars!

The SPF has had more press regarding "issues"....this is due to the "original" type construction, FAV didn't build "exotic luxury" cars, they built race cars that COULD be street driven if you have a sense of humor!

As SPF has now built almost twice the number of 1960s FAV/JWA cars there are sure to be more mentions of issues and leaks. No one to my knowledge has factory built the number of chassis that have come from SPF to date so it is logical that more mentions of issues/problems/concerns have been posted.

Are there cars with more room? Yes. Are there cars with more contemporay suspension design? Yes. Are there cars with modern aero aids, splitters, tunnels, etc.? Yes. Are they "GT40s'? No, and that is the difference. The mostly period construction makes the car less "modern" but damn fun!!!!!

[dlampe]

Let me first say that I am 6'2+ and I have tons of room in my SPF. You just have to move the pedals down in the foot box in the last bolt holes built into the chassis. I also had an inch of the seat foam removed on the back and bottom which still leaves plenty of comfort. It is an extremely comfortable car to drive and very well mannered.

Thanks for the plug Rodknock! Car is still for sale.

[Igofastr]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

How much are these Swedish GT40's? I didn't see a price.

500K SEK, a little less than $70K US back when I checked. Plus shipping to the US. Then you gotta build it.....if only I had the time.

[RodKnock]

Ron, you may know this already, but P2264 (for our listeners out there you now own P2265) is owed by a gentleman, Jim, in the South Bay/Peninsula area and both your cars were on the same container shipment to Dynamic West in Redwood City, CA. His GT40 is black no stripes and he's been to at least one BACC breakfast that I've attended.

[Igofastr]

Yes, I have spoken with the owner of P2264 via email. His is a great looking car. When I finally get around to putting mine together, I plan on attending the occasional BACC events. I grew up in Sunnyvale, and have family in Dublin.

I've also been contacted by the owner of P2266 (in the mid west).

I feel like I'm suddenly a member of some sort of exclusive club.

Seriously, I would have liked to attend some BACC meetings when I had the Kirkham, but it just didn't work out.

[Tony Ripepi]

Hi Ron,

Don't need to have special car to come to breakfast or cruise with the BACC events. I have been "Naked" for the past few months and did the Tour de Vin in our SL.


TR

[Igofastr]

Tony,

Thanks for the invite. I'll come by when I'm in the area at the right time.

Ron