Which GT40?
 

Guys,

I have done the typical scope creep where I decided to get a retro muscle car. Favorite was GT40 but after seeing their prices decided thats more than I want to spend on the 4th car. I have a 850hp 911TT, E Class Diesel and Lexus SUV.

My thought was that I can add a toy that is more a'hem, raw... After driving Factory Five Daytona I think may decide to increase my budget. I suppose they are nice for $50k. But I really want the wife and other passengers to feel like they are in a car, not a literal race car or kit. Hopefully I won't regret not getting a Gallardo or 430! My thought is why get another modern high end car when I can mix it up and get the ultimate retro exotic!

So I've see CAV and Superformance cars at about the same price range used. What are the pros and cons of each it? Or is there a link that compares them?


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You really, really, really, need to seek out some of these cars (Cobra, Daytona Coupe, GT40) and at least ride in one. None of them will meet that singular criteria.

These are really race cars. They are not meant for comfort, especially for the passenger. After two rides in my Cobra my wife refused to ever get in it again. Several friends that I gave rides to echoed that. There is a description of a Cobra written with a piece of humor, but they are the smelliest, hottest, most cramped, sitting at an angle car you will ever be in. As a driver you tolerate that for the thrill of it. As a passenger for any length of time it is a torture chamber. The GT40 will be the worst. The seats are part of the unibody, not movable at all - no forward/backward or tilt, and in most cases, with little or no padding, are extremely narrow, and with limited foot space offer little in the way of being able to shift around. A fixed seat on Spirit Airlines is more comfortable.

And the Cobra is probably the most comfortable of the three.

If you desire a vehicle that meets your criteria quoted above it is with 100% certainty that none of the vehicles mentioned meet the criteria.

I don't want to try to talk you out of it, but these are drivers' cars, not meant or built for passenger comfort. They were designed to push an engine around a track.

While the coupe and GT40 are called "touring" cars, they are anything but, and you will be crying uncle after driving/riding in them for more than 2-3 hours (which by the way, coinicides with the time to empty the gas tank at highway speeds)

[Note there may be a 1/2 point bonus for the newer Shelby version of the Coupe (CSX9000 family) because they straightened out and widened the foot box on both sides. But you'll pay handsomely for that version.]

If you have the money and want the thrill but still comfort, consider a 05-06 Ford GT. That met my criteria that matched yours as a driver but also offer passenger comfort. [Coincidentally, mine happens to be for sale.]

P.S. And for this reason don't think of waiting for the 17 Ford GT. The homologation vehicles are pure race cars first, fixed seating again, and the space between passenger and driver is so that the passenger will spend most of the time leaning into the door to give the driver room.

Another data point. The cars you mention are not "muscle cars". If you want an exotic muscle car how about looking into the 60's and 70's classics. My favorite family is still the Mustangs, especially the earlier GT500s and the later Mach 1s, and of course, the Boss 429. There are a bunch of Mopars that are also eye catching, like the Dodge Daytona.

Thanks for the synopsis a few points:

1) I said I am looking for something "raw". As in more brutal. I almost bought a factory 5 Daytona this weekend. It was well done. But still no Superformance. So I'm pretty sure it won't be too crude for me.

2) Also, I've owns Lotus Elise, early Viper etc.

3) I'm 38 and 5'7

4) btw my wife rode in factory five Daytona. She was fine;-). These higher end ones are only better no?

5) regarding Cobra I drove a Shell Valley over weekend. Not impressed. I'm sure Backdraft or Kirkham mych better

#4: But for how long? My wife told me she'd had enough on a 2 hour road trip her feet were so hot she put the out the side of the door. The Cobra to the Daytona Coupe is evolutionary. But the GT40 is not. I'm dead serious that if you are thinking about one of these you need to find someone with one that will take the time to educate you on it. It is a dead serious one on race car. I know three people who own them and they echo my assessment: Driver's car, not long trips, and passengers will hate you for anything more than a spin around the block. Oh and you can't open the windows.

#5: Backdraft can be had in the same price range, but Kirkham makes only alloy body cars and expect it to be in the high 100s before it's done.

You should go to 427 Cobra Country--Ford AC Cobra replica manufacturers SUPER-SITE to get a feeling for prices. There are listings for Cobras, Coupes and GT40s there.

You should visit www.gt40s.com for a more focused discussion on the GT40.

PS. When I was selling my Cobra the Coupe and GT40 made the short list, but were excluded for the reasons noted above and I bought a civilized but equally fast (or faster), and certainly more comfortable, Ford GT.

Understand and agree that I will clearly spend some quality time with GT40 and owners before buying. Remember the 911 is the main toy. This next one will deliberately by a significant departure.

This would be the very reason I am looking at them over a Gallardo or McLaren or 2005 GT. I don't want yet another modern supercar bi like variety.

Your points would make sense only IF I was planning to replace 911TT with GT40 as primary toy and were on for a rude awakening. My stable will be:

E Bluetec - Lux biz sedan
GX - Lux yet Off-road SUV
911 Turbo - Modern Beast toy
GT40 - Classic even more raw yet exotic toy

When ready to replace 911 the Gallardo, Huracan, GT only then become options. But not next to the 911...

Btw some DO have windows that go down!

Now back on topic who can expound on pros and cons of each CAV, ERA, Superformance?

There are not many GT40 owners that frequent this site since this is mostly about Cobras. All the information you want and more is at the GT40s.com - Powered by vBulletin site.

My vote is for an ERA GT40. Super customer service and the finest craftsmen in the business. Unfortunately they are no longer available new, so used is the only option.

RCR (Race Car Replicas) makes one of the finest GT40 replicas and they're built in Michigan. If you purchase new, then you will have to have them or someone qualified to build it for you. You can have the RCR40 built to your specifications. Each one is custom made.

As mentioned, the GT40 website will have the answers to all your questions.

When I did my research, the RCR was roughly the Kirkham of the GT40 spectrum. And the Superformance was the Shelby of the GT40 spectrum. In no way a direct comparison, since for at least two things, Fran at RCR does not sell GT40 bodies to Superformance (like Kirkham sells to Shelby) and RCR GT40's are not registered into the Shelby World Registry (like Kirkhams).

I just think paying for the Superformance name to get a GT40 that is listed in the Registry is nonsense since its a replica just like the Shelby Cobras. Regardless of the 70% interchangeable parts nonsense. They weren't built in the 1960's, they use modern (not NOS/OEM) parts built by different companies and people.

1) ERA
2) SPF
3) CAV

There is one other in England, budget has to be 3x the others.

1) ERA
2) SPF
3) CAV

There is one other in England, budget has to be 3x the others.

Holman Moody will build you a MkII :cool:

Are ERA's a bad choice even used since they are no longer made? Also, are webbers a nightmare to live with?

I don't believe so. ERA's customer service is second to none. Anything I need for my ERA is just a phone call away. I'll even bet they could be talked into building a new one if they still have a chassis in stock. Teddy is still finishing up a few that were in the works. One gentleman on GT40.com is still waiting for his turn key car, I believe the 101st one built, or thereabouts.
The Webers are awesome when set up properly. They act like the car is fuel injected. Turn the key and the car fires up and idles perfectly. Jim Inglese is the ultimate authority on Webers and he lives 20 miles from me. I brought the car to him and in 30 minutes had them dialed in perfectly.

You'd do well to include Roaring Forties in your list and research...
Roaring Forties - Replica GT40s

Total pros, with V8 supercar experience (akin to US NASCAR, except with proper corners, lol).

After much research, RF was my choice until I struck a deal on my cobra.
Just saying'

[quote=twobjshelbys;1357713]


While the coupe and GT40 are called "touring" cars, they are anything but, and you will be crying uncle after driving/riding in them for more than 2-3 hours (which by the way, coinicides with the time to empty the gas tank at highway speeds)




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I wonder if you have ever really been in a GT40? I drove my SPF MK II last Sunday a total of 375 miles in 5 hours to attend the Watkins Glen Vintage Grand Prix and I was relaxed and comfortable all the time. The ride surprises everyone, it is firm but not harsh and while there is "clunking" via the steel on steel suspension, the AC kept me comfy at 80 degrees and I had some iced tea in the cooler to drink despite no cupholders!.This is a car that even my wife will ride in!

We did some laps and then drove home [ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-J27gEco5ak&feature=youtu.be[/ame]


If you are unsure come and visit me for a ride and drive and THEN decide if a GT is for you.

I have had 6 Cobras and two GT40s but never a Daytona Couple. I never liked the roof line inside the car on a Coupe. Cobras were fun and clearly brute power, hot and loud. Gotta Love Um! I currently have a CAV GT40 #169 and it is an awesome car. Air condition is super cold, lots of power and handles and drives beautifully. The only issue you and your wife might have on a GT40 is getting in and out. Try one! :)

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Gee what part of I said I was didn't you understand? The passenger side is uncomfortable for me. Your mileage may vary. I can drive almost anything like this but like I said it's a driver's experience, not a passenger. Did you RIDE or DRIVE?

My message to the OP is don't buy the car based on what people write here but what he and his wife experience in person.

....and maybe buy your GT?

I have driven my CAV, with a passenger, for hundreds of miles with no complaints.

Seems to me you have an agenda.

Going for a ride in a GT40 replica before buying is good advice. One of our club members had one built and promptly sold it right after getting it. His wife felt very claustrophobic in the passenger seat.

Nothing wrong with due diligence.