New SAE book on Ford GT

Tom Kirkham · #1 (**permalink**) 03-20-2004, 09:59 PM

[http://www.sae.org/servlets/productD...PROD_CD=PT-113

BlueRooster · #2 (**permalink**) 03-21-2004, 05:23 AM

On a bit of a different subject. Do you notice that no one refers to the original as a GT-40 anymore? It is always Ford GT...the new and the old ones. The guy that negotiated too hard on the price of the copyright "GT-40" is such a putz. Man, that guy must be so pissed off...and Ford never even flinched. He could have has himself a boatload of dough (and a brand new GT-40) if he wasnt so greedy. I wish I was a fly on the wall during those talks.

rlearp · #3 (**permalink**) 03-28-2004, 05:18 AM

Yep, that is crazy about the book title! We made special forums for the GT since we wanted to keep the distinction betwen real GT40s and the new GT. The new GT is great, but it ain't no GT40.

dalola · #4 (**permalink**) 03-28-2004, 08:02 AM

Through the course of the past year, I can recall at least three times where Automotive Engineering(one of SAE's monthly publications) had articles about the new GT. All were very interesting, and offered up technical aspects the enthusiast magazines failed to. For the GT, and GT40 fan, this book would be a "must-have".
~Dave

Trevor Legate · #5 (**permalink**) 03-28-2004, 01:27 PM

I find this perpetuating myth about the demands made for the "use" of the GT40 title quite amusing. I had a conversation with the person who ended up owning it, and the original request was modest in the extreme - all it would have required was a few good manners on the part of some spoilt Ford brat and a sensible conversation and the deal would have been done for the proverbial peanuts. Instead, the Fordy-type gets his underwear in a bunch and goes off in a sulk, claiming a deal could not be struck due to outrageous demands (False) Ford's loss - never mind.

BMK · #6 (**permalink**) 07-29-2004, 07:45 AM

Trev289

Just picked up this old "Thread".

How's the new book coming along.

Bernie

BT SNAKE · #7 (**permalink**) 08-01-2004, 09:48 AM

Trevor,
It may well be as you say but the fact is we will never know as all is hear-say. That is unless you have something to back up your claim. There is always a little truth to a rumor .

I guess it's safe to say you don't care for Bill.

Hersh

PS... I too look forward to your new book.

BMK · #8 (**permalink**) 08-01-2004, 05:49 PM

Hersh

Good to see you floating around. Hope all is cooling down there in AZ.

Trevor

Keep us "Posted" on the new book coming up, or any you feel may be a good resource.

Take care guys

Cheers

Bernie

Trevor Legate · #9 (**permalink**) 08-02-2004, 02:38 AM

BT Snake

I only posted my comment due to the fact that I had a conversation with the person concerned, while sitting in his office, who had 'negotiated' with Ford and he told me what he had requested. His so-called demands were VERY modest to say the least, in fact almost too modest - I'd have asked for more!! - but were told to me in confidence and I see no reason to betray that. It hardly serves any useful purpose but the 'demands' as quoted by some dim-wit within Ford bore no relation to the facts. I think they expected to be granted the right to use the GT40 title automatically and were highly irritated when they found they no longer owned it. It makes a better story to say that "Ford were held to ransom by greedy Engilsh guy" so nothing I can say or do will change that. Its a bit like some of the fantasies that surround the Cobra the myth......the truth is a bit boring so lets carry on with the lie. But as a piece of Ford PR, I think it stinks. (A bit like some of the Cobra stories....)

Hi Bernie

The book is evolving slowly - each year I get talked into writing a pot-boiler book in 4 months flat (Mercedes this year) and like a fool I do it, because they offer me money. Shame on me. But the book is at layout stage now and I am hoping to tie up a deal with someone to help in financing the printing stage. Also, the Cobra saga keeps unravelling and things keep happening so I keep adding bits - ask Steve Sunshine! I will be photographing 2, 427s today and tomorrow to add a few more photos and I will be at the Haynes Publishing Cobra Day on Sept 1st where the Willment coupe and CSX2299 will be joined by Augie Pabst and Bob Bondurant and lots of sad people like me with their autograph books and cameras. So thats gotta go in the book.....I also hope to be chauffered there in one of the Superformance Coupes (not a Daytona??!!). Just recovering from a drive in the first one completed over here. I have to admit that a 6.6-litre Rousch engine is moderately quick....!!!!!!!!!

BMK · #10 (**permalink**) 08-02-2004, 03:19 AM

Trevor,

Hi mate.

Hell, you life sounds boring. Why don't you get out of that study or office there and enjoy yourself

Sounds like fun.

Where do I get a job like that?

I met the manager and sales guy from Rousch at the 'Run N Gun'. He was over there talking with Cobra owners and generally just enjoying himself. Guess Gateway Raceway is not that far for him to take a drive.

I have Posted with Steve Sunshine on the 'forum' here along with a lot of others. Looking forward to meeting with some of these guys.

Perhaps the DVSF next year in Ohio if they run it. Would make a good book subject?

Just spent the wekend masking and pulling off tape on the Cobra. I have 'Posted' some new photos.

Cheers

Bernie

Trevor Legate · #11 (**permalink**) 08-02-2004, 02:47 PM

Hi Bernie

yeah - lifes a drag.....just back from photographing a 427, black with white stripes, gumball Goodyears, black pipes, 485 bhp lump running on Webers. Does it get much better than that? And the worlds best paint job, well over 500 hours work, not a bump or a blemish, just perfect, even underneath the hood and everyhwhere you can get black paint to stick. Coo - expensive

BT SNAKE · #12 (**permalink**) 08-02-2004, 10:52 PM

Trevor,
Thanks for the reply. I too find it interesting that such rumors take on a life of their own. I'm even more intrigued that nobody bothers to rectify such damaging rumors. This maybe just a Cobra forum but I still say that most here are die hard enthusiast that care more about the facts than rumors. If what you say is true then I feel the facts of what transpired should be revealed. If Bill was acting like a spoiled brat then I for one would like to know.
What harm could it do to tell the facts of what Ford offered and why it was refused. As a writer I'm sure you see my point.
In my opinion you couldn't ask for a better group here to divulge those facts to. I think this group here and over on the GT40 forum try hard to keep the facts straight.
Either way I respect you for holding the information in confidence as requested by your friend.

Hersh

BMK · #13 (**permalink**) 08-03-2004, 01:28 AM

Trevor, Hersh

Hi guys

Just got the Cobra back from the paint shop. If you get a chance check the gallery out.

Will "post' new photos once all the bits are back on.

Take care.

Sorry Tom K. for Hi - jacking the "Thread" here again..

Guess it would be interesting to have a 'ball park' figure on that GT40 rights.

Cheers

Bernie