Had a interesting event happen recently. Guy pulled up next to me at the gas station in a red superformance gt40, i was in my 67 gt500. He was probably in his late 60s and kinda struggled getting out. We exchanged greetings and talked for a long time. Really great guy. Beautiful gt40! Long story short, he asked if I would be interested in a trade as he has been thinking about selling. We exchanged info and went on our ways.
2 things, I have never driven one of these so I don't know if I would like it. The other is my 67 is my dream car and I am not sure I want to part with it, however I would seriously consider a gt40!
What are SP cars worth? Are they uncomfortable like panteras? What are the pros and cons?
Just looking for some insight.
Quote from: 6972boss on December 03, 2019, 12:13:03 AM
Had a interesting event happen recently. Guy pulled up next to me at the gas station in a red superformance gt40, i was in my 67 gt500. He was probably in his late 60s and kinda struggled getting out. We exchanged greetings and talked for a long time. Really great guy. Beautiful gt40! Long story short, he asked if I would be interested in a trade as he has been thinking about selling. We exchanged info and went on our ways.
2 things, I have never driven one of these so I don't know if I would like it. The other is my 67 is my dream car and I am not sure I want to part with it, however I would seriously consider a gt40!
What are SP cars worth? Are they uncomfortable like panteras? What are the pros and cons?
Just looking for some insight.
A Pantera is much easier to get into compared to a vintage GT40. The doors make you have to be concerned with where you park . You need about half a parking space on ether side given the GT40 door. It is probably as comfortable as a Pantera. You have to beat off lookers with a stick where ever you stop. :)
Consider a Ford GT. Much more comfortable,but still have the parking concerns and the onlookers. I sold my dream car for one, and couldn't be happier with it. However, the parts are extremely expensive if something happens, but I guess that's what insurance is for.
Quote from: Rickmustang on December 03, 2019, 03:19:20 AM
Consider a Ford GT. Much more comfortable,but still have the parking concerns and the onlookers. I sold my dream car for one, and couldn't be happier with it. However, the parts are extremely expensive if something happens, but I guess that's what insurance is for.
Not to confuse the OP I think he was asking about a vintage GT40 and not a more modern 05 and up Ford GT version.
One of my concerns when driving the Ford GT (or any of the exotic sport machines) on the public roadway with other vehicles is that your GT is shorter than most rear view mirrors, so even if the other driver is only somewhat attentive (versus completely oblivious), they may not be able to see you! If your provided the opportunity to operate one, you'll notice how truly short they are and how low in comparison to others you seating position is, perhaps to the point of unnerving safety concerns. :o This issue is particularly prevalent being that the S.U.V. is so popular on the roads today.
And yes, be sure to insure it, as for the 2004-06 Ford GT's if the aluminum-honeycomb-chassis is damaged, your out-of-luck!
Scott.
having driven a gt 40 on the street i will tell you it is the best and most frighting at same time .... you can look under the cars in front of you at the traffic light!
Sounds like a blast to drive if you are on your toes. Now, if you had a 67 gt500 would you trade for a "continuation/kit"?
Or am I loosing my mind?
I have a 1967 GT500 and an Original Alan Mann Ford GT40 Ford team race car now. I did have a Pantera. The Pantera is a lot easier to get in than the GT40. Almost Zero rear visibility in my GT40. The 67 GT500 is a more usable car. But nothing will ever compare to the feel of the GT40 and the rumble of the exhaust beats all! The height of my 40 is just below my belt line.
And as rex told me at MCACN show a gt40 is 40'' to top of windshield glass NOT total height of the car like most people would think!
Quote from: Special Ed on December 26, 2019, 11:55:39 PM
And as rex told me at MCACN show a gt40 is 40'' to top of windshield glass NOT total height of the car like most people would think!
My Pantera is 42" at the roof. You climb out head first because of the footwells. Floorpans are lowered 2". It's down there.
In the Pantera the driver foot wells and pedal locations are to narrow for my size 12-1/2 to 13W shoes to operate the pedals comfortably. :(
Scott.
To my mind trading a historical vehicle for a replica of a historical vehicle doesn't make too much sense....That being said $$$$$ has an amazing analgesic function....LOL 8)
+ 1 trent muy buena comparativa
Quote from: 557 on December 27, 2019, 11:44:46 AM
To my mind trading a historical vehicle for a replica of a historical vehicle doesn't make too much sense....That being said $$$$$ has an amazing analgesic function....LOL 8)
Rex, you DROVE your GT 40!!!!!!
Quote from: pbf777 on December 27, 2019, 10:53:03 AM
In the Pantera the driver foot wells and pedal locations are to narrow for my size 12-1/2 to 13W shoes to operate the pedals comfortably. :(
Scott.
Well why do you think the vast majority of race car drivers of the era are the size and weights of jockeys? For Gurney, who was 6-1 and a slight build they had to extend the roof with a bubble for his head.
There aren't ANY gorillas that I can think of that will fit in these cars.
It's just the nature of the beast for GT's to be tight. If you can't fit a Pantera, forget about a GT40 and even though they may have two "seats", they are really only intended to be for the driver.
They derived from the Lola GT and I don't think that car was ever seriously intended to be a street car?
I think it was the C5 Corvette where the "Press" thought they coined the phrase, "climbing the fence" because of the wide rockers and deep seat location. Those folks OBVIOUSLY never reviewed the GT40. Those aren't even rockers, those are pontoons.
They must be in the 15 to 20 inch wide vicinity?
The seats are fastened to the floor and more closely resemble something like the current 4c Alfa Romeo where the seats are part of the molded platform and you adjust the pedals, not the seats.
What's driving a GT40. Like?
In my mind it's one word, "Heaven"
I'm taller and weigh too much but I'd squeeze my big old butt into the seat, twist my head to the side, stuff it in that "Gurney Bubble" and just enjoy life
Quote from: Steve McDonald Formally known as Mcdonas on December 27, 2019, 02:33:49 PM
What's driving a GT40. Like?
In my mind it's one word, "Heaven"
I'm taller and weigh too much but I'd squeeze my big old butt into the seat, twist my head to the side, stuff it in that "Gurney Bubble" and just enjoy life
Have you considered surgical alteration?
Quote from: shelbydoug on December 27, 2019, 01:57:45 PM
The seats are fastened to the floor and more closely resemble something like the current 4c Alfa Romeo where the seats are part of the molded platform and you adjust the pedals, not the seats.
Or like the current FGT.
Quote from: Steve McDonald Formally known as Mcdonas on December 27, 2019, 02:33:49 PM
What's driving a GT40. Like?
In my mind it's one word, "Heaven"
I'm taller and weigh too much but I'd squeeze my big old butt into the seat, twist my head to the side, stuff it in that "Gurney Bubble" and just enjoy life
Yeah, for a while, and then it'll get old, your back will hurt trying to get out of the thing, and you'll quit driving it, just like everybody else. ;)
It can be interesting, at times, watching the uninitiated to the GT's in their first attempts at ingress and egress, quite a number of different contortions may be witnessed depending on the physique and imagination at hand in the moment. :o
Scott.
I was able to stuff myself in a 1966 Austin Healy Sprite for years, I'd make the sacrifice to do it in a GT40. I was driving my 66 GT350H today, noisy, yes, full of squeaks and rattles, yes, steers and brakes hard, yep, but even after 240,000 miles it still brings a smile to my face. Makes me feel 21 again. A GT40 might make me feel 18
Quote from: shelbydoug on December 27, 2019, 01:57:45 PM
I think it was the C5 Corvette where the "Press" thought they coined the phrase, "climbing the fence" because of the wide rockers and deep seat location. Those folks OBVIOUSLY never reviewed the GT40. Those aren't even rockers, those are pontoons.
Probably still not he first for such, but the Mercedes 300SL Gullwing (1955-57) deserves mention. ;)
Scott.
So I had a 1972 Pantera many years ago and and although a cool car you when seat you were slightly turned to the right. I have a CAV GT40 currently and love it. 60 performance car with A/C/Heat and they are a blast to drive. I do have to wear driving shoes as my wide feet normal shoes don't work well but the rest is awesome.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FerJA-Pe9hQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYUF6pPRMiw
I think buying/getting a replica GT40 might be the rage at the moment (RE- movie) but that will pass I'm sure based on the comfort issues etc.
I'd keep ur 67 Shelby unless you can get a trade on an 05/06 GT which is a pretty comfortable car and faster than anyone needs.
Quote from: Bigfoot on January 19, 2020, 12:42:33 PM
... an 05/06 GT which is a pretty comfortable car and faster than anyone needs.
Not going to disagree, but I can't believe that I read that on here :o ::) ???
Quote from: Bigfoot on January 19, 2020, 12:42:33 PM
I think buying/getting a replica GT40 might be the rage at the moment (RE- movie) but that will pass I'm sure based on the comfort issues etc.
I'd keep ur 67 Shelby unless you can get a trade on an 05/06 GT which is a pretty comfortable car and faster than anyone needs.
Size comparison;
Quote from: 2112 on January 19, 2020, 02:38:22 PM
Quote from: Bigfoot on January 19, 2020, 12:42:33 PM
I think buying/getting a replica GT40 might be the rage at the moment (RE- movie) but that will pass I'm sure based on the comfort issues etc.
I'd keep ur 67 Shelby unless you can get a trade on an 05/06 GT which is a pretty comfortable car and faster than anyone needs.
Size comparison;
That's a great photo to show the top side to side comparison. Big difference.
To pick up upon 2112's pic showing just how small a GT40 is:
Great pics! I've seen a few real Gt40s at the palm springs races. They are compact! So to be honest I've been fighting the gt40 bug for 30+ years. It has been growing in intensity for some years. The movie really didn't spark anything more in me. I don't think the movie really made these more popular lately. This is an agonizing decision, I tell ya! I have been a car guy since I was a young kid with my matchbox cars. Now in my 5th decade I still like the noise, smell, vibrations and sensations of old, big block shelbys and mustangs, hasn't grown old yet. To me the gt40 had always been the ultimate. My gt500 has always been 2nd on the list but more within reach, except for now, thanks to the recreations.
The owner of the red gt40 and I are still talking and taking our time with the deal. He is good to go but I am still not 100% with this yet. Always good to have outside opinions to think about. Thank you, keep em coming they are very useful.
A issue to consider is the fuel tanks in the wide rocker on the GT40. Most have a rubber fuel badder which have a short life span relatively speaking of 6-8 years. They start to break down and material plugs up fuel filter in the short term and in long term the tank starts to leak. It is not a easy fix.
An SPF40, with an accurate tub and roof, especially in the RH drive, full mechanical shift linkage variant is .... faithful. They are no hokie kit car to be sure.
Its faults are the accurately reproduced faults of a GT40. It is my understanding that you have to want to like it and it won't disappoint. It is not a 2020 M series BMW.
The hypocenter of the SPF40 world is http://www.olthoffracing.com and Rick at https://www.timemachineauto.com/
Regarding the fuel tanks: the SPF40 is equipped w tanks. Bladders are a $6800 upcharge.
Good Luck
Replica's are all well and good but the thing I hate the most is this question "Is it a real one?" which is a legitimate question. That is why I wouldn't buy or even consider trading my original Shelby for a replica, continuation etc.... Anyone can buy a new replica, no one can buy your original Shelby unless you sale it to them :-).
Some will say "Yeah but who has the $millions to buy the real deal", okay I understand that, but unless your racing it, invest your money in a real one of what you can afford IMHO.
I respectfully disagree.
Most of these cars were obtainable by those with less than Uber large bank accounts at some point, either at time of first sale or shortly after. Now, due to their successes and rarity, they are mostly museum pieces or blue chip investments.
That's life. I get it.
The replicas are a chance for someone with significantly less wherewithal to own and more than likely, drive as intended. They are still far out of reach for the 99%ers.
It is the sincerest form of flattery, not a cheapening of the originals.
As long as owners aren't trying to pass them as originals (foolish) I sure think there is room enough for every one.
like being accepting of Day 2 cars (I am a huge fan of these as well).
Quote from: Bob Gaines on January 28, 2020, 01:10:48 AM
A issue to consider is the fuel tanks in the wide rocker on the GT40. Most have a rubber fuel badder which have a short life span relatively speaking of 6-8 years. They start to break down and material plugs up fuel filter in the short term and in long term the tank starts to leak. It is not a easy fix.
The main issue with any fuel cell isn't the rubber bladder. The required cell foam inserts can break down over time and lead to fuel issues. The bladders can be re-certified by the manufacturer, the foam inserts are replaced per the sanctioning body. I just went through this very situation with my Shelby.
Quote from: camp upshur on January 28, 2020, 01:41:23 AM
An SPF40, with an accurate tub and roof, especially in the RH drive, full mechanical shift linkage variant is .... faithful. They are no hokie kit car to be sure.
Its faults are the accurately reproduced faults of a GT40. It is my understanding that you have to want to like it and it won't disappoint. It is not a 2020 M series BMW.
The hypocenter of the SPF40 world is http://www.olthoffracing.com and Rick at https://www.timemachineauto.com/
Regarding the fuel tanks: the SPF40 is equipped w tanks. Bladders are a $6800 upcharge.
Good Luck
Dennis Olthoff turns out some amazing SPF40's both for the street and the track. It's a great shop to visit with a lot of racing history here in the U.S. and South Africa. :)
Quote from: CSX 4133 on January 28, 2020, 12:29:17 PM
The main issue with any fuel cell isn't the rubber bladder.
Do be aware that the bladders do fail in time, as we have had to replace several over the years, in vehicles which developed leaks, and upon removal observed obvious deterioration of the material. ;)
Scott.
The Superformance cars use stainless steel tanks of 11 gallons each rather than the bladders.
I tell customers "the best thing about the Superformance GT40 is it is like the original; the worst thing about it is that it is like the original!"
My other standard line is "do you understand the difference between 'waterproof' and 'water resistant'?" You must keep in mind these were race cars in the 60's and if the driver got dripped on, well that is part of what he was being paid for.
However the GT40 is way more user friendly that people expect, the SPF GT40 rides pretty well for a no rubber bushing suspension, the HVAC system works well in non-extreme conditions (I wouldn't drive across Death Valley) and the interior is a fairly comfortable place to be.
Long distance? See this post: https://www.gt40s.com/threads/1085-miles-with-wife-and-dog-in-two-days.28979/
Quote from: mark iv on February 12, 2020, 08:45:27 AM
The Superformance cars use stainless steel tanks of 11 gallons each rather than the bladders.
I tell customers "the best thing about the Superformance GT40 is it is like the original; the worst thing about it is that it is like the original!"
My other standard line is "do you understand the difference between 'waterproof' and 'water resistant'?" You must keep in mind these were race cars in the 60's and if the driver got dripped on, well that is part of what he was being paid for.
However the GT40 is way more user friendly that people expect, the SPF GT40 rides pretty well for a no rubber bushing suspension, the HVAC system works well in non-extreme conditions (I wouldn't drive across Death Valley) and the interior is a fairly comfortable place to be.
Long distance? See this post: https://www.gt40s.com/threads/1085-miles-with-wife-and-dog-in-two-days.28979/
I am certainly jealous. I think I'll take my 66 GT350H out today, just because you have inspired me ;D
Sold my 67 GT 500. Miss it all the time. Just saying.
Quote from: Bwarren on February 12, 2020, 12:44:53 PM
Sold my 67 GT 500. Miss it all the time. Just saying.
Welcome. And sorry to hear it. Any way to get it back? Do you know the current whereabouts? Any good stories related to said G.T. 500?
Late to this post, but a GT40 is extremely spacious . Try getting into an original Lotus Europa.
Quote from: 6972boss on December 03, 2019, 12:13:03 AM
Had a interesting event happen recently. Guy pulled up next to me at the gas station in a red superformance gt40, i was in my 67 gt500. He was probably in his late 60s and kinda struggled getting out. We exchanged greetings and talked for a long time. Really great guy. Beautiful gt40! Long story short, he asked if I would be interested in a trade as he has been thinking about selling. We exchanged info and went on our ways.
2 things, I have never driven one of these so I don't know if I would like it. The other is my 67 is my dream car and I am not sure I want to part with it, however I would seriously consider a gt40!
What are SP cars worth? Are they uncomfortable like panteras? What are the pros and cons?
Just looking for some insight.
If I had a historical vehicle 1967 GT500, I would never trade for a replica of a GT40
Keep the real deal or maybe a 2005 / 06 GT
As you mentioned the person getting out struggled. Then more than likely so will you.
Keep "the real one"
Quote from: Greg on January 28, 2020, 08:46:21 AM
Replica's are all well and good but the thing I hate the most is this question "Is it a real one?" which is a legitimate question. That is why I wouldn't buy or even consider trading my original Shelby for a replica, continuation etc.... Anyone can buy a new replica, no one can buy your original Shelby unless you sale it to them :-).
Some will say "Yeah but who has the $millions to buy the real deal", okay I understand that, but unless your racing it, invest your money in a real one of what you can afford IMHO.
The Flaw here is: By the time I save up enough to buy a REAL one, I will be on my Deathbed and THEN, I couldn't afford the Insurance, and then, I'd be too afraid to drive it for fear of getting even a single Ding on it and then there is the Parts issues, need a Master Cylinder? Good luck finding one. Soooo, a Replica or Continuation could be MORE valuable then the "Real Deal" to some people.
gotcha, you want to enjoy the ride
Muy Bueno !