[Chuck]

We live in Carterville, Illinois, about 60 miles due south of Dean Lampe.

We like to drive, so when this project ends, a car with good road manners for long cruises is our first goal. To that end our power plant is rather modest by current standards, with power in the same range as the original GT 40.

Our second goal is originality. Although attempting to build an exact reproduction is not practical, we want to incorporate styling cues that will create an original impression. For example, a cold box, back fire plate, Weber carbs, and Guerny-Weslake valve covers, will be part of the package. There are lots of other ideas and details rattling around, but how many of those materialize remains to be seen.

The color scheme will be based upon the Essex Wire cars. Not because of any particular interest in Essex Wire, their track record, the drivers, or other historical details associated with Essex Wire, but just because we like white with a red stripe down the middle.

This is our second build project. We completed an Everett Morrison Cobra with a 427 SO in January of this year. Building it was such a thrill, we ordered the RCR the last business day of 2006 to keep us busy for another year. The Cobra has been registered since mid February, now four months, and already 2100 miles are on the clock. Did I mention we like to drive? (Ryan got his driver’s license the same week the Cobra was registered – how is that for coincidence!).

The pictures of the GT were all taken at Fran’s shop. Here are a few more including the Mark IV and the coupe with the Lexus engine. At the risk of alienating GT-40 fans, a couple of pictures of the Cobra are also included.