Industry - Kits, rollers, and where is it going? - Page 2

SpyderMike · 11-12-04, 02:24 PM

Addressing the original post, I was in discussions on a new CAV until I got the $10k increase plus customs charges answer. This making the roller car I spec'd (minimal options) something like $75K instead of the "old price" of $64K. I will wait it out and see if the dollar or the competition make it more reasonable.

Regards,
Mike

Gary Gibbs · 11-12-04, 09:11 PM

Mike,
Give me a call. I have uncovered one chassis that will be built before the price increase (VIN #95) and has NOT been spec'ed. We can pick whatever options that you want.
Thanks.

Chris Melia · 11-13-04, 07:15 AM

hi Guys

well, from my understanding Peter Thorpe had permission from John Willment of JWA to build 40, MkIV GT40's and he paid a royalty fee on every car built to Willment.
I also understand that it was John Ethridge's company that assembled the last 24 Safirs on behalf of Peter Thorpe.
I think the chances now of IP rights over the chassis/body design after 40 years would not be admissible in court and also there are so many variations on the theme that its hard to determine the standard.
The GTD has 19 body variations to the original body and the originals have at least three rear arch configurations.
Interesting stuff I guess that Safir is still a bit upset at not sealing the deal on the name "GT40" rights with Ford, greed is a very destructive force! and something is only worth what someone else is prepared to pay for it.

Regards
Chris.

SpyderMike · 11-15-04, 04:31 PM

Gary,

Thanks for all your help, but count me out. I am just going to wait it out and see what the dollar and the competition do. The whole thing has just made me a bit uneasy.

Best Regards,
Mike

jimbo · 11-15-04, 06:54 PM

Safir agreed to build no more Mark V cars, except to replace or rebuild cars damaged in accidents. Several Safir cars were wrecked and got new tubs. This is considered okay by the terms of the agreement as I understand it.
Keep in mind that my car is somewhat of a special case. The Mark I monocoque on which my car is based was built in NZ and finished by Adams in UK. It was delivered complete to Safir; what they are doing is helping me finish the car. The bodywork was purchased from them; they had the body parts made from the original Wyer molds. What will my car be, assuming I can get it done (it's gotten expensive)- well it will be a new-old Mark I GT40, at least I hope so. Whose name goes on it as maker is open for discussion- certainly the SAfir guys will have a lot of parts in there, and they have been real helpful along the way. If they feel it merits having their name on it I'll be pleased to accommodate them. Mostly I just want to see it roll and run [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img]

Lynn · 11-15-04, 08:19 PM

Jim,

I can relate to you all to well, especially in terms of the time to get it built. I really didn't know many of the particulars of your car or its components other than it was at Safir in Ohio to be completed. And it does sound as though it will be remarkably close to the originals when complete! That is very cool no matter what marque it ends up running with and all that matters is that you are happy with it. If it is a well made car, which it will no doubt be, it will carry a good amount of intrinsic value, again, despite the marque it carries.

Maybe our cars will be done at close to the same time as it does seem we started this whole thing at about the same time. Keep us posted on your progress, please.

Regards,
Lynn

David Morton · 11-15-04, 08:50 PM

Difficult call Jim. Can SAFIR give you a sequential number or are all their allocations used up? It will, no doubt, be a very good car when it's finished but you may have the dilemma of getting a chassis number allocated to it. Do VIN numbers in the USA relate to the chassis origins ?. Most originals I've seen (MK1) seem to be from Slough UK so I can't really imagine how you go about it . Have any Safir one's been totalled yet, or are they /have they all been 'repaired' in the time honoured traditions we keep hearing about? Good Luck.
Dave M

jimbo · 11-17-04, 09:32 PM

Actually, some of the Safir cars HAVE been banged up in racing or street accidents, and I think two or three have been rebuilt around new tubs. Obviously this is a pricey repair. Plenty of things always get replaced besides the tub...what identity will my car have? You know, at this point that doesn't matter as much to me...I used to fret about it, now I would just like to get it done. If the Safir guys are willing to give it a number I would be delighted. If not, I'll think of something. Current schedule is to try to get it on its' feet in the next month or so, and bring it here for plumbing and wiring, after the tub is painted. Your good wishes appreciated, Lynn, and reciprocated of course.