Comparing Different Manufacturers

Ian Anderson · 04-23-04, 01:15 PM

I have looked at loads of photographs, read threads, and tried to get things straight in my head but one thing still puzzles.

When I see a car "in the flesh" I find it difficult to ascertain if it is a KVA, GTD Tornado, CAV, DAX or whatever (Sorrn I have not seen an RF, Safir, or NZ yet)

What tell tale marks, curves, shaping etc. mark the brands apart from each other? For instance I was shown different shul lines on the front of the doors of Tornado and GTD.I also know the DAx is 2 inches taller - where did they fit that in?

I have now even learned that the windscreens are not necessarily interchangable between the manufacturers.

Lastly how does each differ to the original cars?

Has anyone got any side by side diagrams, photographs or information that differentiate the different manufacturers?

Thanks
Ian

Jonathan · 04-23-04, 02:17 PM

Most cars do have slightly different dimensions. I think the only exact replica is the ERA. I saw CAV, RF and ERA together at Carlisle last yr. ERA looked the best to me, but all were excellent.

BTW, you don't happen to be in Jethro Tull? j/k

Kalun D · 04-23-04, 07:31 PM

It's hard to tell until you open the body up and look at the suspension and other bits. The Safir and the ERA are easy because of the monocoque. The Safir is an almost exact copy of the original car, the ERA has the monocoque but usually has Vette brakes. The other kits have a tube frame except for some CAV's. You really have to know each kit to tell. I would know say a RF because of their rear upright. From the outside it's next to impossible unless you've seen one up close already and know it. And then there are some that are scratch built and that's another story.

You could have this be a thread that asks "what makes your brand of GT40 unique from all others?"

IAN UK · 04-24-04, 04:35 AM

Quote "You don't happen to be Jethro Tull"

No I can assure you Ian is not "Jethro Tull" he's just living in the past. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

Gary Gibbs · 04-24-04, 02:04 PM

Almost all CAV's are monocoque (84 to date). A very few were tube frame cars.

mardyn · 04-24-04, 06:29 PM

Gary... give us an idea of the CAV situation regarding space frame vs monocoque cars... when did space frames stop and when did the monoc begin? time frame in year models if you can... or do they even use year models? maybe build dates would be more appropriate..

mardyn

Gary Gibbs · 04-25-04, 11:16 AM

I do not have the information that you are asking. I am guessing that ~~10 or less tube frame cars were built. The Mono cars came out 2 years ago. There are 84 built to date with new ones in progress (don't know when the first "new" ones will be delivered but expect 2 - 3 months). The Mono cars have a different serial number system that is:
1AxxMONOB66 where the "xx" is the car number (e.g. 27 would be the 27th mono car built). Hope this helps.

Gary

mardyn · 04-25-04, 01:07 PM

Yea, that helps... I was considering an early CAV with space frame a few months ago... I decided to hold off on it... logistics were an issue for me... plus, I think the mono would be more desirable.
What's the status of CAV now? The recent activity on the board suggests they've gone away.

mardyn

Canuk40 · 04-25-04, 02:40 PM

Hi Ian,

You make an interesting point as most quality GT40 reproductions are hard to distinguish from the outside.

This is simply because virtually all GT40 replicas available today can trace the original source body panels to the KVA.

It was over a dozen years ago when Ken Attwell (of KVA) shared with me the history of who knocked off his cars with or without his involvement in the previous ten years.

We were discussing doing a deal for KVAs in Canada then. That's another story...

There are subtle differences in KVA panels to the original ones which Ken pulled molds from. These differences were required by Ford when they gave Ken permission to copy their GT40s (Mk1 and Mk111) and enter the kit business, the rest is history.

KVA cars have formed the basis for many manufacturers who've decided they could take the car to another level or meet the ever growing demand for these fabulous cars.

KVA panels have been used on many original and continuation cars, including some very recently discussed here.

As for CAV, the new cars are in production now and will be even better than before. I can't wait for our next customer car which will be RHD just like the racers (specifically 1076) and UK road cars. Stay tuned...

Cheers

Ian