Thoughts on this GT40

Eddie M · 12-26-07, 07:04 PM

I recently spotted this GT40 for sale. After contacting the owner, this is the information I have:

It's a factory built replica from 1970. The engine and running gear are both from Volkswagen, and it has about 76k miles. It still runs, though it needs new tires.

My question is, if the last "original" GT40 was built in 1969, why did the factory start building replicas in 1970? Why not just continue building the same GT40's as the previous year. Or by "replica" do they simply mean that they're not updating the car every year? And if the body is built in the Ford plant, why not stick the original engine inside?

Also, does anyone know if this is a quality car and worth fixing up?

I didn't have a camera when I saw it, but I took two pictures on my cell phone.

Thanks a bunch.

Ron R. · 12-26-07, 07:17 PM

Uh, whose "factory" were you thinking might have produced this? It is interesting, though.

Mike Drew · 12-26-07, 07:27 PM

It's not even pretending to be a GT40. Rather, it's simply one of dozens of fiberglass VW-based kit cars that were prevalent in the early 1970s.

An automotive trend that was thankfully short-lived and best forgotten.

Eddie M · 12-26-07, 07:34 PM

Ah, I was under the impression the body might have been produced in the Ford plant. It is apparently titled as a GT40, and it has GT40 written on the side, but no where on the car does it say Ford. I was wondering why I was having such trouble finding any model online with the gas cap in the center.

Thank you for the expert eye.

I LOVE GT40- Paolo · 12-27-07, 07:43 AM

Eddie,
that car u have see is a Fiberfab Valkyrie.
they are still in production :
FIBERFAB.US - Manufacturers of UNIQUE KITCARS, VALKYRIE V8 Series by FIBERFAB.US

At the time was probably the only way to have an object similar to a 40,surely some cars are pretty vehicle,dunno if we can consider it as a real replica, really think not looking at the incredible masterpieces available on the market today.

IMHO The fiberfab idea anyway was not so bad

..

Chris Headon · 12-27-07, 09:58 AM

Eddie
I would have thought that the price that is being asked will have a major bearing on whether this is worth the effort. There are some really good (and accurate) replicas around these days and unless this was offered for such a small amount that it is worth doing up and getting road worthy I would expect that waiting for a more realistic kit or replicar would be more satisfying. If however you think you can get this and restore it for a low price then it might just be worth it, even if all it does is get is you started on the road to a better build.
Chris