other cars

David Morton · 15th January 2006, 07:09 AM

In the UK and Europe, how many of you guys have previously built or owned another 'kit car' (none gt40) , and what were they?

Tony Hunt · 16th January 2006, 07:45 AM

Dave,
I've never really considered a GT40 replica to be a kit car (Tab A into Slot B, like a Caterham or Westfield).
Perhaps most successful builders would also agree, but for a different reason - GT40 replicas are probably the most complicated kit cars you can get, requiring extensive skills in fabrication, assembly and just plain sourcing of bits.
That said, I had never owned a kit car prior to my GTD; my experience of other people's efforts has convinced me that I could never build one!

Malcolm · 16th January 2006, 08:52 AM

Dax Cobra 1984 vintage, Chassis no 4, not the greatest car in the world as I could have done a better build job but still managed to straight swap it for a Rolls Royce, (better built than my Dax!) but I had to sell that whem I needed another new front body section for my GTD after an off at Goodwood in 1993!

Ken Mason · 17th January 2006, 10:27 AM

Had a Westfield alongside the GT40 for a year or so but found I had practically stopped using it so sold it. The Westfield was't the narrow chassis version and very cramped inside but went like hell and handled brilliantly. I owned it for over six years but I guess I just got older and got fed up with the discomfort. The GT40, well mine anyway, I find amazingly comfortable to drive (except when reversing!).
I DID find that I missed having an open sports car though and have bought an MX5 instead. Can't really say I like the wind in my hair (haven't got any...) but on a hot day the GT40 is REALLY hot inside....!!

GT40GoldParts.com · 17th January 2006, 12:02 PM

M1 Abrahms Main Battle Tank - Airfix
Does that count, Te He!
Beats the build time on a 40.

frank beuker · 17th January 2006, 01:29 PM

A bonito

Beetle chassis with fiberglass body and fiat engine
but al lookalike of the gt40
see picture

Frank

gait1969 · 17th January 2006, 03:38 PM

A little restoration job with my old man on a 1966 Merc 230SL in the early nineties, got me going. In 1995 I build a Dax Cobra and in the 1999 I build a VM77, which is a german kitcar which is a inspired on a lotus superseven. In 2005 I intented to purchase a MDA or RF kit, but it is virtually impossible to get it registered in Holland with a 302. Therefore I bought a 1989 GTD40 and because of the original year of registration in the UK (1989) there were no emission restrictions and I got it registered correctly. The car is on the road now, I already upgraded the brakes to Wilwood, including new pedalbox with balance bar and got rid of the boosters, I bought 17" Knock-on wheels from PS engineering. Paint job has just been finished in Gulf livery. In the upcoming month will go for a new engine and upgraded UN1 box. Still drive the other cars regularly, especially the cobra.

gait1969 · 17th January 2006, 03:56 PM

Ken,

Funny, I noticed that you have a prokart. I have my own karting team and we also do prokarting and rotax max. Last year we came 2nd in the British 24h at Whilton Mills and are multiple dutch champions.

Regards,

Gerard

Ken Mason · 18th January 2006, 09:10 AM

Gerard,

I have had my Prokart for about six years now. It only comes out for practice days now although I did race it as a team with my sons when we first got it. But now the mason family are fairly well scattered and we rarely get together. But at least once a year I take the kart out as I feel it really hones your skills behind the wheel, very necessary when you are driving a GT40....

Chris Melia · 18th January 2006, 03:45 PM

Hi Guys

This was my 56 chevy SHY TOT picture from the POD in 77.
Hemi fire power engine with 671 blower and two holleys ran 12.1 secondonds in the quarter.

Chris.