RCR visit, chassis check up

J. Salmon · 03-06-08, 02:37 PM

I made the journey to RCR from VA to have a look around and see my chassis in production. Thought some impressions were in order:

1. I know guys that have gone to Italy to tour the factory at Maranello and come home with this renewed bond with their F-cars. I would ask... did the workers walk up to you, introduce themselves, and explain a little about what they specifically are doing to build your particular car? Was your chassis in the middle of the shop being worked on by hand? No, I think not. What a fantastic experience, truly a VISA ad (15 hours travel time, 4 flights, no meals, 2 hours at RCR... priceless). And on Fran's birthday no less. BTW, if you wonder why he might not pick up the phone when you call, it's because his phone rings about every 2 minutes. No exaggeration.

2. I chose to build a GT40 because I fell in love with the aluminum chassis and suspension, and I think the 40 body is gorgeous. The SLC is a better car in many ways (single center fuel tank, modern aero, big engine bay, etc) but in the pictures, eh, it's OK. I am going to all-caps this because it is important: IF YOU HAVE CONSIDERED BUILDING A SUPERLITE COUPE BUT AREN'T SURE OF THE LOOK, BEFORE YOU SPEND A DIME YOU NEED TO SEE IT IN PERSON. Will you be struck as I was? I don't know. But I can tell you that the car does not photograph well and is absolutely stunning in person. If I had seen it first, I would have built one. As it is now, I am "trapped" with a lowly RCR40.

3. This place RCR is the real deal. There is more car porn in there than you can shake a stick at. Racks and racks of CNC aluminum bits, body panels, trannies, motors, cars in various stages of build, it's mind blowing. There were at least four cars waiting to go out, two to Australia, one to England, and others to god knows where. My favorite was the double row of Ricardo transaxles worth more than my first house. And there are lots of things you don't ever see on GT40s.com

Definitely worth the trip. A big thanks to Fran et al!

Bill D · 03-06-08, 02:51 PM

I think you have expressed the view of all those who have met Fran and seen his operation.

EGLITOM · 03-06-08, 03:14 PM

Ha ha,

will be there in two weeks. Looking forward
TOM

Big-Foot · 03-06-08, 07:18 PM

After visiting RCR - mortal men are no longer capable of sporting a WOODY....

They are forever changed and they can now sport a BILLET!

Craig White · 03-06-08, 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big-Foot

After visiting RCR - mortal men are no longer capable of sporting a WOODY....

They are forever changed and they can now sport a BILLET!

Randy, I got a huge laugh out of that one.

That's gold.

Rob · 03-06-08, 09:41 PM

That is damn funny.

Agreed.... golden. Solid gold...heck solid billet gold man....

Fran Hall RCR · 03-06-08, 10:25 PM

Should we call Randy....Scaramanga

The man with the Golden gun?????...

Brian Hamilton · 03-07-08, 09:42 PM

I absolutely loved the trip to RCR i was privelaged to make. Everything was beautiful, everything was clean (as clean as a working shop can be), everything was absolutely BEAUTIFUL!! We were there when the 2nd nose for the SLR showed up.

Absolutely insane. The SLC is a beautiful machine. Fran is very happy with it because it's his design, his concept, and he can do whatever he wants. He was running a little late and had his kiddos with him, but he sure did make us feel welcome in the midst of all that was going on. EVERYONE should take a trip there. Auto-Porn is about the most accurate way to describe the shop.

Laters,

Brian

Sandy · 03-07-08, 11:36 PM

Yep, I can ditto the sentiment. And the line up is only better now. I feel us early adopters got a bad deal since we didn't get to see all the new cool stuff. Fran, I think you need to fly some of the old timers out for a reto-spec visit!

Sandy

Pantera1889 · 03-08-08, 09:15 AM

AMEN to THAT!!!!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sandy

Yep, I can ditto the sentiment. And the line up is only better now. I feel us early adopters got a bad deal since we didn't get to see all the new cool stuff. Fran, I think you need to fly some of the old timers out for a reto-spec visit!

Sandy

Craig White · 03-08-08, 09:27 AM

Maybe Fran should hold a BBQ/open-day at the factory.

Although I certainly wouldn't want to be the one to clean up all the drool afterwards.

Bill Tracy · 03-08-08, 05:13 PM

Okay, that is the final straw! I am convinced, sight unseen, that the SL-R is the car for me. I am going to make a final call to the DMV on Monday, but I have a backup plan for registering it if they want me to have an airbag. I got most of the registration paperwork already, but I think I can find a way through the maze in any case.
BT