RCR Visit, July 20, 2012

[Chuck]

RCR Visit, July 2012

Ryan and I paid a visit to RCR to visit with Fran pick up parts for our GT40 update. We spent a couple of hours looking around and visiting. There were many projects underway. RCR is busting out at the seams in its current facility.

There were two GT-40s: one chassis and one Gulf blue body / chassis. Two Porsche 917s. Then there were the SLCs. Several of them. Several chassis were well under way and a couple of bodies as well. Two were destined to be SLC race cars.

We saw a few body sections for the new D Type, just delivered. The dark blue gel coat looked good. Of course it was hard to judge the car based on just a few body panels, but it looks promising and Fran seems to have it well thought out. We were pleased to learn that a D Type customer had placed a deposit on the first car to be sold (the second to be built – Fran is keeping the first).

Fran then escorted us to the building out back. Sort of the ‘skunk works’ facility of RCR. A place where you need an escort. We entered the door to find what appears to be a stage elevated a couple of feet off the floor. Bright lights illuminated the structure, as if some dramatic performance was about to begin. Then the curtains came up (figuratively speaking, of course). Setting on the stage was a complete mock-up of the new Apex – the Mitsubishi based mid-engine project often mentioned on this web site. It is really quite impressive. The lines flow well, the proportions are balanced, and the sharp creases give it a contemporary look. One would never know the humble origins of the chassis from whence it came. Given the current state of the clay mock up, fiberglass mould should be close at hand, after which the body panels can be produced.

Another project seen at the skunk works was the SLC Lemans. The interior was being detailed while we were there. Without a top and with a wrap-around wind screen the character of the car is completely different than the SLC. It is beautiful. If I were in the market for an SLC, this would be my choice. Yes, it is only a fair weather car, but how often we drive these vehicles in foul weather?

Leaving the skunk works we headed back to the main building and looked over the SLC race car, sans engine; the “green machine.” This conveyance is in the midst of a compete rewiring and engine rebuild. Seems an electronic glitch fried the engine. It looks like a pure race car. Details like driver adjustable sway bar, gold reflective coating in the engine compartment, inverse airfoil carbon fiber front splitter, etc. all speak “speed.” As Fran pointed out, virtually every part is fully compatible with the street version. One only needs the bucks to make the racing upgrades.

The overview picture of the RCR shop somehow reminds of the early sixties photos of Carroll Shelby’s Venice, California shop . . . you know, the one with the Mustang GT350s, Cobras and GT40s all being worked on in those tight quarters.

[Juice Lucas]

Wow! looks impressive! Thanks for the detailed write-up. I just noticed the Celica headlights on the GTA. Can't wait for the final reveal of what Fran has up his sleeves!

[Ben]

I see my car!!!

[Fran Hall RCR]

Thanks for making the trip guys...always a pleasure...

[Ben Whittle]

Originally Posted by Zoey

I see my car!!!

I too see your car!

Fran, when did you say you feel the first Apex kit will be ready?

[Ben Whittle]

I notice the rear end of the Apex has undergone some revisions.

[Fran Hall RCR]

The whole car has undergone minor tweeks and changes to get to the moulding surface.

Jan 1 2013 for the official release/launch date .....our show cars will be available for viewing earlier than that though..

[Henry]

Cant wait to see it in a finished gelcoat or some paint. The headlight seem a bit larger than the rendering but its probably the photo angle.

[Justin]

Originally Posted by Zoey

I see my car!!!

Which one is yours???


Business is good!!! That shop is PACKED!!!

[Frank]

wow lots of creations in the works. Looks like an amazing shop. Great place to work

[Dave Barrett]

Geez, those last two pictures make my coil pots from high-school pottery class look like crap.

[Ben]

Which one is yours???

The yellow SL-C.

[Frank]

Originally Posted by D.Barrett

Geez, those last two pictures make my coil pots from high-school pottery class look like crap.

bahhhaaaa

[Henry]

Originally Posted by Zoey

The yellow SL-C.

I like what you have there in place of the rear glass. I didn't know that was an option. Does anyone have any closer pics of this piece?

[Ruth]

Originally Posted by MADE_IN_AMERICA

I like what you have there in place of the rear glass. I didn't know that was an option. Does anyone have any closer pics of this piece?

A few cars have that rear treatment including the green race car and Dean's race car. Its how the rear clip comes before the hole for the glass is cut out, with vent holes then cut directly into the clip, and then wrapped or painted.

[Henry]

Got it thanks.

[john b]

Is there a new schedule for the green SLC race car?

[Alex]

Originally Posted by ArtGirl

A few cars have that rear treatment including the green race car and Dean's race car. Its how the rear clip comes before the hole for the glass is cut out, with vent holes then cut directly into the clip, and then wrapped or painted.

Are you sure that isn't a bolt in piece? That's my understanding anyways.

[Fran Hall RCR]

It is Alex,if the rear window has already been cut out..otherwise the original surface can be vented

[Jim]

Originally Posted by Zoey

The yellow SL-C.

Mine is the gulf colored GT40. It's tucked away in my garage now! The gelcoat finish on that yellow SLC is truly amazing. I'm a paint snob and I was blown away by the quality of the gelcoat finish. Seriously, it's fantastic.