Learning about GT 40 Racing

Who can direct me to everything you wanted to know about GT40 models and sources? I am interested in purchasing a GT 40 for vintage racing. It could be in any condition - I'm willing to restore, but it needs some provenance. Any suggestions?
 

Charlie Farley

Supporter
I suggest you give people here at least a chance of answering that question.
Firstly, what will the governing body be of the class you wish to race in ?
 

Mike

Lifetime Supporter
Can any GT40 that is not original have provenance? I guess it can. What is your budget?
 
Can any GT40 that is not original have provenance? I guess it can. What is your budget?

I realize that there are many reproductions. Original factory cars are prohibitively expensive, topping 7 figures from what I've heard. But I'm trying to learn the market.
 
Well Jonathan, I can say that you won't be vintage racing any non-original GT40 in the Pacific Northwest here. The vintage racing here is governed by SOVREN and it's very simple...if it wasn't built before 1969 or it's not original (either case), it ain't going out on the race track to race.

I've heard that in some vintage series on the east coast they allow replicas to race against originals in vintage, but I do not have any real details. All I know is that it's not happening up here in the NW.
 
Thanks Cliff. My intention is to acquire a "real" vintage car. But I know GT 40's are often hard to authenticate. That's why I'm starting my research. I was just at Monterey this weekend and didn't see one racing. But that could be because of the classes.
 

Ron Scarboro

GT40s Supporter
Supporter
I would call Dennis Olthoff at Olthoff Racing. He is extremely knowledgeable about GT-40 racing original and replica. I know he preps many of both.

I doubt any real GT-40 can be had for less than 7 figures (even those with no provenance). I'm not even sure there are any left that are "fixer uppers", but you are in the right place for your answers.

Best,

Ron
 

Tim Kay

Lifetime Supporter
......... I was just at Monterey this weekend and didn't see one racing. But that could be because of the classes.

You may have missed, Jim Click was racing his green Mk I in group 6A FIA Mfg Championship. Jim was the only GT40 this year.
 
Well Jonathan, I can say that you won't be vintage racing any non-original GT40 in the Pacific Northwest here. The vintage racing here is governed by SOVREN and it's very simple...if it wasn't built before 1969 or it's not original (either case), it ain't going out on the race track to race.

I've heard that in some vintage series on the east coast they allow replicas to race against originals in vintage, but I do not have any real details. All I know is that it's not happening up here in the NW.

Even SOVREN is changing Cliff:
SOVREN Update - FFCars.com : Factory Five Racing Discussion Forum
They are allowing Cobra and GT40 replicas on a trial basis this year at some of their events. There is an SPF MKII running some SOVREN events:
http://sovrenracing.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/2015_SS_Group4_Place.pdf
Apparently even SOVREN is aware of declining vintage fields.
 
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Rick Muck- Mark IV

GT40s Sponsor
Supporter
Indeed SVRA and HSR in the east allow "continuation" cars so the Superformance GT40 is elegible. We have several SPF GTs running. And Ron is correct, Dennis Olthoff is the guy to set up your car. Most all of the GTs we have sold have gone there for build out.
 

Michael Holmes

Lifetime Supporter
Thanks Cliff. My intention is to acquire a "real" vintage car. But I know GT 40's are often hard to authenticate. That's why I'm starting my research. I was just at Monterey this weekend and didn't see one racing. But that could be because of the classes.

Since all but a very small handful of original GT's are accounted for, as well as their histories, I'm not sure GT's are hard to authenticate. They're just hard to buy.
 
I know this may set people's hair on fire, but since building the community is important, and buying GT's that raced in the the day sounds almost impossible for mere mortals, has there been any thought given to allowing continuation cars to compete in vintage? It does no good to race by yourself. But I can also understand purest objecting.
 

Michael Holmes

Lifetime Supporter
I know this may set people's hair on fire, but since building the community is important, and buying GT's that raced in the the day sounds almost impossible for mere mortals, has there been any thought given to allowing continuation cars to compete in vintage? It does no good to race by yourself. But I can also understand purest objecting.

I'm in the 'won't be able to buy an original' bracket as well, so i get my share of track time with friends and other enthusiasts. Last week at Sonoma raceway with GT350's, Cobra's and other Ford powered vehicles at the Nor Cal Shelby Mini Nationals. In November VARA allows the LA Shelby club to have an exhibition race at Willow Springs (my home track).
 
Even SOVREN is changing Cliff:
SOVREN Update - FFCars.com : Factory Five Racing Discussion Forum
They are allowing Cobra and GT40 replicas on a trial basis this year at some of their events. There is an SPF MKII running some SOVREN events:
http://sovrenracing.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/2015_SS_Group4_Place.pdf
Apparently even SOVREN is aware of declining vintage fields.

Well I'll be darned. I guess if you wait long enough everything changes..... Good information Dave. Back in 2006 when I asked SOVREN about getting my CAV on the track I got a very clear "Absolutely not" in response. It will be interesting to see how things play out with the loosening of the SOVREN rules a bit. Maybe I'll have to buy back my old CAV.
 

Rick Muck- Mark IV

GT40s Sponsor
Supporter
I know this may set people's hair on fire, but since building the community is important, and buying GT's that raced in the the day sounds almost impossible for mere mortals, has there been any thought given to allowing continuation cars to compete in vintage? It does no good to race by yourself. But I can also understand purest objecting.

As I stated SVRA and HSR have accepted our Superformance GT40 for competition. We offer both the standard GT40 (!) and the "R" which is outfitted for competition. Note that the "R" still requires additional work such as fuel cells to pass tech. Dennis Olthoff has built and maintained more vintage race Superformance GT40s than anyone. He was the first to race one and continues to support several customers at vintage events. Dennis has worked on the GT40 "R" cars we have sold and he is the place to start if you are interested in vintage racing a continuation car.
 
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