Hello all and thank you to the site owner for allowing me to register. I've been studying the posts here trying to understand the fantastic beast known as the GT40 for some time. I'm all but convinced that the GT40 MKII 1966 continuation will be my next love interest! Currently, I have a 2019 GT350R and a 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C LE in the garage, which are both a treat to drive. As much as I like the idea of having variety in what I can drive on any given day, I don't believe I can justify keeping them both. I work mostly from home so having an FJ as my daily commuter works out pretty well in keeping mileage low on both cars. They aren't garage queens per se as I look for any excuse to drive them but the question to you guys would be; If you could have only one (fun) car, does the GT40 check all the boxes? I didn't buy any of my cars in hopes of them becoming investments but to drive and enjoy. That being said, I do believe my current toys will fetch a premium many years down the road (after I'm gone, maybe), so would I be wise to let them go and move forward on a SPF GT40 MKII? I know this is a personal question and a tough one since I have an emotional attachment (isn't that everyone on here?) to both for different reasons, but would appreciate any insight you guys may have. I haven't driven a GT40, let alone sat in one, so I have NO idea what I'm missing but life is short and I WANT to experience it! Thanks for any input and look forward to learning with my time on here.
New Member from Texas
- Thread starter 8250_RPM
- Start date
Having had two SPF GT MK IIs I think if the GT interests you, it is worth pursuing. Yes, you need to sit and ride in a GT. If you fit you likely can't beat the driving experience; no nannies, the traction control is your right foot. The stability system is between your ears. The ABS is also your foot. My cars were well sorted and I didn't hesitate to drive distances, the A/C works pretty well, the ride is much better than you would expect from a race car. You can do (or have done) additional weather sealing and sound insulation. There are some SPF GT40s with mileage over 50K!
If you would like information on the Superformance we would be pleased to supply it [email protected]
If you would like information on the Superformance we would be pleased to supply it [email protected]
Hard to say if a GT40 MKII would suit you. I've owned my SPF MkII for 13 years and will probably die with it. As Rick says they are old school, no computer aids, seat of the pants beasts. They are not refined like more modern sports cars, but do give reasonably comfortable rides on the open road. They are not fun in urban driving being hard to see and marginal a/c in stop and go traffic. Be prepared to do more maintenance than modern cars or have a mechanic that can do that. Having an affinity to the history of the GT40 helps you understand and enjoy the raw power and quirkiness of what is essentially a race car on the street.
Thanks for the input Rick and Dave. I'm definitely not timid concerning the lack of nannies. What I'm looking for ultimately is to be more 'connected'. I think comfort is a matter of relativity to one's experience. It's funny, but a lot of the owners of the S550 platform GT350/R worry/worried that the car would be too harsh to daily and some do admit that it is. After driving the 4C with its rigid carbon fiber monocoque, the GT350/R feels like a proper GT car and surprisingly plush on the streets for a car that can corner with some of the best street cars. I enjoy them for what they are. Again, I want to feel more connected and one with the car which the GT40 apparently has in spades. As a long time fan of the car (previous to learning of its history), I can't hep but feel that I've got to just go for it. Does anyone here on the forum know of an independent shop in Southeast/East Texas that specializes in tuning these cars? I'll be doing more homework on this as time goes by. This would be my only concern. I want to drive the car, take it on short trips, etc. and need it to be well sorted as many have suggested.
Bill Kearley
Supporter
Go for it. Build one if that is your style, it will be a very rewarding project. Keep in mind that you should be a mechanic/fabricator or have a lot of money !!
Hi:
I used to live in Houston, and there is a place called "Maximum G" which Superformance says on its website is a dealer for their cars, and looking on the Maximum G website it seems that it may be a full service installation/repair/maintenance shop as well. I left before they became a dealer so can't vouch for them. Something you also need to check into, personally, is registering the car in Texas. Right after I went through the process and even got the plates for my car (a GT40 MKII) and put them on, I didn't get my title from the state, asked about it, and was told that the registration was basically put on hold in Austin. The registration ultimately was rejected, and I was told that the reason why was that the registration law was going through an overhaul and, as it was, the state was taking the position that I had a "race car", they didn't register "race cars", and that meant they didn't register replicas of race cars, either. I was told by the Texas DOT in Austin that a change was being made to the registration statute that "might" enable the car to be registered if I waited to see what happened after about six months while the legislative process went along, but by that point I put in motion a long-held plan to move to San Diego, California (actually, that was the final straw---no one was going to say I couldn't drive my favorite car of all time under these circumstances). The registration in California went just fine. The reason I say that you need to look into this personally is that I wasn't convinced that the purported change in the registration statute would in fact work to register the GT40 MKII (I read the exact language as changed), and people who are not actually representatives of the state will give you all sorts of general statements, opinions etc., BUT you need to check yourself. I would recommend you contact legal counsel in Austin who work with the DOT to check this out, or go to Austin and talk directly with those people who work in the Assembled Vehicles division (I believe that is what its called).
/s/ Chris Kennedy
San Diego
Great info Chris. I appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. I did ask a representative with Superformance directly and he had commented that there are SPF GT40’s registered and titled in Texas but I didn’t get the feeling that he knew for sure. Either way, it sounds like I need to get my due diligence on this topic. Enjoy SD…I know I did many years ago before leaving but quite a bit has changed since then. I, like you, do not like being told what I can and cannot do!
I have a big file on my computer about this and one of the primary persons I dealt with (2019) was Ms. Eva Gowen at the Vehicle Titles and Registration Division at the Texas DMV. Her title back then was Title Policy & Procedure Program Specialist, and her email was: [email protected] A really wonderful lady and very apologetic at how things turned out. She, or the Registration Division, would be a good place to start, and the DMV puts out a very comprehensive manual for Assembled Vehicles that you should become familiar with. If you do speak with her, please mention my name and if she remembers tell her everything worked out and the car and I are enjoying California (though I am in the process of getting the clutch engagement assembly sorted out with a new hydraulic throwout bearing---but that's another story).
/s/ Chris
I will certainly follow up with her, drop your name and let her know. I’m hopeful to get some answers. Thanks again! Good luck with the TOB.
Replicas are easy to register in Texas, I just did my (replica) 33 ford this year. PM me and I can share the steps/forms if needed. This will get you started though: https://www.txdmv.gov/motorists/assembled-vehicles
