I am new to the forum and GT 40s but have always wanted one. An original is way out of the question but what is the least expensive way to get into a replica? What kits are better that others? I have looked at the ERA but thats it so far. It seems less expensive to buy one completed, I will not be ready until early next year as I must sell one car before this one. Also I would not mind a partially completed one, is this a good idea? Thanks for any advice.
Best way to buy a GT 40
- Thread starter cooke
- Start date
Welcome to GT40s Martin.. As you surmised, it is typically less expensive to purchase a car that is completed or almost completed.. There are a number of low mileage used cars and partially completed for sale here that are VERY nice..
Each car has it's own positive aspects that make it somewhat unique.. First you must determine to what degree of authenticity you require and go from there...
Each car has it's own positive aspects that make it somewhat unique.. First you must determine to what degree of authenticity you require and go from there...
Seymour Snerd
Lifetime Supporter
Steal one.
If you have a partner, don't forget to factor in the possible cost of a new kitchen, as compensation to the partner for your own indulgence.
One factor counter-point to the overall cost is how much you enjoy building/solving problems/making decisions. For many, the building is as satisfying as the driving, so it makes sense to save some money and purchase a part built car when one becomes available. If your thing is driving or racing, then you may want to jump into a complete, sorted car, and tweak it to your requirements.
Happy hunting.
One factor counter-point to the overall cost is how much you enjoy building/solving problems/making decisions. For many, the building is as satisfying as the driving, so it makes sense to save some money and purchase a part built car when one becomes available. If your thing is driving or racing, then you may want to jump into a complete, sorted car, and tweak it to your requirements.
Happy hunting.
Find somebody who really needs to sell their GT40 and make them an aggressive offer. Some people will say you're a "cheap skate" or "low baller" or "bottom feeder" but frankly, you're doing the seller a favor by doing something for them that nobody else is willing to do: actually give them an offer, and a way to sell the car.
There are lots of good cars out there superformance, rcr, cav, tornado, era, gtd, etc. Go drive a few and educate yourself first-hand about the various features. I'd reco a finished car - a kit is a lot of fun but if you're looking for the experience of actually driving a GT40 then you might just get very frustrated with the lengthy build schedule!
There are lots of good cars out there superformance, rcr, cav, tornado, era, gtd, etc. Go drive a few and educate yourself first-hand about the various features. I'd reco a finished car - a kit is a lot of fun but if you're looking for the experience of actually driving a GT40 then you might just get very frustrated with the lengthy build schedule!
All good advise from those posting so far. Stealing one is the cheapest way to getting one thats for sure but it does have a draw back or two. 
There are a few 40's out there for sale right now that are great buys. There is also plenty of threads on this site that will give info on the pros and cons of each make. Research and then more research will help. IMHO most of the company's selling have a pro side and a con side. It will always come back to what YOU want. Originality, engine, tranny, color, LH drive, RH drive, etc. These are fantastic cars but they are more often then not good cars to drive to work everyday but I've heard of a few who do. I've seen varying prices but making an offer is a start and see what happens. One thing you can take to the bank....I can't recall a better time in recent history when people are willing to deal then now. Strike while the poker is hot.
There are a few 40's out there for sale right now that are great buys. There is also plenty of threads on this site that will give info on the pros and cons of each make. Research and then more research will help. IMHO most of the company's selling have a pro side and a con side. It will always come back to what YOU want. Originality, engine, tranny, color, LH drive, RH drive, etc. These are fantastic cars but they are more often then not good cars to drive to work everyday but I've heard of a few who do. I've seen varying prices but making an offer is a start and see what happens. One thing you can take to the bank....I can't recall a better time in recent history when people are willing to deal then now. Strike while the poker is hot.
Howard Jones
Supporter
Organize a tour of owners near you. There are several in the NE. Have a look at the various types. ERA, CAV, GTD, RCR, Toronado (sp) etc. Then go look at the dealers/makers place of business. RCR in Detroit, CAV dealer in Florida and Canada I believe, The ERA shop near you in the NE.
While you are working on this read everything you can here and talk to as many current owners that you can. This process should take several months. AND save some money. Sell what you must and be ready for a good deal when you see one. You should be able to by a nice car for about 55K. A very nice car for 65K, and a really first class car for up to 90K in the current market.
Everybody will have comments on value, but the bottom line is to figure out as best you can the sum cost of the parts that went into a given car for sale. If you can discount that by 10-15% then you more than likely have a good deal.
IMHO labor isn't worth much unless it is really special like a hand built roll cage or something else that a homebuilder would be hard pressed to do in his garage. Paint jobs aren't worth nuch more unless you really like it youself.
Lastly learn everything you can about gearboxes. They are the heart of these cars and have a lot to do with the final build quality and overall value of the car.
Save money.......be ready.
Then again you might want to build one yourself. It's really fun........ give it a try. You can do it! All of the current "kits" are good ones. You can use the process I have recommended to pick one for youself.
Good luck
While you are working on this read everything you can here and talk to as many current owners that you can. This process should take several months. AND save some money. Sell what you must and be ready for a good deal when you see one. You should be able to by a nice car for about 55K. A very nice car for 65K, and a really first class car for up to 90K in the current market.
Everybody will have comments on value, but the bottom line is to figure out as best you can the sum cost of the parts that went into a given car for sale. If you can discount that by 10-15% then you more than likely have a good deal.
IMHO labor isn't worth much unless it is really special like a hand built roll cage or something else that a homebuilder would be hard pressed to do in his garage. Paint jobs aren't worth nuch more unless you really like it youself.
Lastly learn everything you can about gearboxes. They are the heart of these cars and have a lot to do with the final build quality and overall value of the car.
Save money.......be ready.
Then again you might want to build one yourself. It's really fun........ give it a try. You can do it! All of the current "kits" are good ones. You can use the process I have recommended to pick one for youself.
Good luck
