Dave, I think your car is stunning and you should be thrilled in it's ownership.
I personally really like SPF cars and like you, the opportunity for a CAV presented itself at the right time and place for a purchase. At first, I was actively looking for a used ERA GT40 as the waiting list new (at the time) was measured in years.
This thread has become a little like calling one's baby ugly and anyone that doesn't see the beauty of a well done CAV, SPF, Bailey, ERA or original (the GT40s I've personally seen) probably had difficulty potty training and tended to eat the glue in kindergarten.
What matters is the individual value proposition of each owner. To piggy back on some of the earlier posts I offer the following:
-If you want a driver, the CAV has user friendly interior space, the stainless mono is durable and my 13 year old chassis still looks new. The fiberglass spider allows for better weather sealing and you can make whatever changes you wish without fears of compromising "originality". But the "driver friendly" features, like the better rear vision of a "drooping tail" stainless steel throughout, A/C, left hand drive, center shift etc. go farther on the spectrum toward the realm of "exotic car" than historical replica. In fact my car has won show awards in the exotic class against the likes of Ferraris, Lambos and Corvettes. I've also driven it in ferocious Florida rainstorms and remained nice and dry. Most importantly, the wife likes riding it in and on pretty weekend days she'll be the one to bring up "Why don't we go for a "40 ride?"
-If you wish closer originality at a "reasonable" price point, SPF is the way to go. They have the linkage to the GT40 branding and are suitable for more venues if you wish to go historic racing. They are well built and If you have a passion for GT40 history a great option. I also think Rick appears to be a great dealer resource and that alone is worth it's weight in gold.
-I love the ERA GT40 and it's my favorite. But with ERA shuttering production and their limited availability, they are difficult to find and I wonder about long term parts and support availability.
-I've seen a RCR Superlight Coupe. It was beautiful and Fran appears to be a great support base and wealth of knowledge. Not having seen his '40, I really can't comment on it.
-If I wanted a track day/racer, I'd go with a Bailey. The one at the Daytona Historics last year was really impressive. With a lot of adjustability and a repairable space frame, it's a car I would not be fearful of pushing the limits on a track. The thought of repairing a CAV mono or SPF "original spec" crash damage is daunting. I hit the wall at Sebring last weekend in an SCCA club race so perhaps this is a little more of a concern than warranted.
-If I were to hit the statewide lottery, then I would obviously go with a Gelscoe or one of the Holman Moody MKIIs. I'm not sure how streetable they are but they would be fun to bring to a track or historic event. I'd let the mechanic worry about the damage and have supermodels serve refreshments. But such are flights of fantasy.
The best car is really the best one for you.
And I hope that my friend Jim Craik gets advertising royalties from AVON for the rolling billboard he's driving.
