Hi Ron & everyone,
since I was the first "dealer" in the USA for GT40NZ, perhaps I can help with some of the confusion/questions about them.
I do know that there are currently 4 GT40NZ "kits" being assembled in the USA.
Scott in San FranCisco, Neal in Seattle, Denis in New England, and I have one myself.
I was really impressed with the kit and spent about 8 months working out a deal with the folks in New Zealand, to become a dealer for them.
I spent many hours with Dave and Richard in NZ, figuring/planning on what a good "kit" package should include,,,and what parts could be left for the builder to obtain from "off the shelf" sources.
During that time, we also worked out alot of little improvements to the original design, in order to get more legroom, safer fuel fillers etc.
I was really excited about getting started, and ordered 4 kits in addition to my first one.
Shortly after that, Denis (in New England) had agreed to be the dealer for his area and also ordered two kits.
Things were looking good, except were having delays from NZ and it was becoming apparent that they would not be able to finish the kits on schedule, (as they were used to producing them one at a time).
By now, Bob Hantcher(sorry if I misspelled it), had also contacted NZ to see what he could do to get involved.
Bob, is a big fan of the GT40 (as the rest of us are), and happens to have a background in professional auto racing.
Initially, the guys from NZ came to the USA and met with everyone, then agreed to send unfinished chassis to Bob & associates (GT40NA) in Indianapolis for final assembly.
I would then take delivery of my cars from GT40NA in Indianapolis, so that I could take car of retail sales, maintenaince,service, and any warranty work at my shop.
Eventually, it was decided that the entire car could be assembled in Indianapolis, on a more timely basis, and using the highest quality/caliber construction methods available.
The GT40NZ kits are no longer available in the USA, and I believe that the NZ folks are no longer producing kits.
This leaves us with the GT40NA car, which is only available in a turn-key form.
I have been to the factory in Indianapolis twice now and believe me, these are more like "street legal rocketships" they are building than just replicas.
The guys at GT40NA have taken a more "modern" approach to some aspects of the car like an updated interior.
I hope more info gets posted on the website about the team at GT40NA, because they are all trying to build the highest caliber supercars possible.
The chief engineer on the project is Andrew Broadley (again, sorry if my spelling is wrong). Those who have read anything at all about the original GT40s, know that Eric Broadley, Andrew's father was the designer of the original Lola GT.
When I met Andrew, he showed me the pieces he had designed for the gearbox and shifter assembly for the cars. It is almost a shame to install the pieces on the car, because each one is artwork on it's own.
The cars are being assembled in an Indy car race shop, by Indy car techs and engineers. The standard body is a carbon fiber composite, along with carbon fiber inner panelling where you would other wise find aluminum.
The first 5 cars from GT40NA were "updated" versions of GT40NZ chassis cars, which I currently have #4.
Andrew and team are currently finishing the totally redesigned chassis, which will be inproduction soon.
I do hope all interested, go to the GT40NA site and look it over....especially the "news" section, as most of the press releases & history is there.
I do have a finished GT40NA (car #4) at my shop right now.
It has a 351 engine in it and has the leather interior with the GT40NA insignia embroidered into the headrests. I picked it up a little early, so I am buttoning up a few things on it myself at the shop. Anyone can stop in and see it in person during shop hours, or I can arrange to show it after hours also.
Test drives are reserved for serious inquiries at this point. Let me assure you that it will go faster than you would want to on any public road, in a matter of a few seconds!
Well, there's the story in about as condensed a form as I can put it.
The bad news is that you can not buy a GT40NZ "kit" anymore,,,,unless someone wishes to make an offer for mine,,,,as I would prefer to sell it and buy a GT40NA for myself at this point. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif
The good news is, if you want a high end, turnkey, no excuses GT40, I happen to have one in stock,,,,ready for delivery......with more available. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Also, I apologize, for I am not very computer saavy,,,,but if you would like to see some pictures of car #4,go to the club photo link under my signiture.
I hope this helps clear things up a bit.
Alain