Hello from London

[Jeremy Smyth]

Hi all,

I am currently based in London, but moving to San Antonio, Texas later this year.

I have spent the last few years deep in the world of the Porsche 911; I currently own a US-import 1969 911T - an on-going project..

Have always had a thing for the GT40 Mk1, but never considered it a realistic prospect living in a major city. In San Antonio, I can think of no better car - and more so now that I know they come with air-con!

Have been looking at various websites - and have browsed this forum over the last few weeks.

I do have a bit of a concern, in that I am six foot seven inch (two metres). In the Porsche I managed to weld a Recaro ST seat to the bottom of the chassis and I fit very comfortably, but I am not yet convinced that the GT40 has the same flexibility? From what I can gather CAV seem to cater for the somewhat taller man? Or is this a lost cause?

Thanks, Jeremy

 

[Randy V]

Welcome to GT40s.com Jeremy...

You might want to have a talk with Fran Hall at RCR. I know he's had at least one customer about your height.. I'm 6'3" and I can't reach the end of the foot wells with my toes on the passenger side..

 

[Frank Catt]

If you want to try a CAv for size I can give you an introduction to a guy with one in central London to try for size, Frank

 

[Jimmy P]

Welcome Jeremy. I own a CAV which was previoulsy owned by a rather er, lets say rotund fellow who removed the standard seats and replaced them with SPF seat inserts which provided more room then I would ever need. I think you'll find the CAV car to be roomier then most. You can speak to the USA CAV rep for more updated information about the new chassis and lets not forget the "Gurney Bubble" for even more head room. Where there's a will there's a way as they say. Good Luck.

 

[Jeremy Smyth]

Excellent.

Pleased to hear that there are at least possibilities..

Randy - Thanks, I'll probably wait to call Frank - until I am getting ready to press the button (I have to build a home - with a decent garage space - first). I definitely want to explore all options though and RCR is now on the list.

Frank - I'd really appreciate the intro. If I can sit in a CAV before I hit the states, I can at least start making informed decisions.

Jimmy - as it happens, I am of a somewhat slimmer disposition (the Recaro ST seats in the Porsche are good motivation alone to keep trim!) but knowing that there are forgiving seat options out there is good. Who knows - it may well come to the Gurney Bubble option.. I am pretty determined to make this work.

In fact, my worst experience of trying to fit into a car to-date was at a John Palmer Sport event here in the UK - I was given a long-nosed Caterham with no fixed seat (just a pair of cushions).. I couldn't wear shoes.. my head was over the roll bar.. and I even had to sign a special liability waiver..!

Thrilling ride!

 

[Frank Catt]

Jeremy, I need E mail address to make arrangements for introduction, or phone number, Frank

 

[Jeremy Smyth]

Thanks Frank - PM sent

 

[Cliff Beer]

Hi Jeremy, welcome to gt40s.com.

If you don 't mind me being direct, I'll share that there's absolutely no comparison between a 911 and a GT40. I've had several 911s, and rebuilt one or two myself with my own hands...so I know them pretty well.

A 911 is like a lazy boy recliner while a GT40 is like a Recaro shell. The 911 is very practical, highly refined, balanced and modest in it's performance. The GT40 is non of that. It is raw, simple, basic, and extreme. It's a much more exciting car to drive IMHO. The GT40 is definitely not a city car. Here's an example: the windows don't roll down, so going in and out of parking garages is difficult when a ticket is required. It's a royal pain in the butt to be honest. But give that GT40 some open road and the 911 will feel like a golf cart next time you get into it.

Definitely go sit in some cars if you're that tall...there will be some GT40s you just will not fit into.

Good luck!

 

[Jeremy Smyth]

Hi Cliff,

I do like the lazy boy / recaro comparison..

In fact my 911 is really quite tame - the ultimate lazy boy - it gives the sensation of going quick (the weber carbs help) but it really isn't.. In many respects a good town car but also a driving licence saver!

I have considered hot-rodding it - the 911R comes to mind - but it is a matching numbers car and prices of good condition pre-IB 911s are going nuts at the moment. Best left alone.. although I will always have a spot for it in my garage.

Which leaves room for something to scare me witless from time-to-time - and judging by your comparison and the youtube videos I have been slavishly watching over the last few months.. the GT40 Mk1 would fit that role perfectly..

Cheers,

Jeremy

 

[Cliff Beer]

Yup. You'll certainly get a scare-you-stiff thrill out of a properly set up GT40. Enough of a thrill to kill yourself if you're not careful!

I think these guys have something interesting going...worth checking out: [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FfAzElz-iS0]Dyno runs of V8 Porsches using Chevy engines and Renegade conversion kits! - YouTube[/ame]

I really like my 911cab, but it needs more engine. A lot more engine....an all alloy SBF would be just right....