Help!

[E.P.B.]

Hello! :drunk:
My name is Emma and I am a motoring writer from the UK. I have just moved to California and I have been commissioned to write a feature on the Shelby 85th Commemorative Edition GT40.
Before i go down there tomorrow I thought I would ask you guys, the GT40 experts, what it is about the GT40 that makes your heart beat a little bit faster. Why does it inspire such passion? Is there anything you could advise me in preparation for my first time behind the wheel of this glorious beast. Any comments would be greatly appreciated I want to it justice.
Thanks!

 

[John Lowe]

Hi Emma

1. It was a highly successful race car in period (mid 60s)
2. At the time of its conception it was state of the art engineering
3. Whilst I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder I think the Mk1 is the best looking mid engined car ever. The stance and overall balance of the design is just about perfect combined with excellent detail. And it worked aerodynamically - a Mk1 shape GT40 was timed at 210mph at the Ford proving ground (chassis Number 1006) when fitted with a 485bhp Ford 7litre (427 cu ins) engine.
4. Also note how petite it is, a Porsche boxster looks like a barrel of lard standing next to a GT40 (so named because it stands just 40" high) There is a picture of a GT40 next to a Boxster on this site, try a search

Final thoughts - It is achingly beautiful, extremely fast and very noisy. What else would you need to know, except that happily there are a number of very good replicas so that owning one doesn't have to mean shelling out $2.0m + for an original.

Best

John

 

[Trularin]

One of john's comments is my first reason for a love of this car...the lines, it's shape...the overall appearance. When you look at the GT40, you can see performance and eligance at the same time.

Just my $0.02 worth.

 

[Jack]

Agreed! The GT-40's were the most beautiful sports racing cars of the era. Second would be the competition in form of the Ferrari P-4 cars. The shapes and agressive stance of the GT-40's represent masculinity whilst the P-4's were more svelt, with curves as if a beautiful woman was posing with wheels.

 

[E.P.B.]

Thank you!

A big thank you to John, Trularin and Molleur your comments are much appreciated. I am a bit of a Porsche 917 fan myself (I was lucky enough to drive one a few years ago - the same one Derek Piper lost his leg in) but I am sure I will be converted tomorrow. I hope I get to see a Ferrari when I am behind the wheel of the GT40 so I can give them the bird and burn them off. x

 

[Bill Hara]

Emma

Let us know how you go, your impressions and any photos that may be taken.

Goodluck

Bill H

 

[Eric Johnson]

Emma,

Check back in with us again soon to let us know what you thought of the test drive.

From your entertaining posts , I think you'll fit in real well with our forum. :thumbsup:

 

[Randy V]

When the GT40 was introduced to the world - There became a new standard - a goal - for all other comers to achieve.

The status of SUPERCAR !!!!

The wind-cheating profile of the body - the sound of it's 180 degree tuned exhaust - the way the Earth moves beneath this car - it's - well - breathtaking....

Even though mine is a replica of the original - it's very real to me - I like the feeling of touching the untouchable and attaining the unattainable - becoming, in essence, a part of the legend...

You will fall in love.. Be careful!

 

[David Morton]

?
Unsure about this post.
reason: Timing, names wrong, and typos. Journos don't normally do that.

 

[John S]

+1

A bit too "popular" in my opinion and who would start doing research one evening before you go to see the car you're supposed to write about?

John

 

[David Morton]

In discussion with DAVID Piper yesterday (21st July) , he knew nothing of the above or of this person. It may be true but somehow I think it may just be a bit of wishful dreaming. I'm quite sure that anyone with one of these cars would not let a novice anywhere near it.
Graham - would you do it?

 

[Graham T]

You are right David and John S.

Far too many errors for a so called journalist.

Graham.

 

[Mike Christian]

Lance of superformance had an email sent out - confirming who she was...last names Parker Bowles - her aunt Camilla is seeing some guy - future king of England or something like that...

 

[John W]

I guess you guys may have jumped the gun a little. An easy thing to do given the lack of a proper name though.
I did a google, and here are a selection of articles by Emma

Sun Motors | Latest driving news with Ken Gibson and Emma Parker Bowles | The Sun

Review from a babe (Emma Parker Bowles) - GT-R Register - Official Nissan Skyline and GTR Owners Club forum

Emma Parker Bowles meets Ferrari’s little Miss Fixit

First Ferrari: Emma Parker Bowles - Top Gear
Emma Parker Bowles feature - Land Rover Defender - Features - Top Gear
Top Gear
Nice picture

Emma (if indeed it is you) I hope you please take the time to post your impressions here after your drive.
Daivid, did you forget to take your medication ? (large glass of Barolo wasn't it ? )

cheers,
John.

 

[Mike Christian]

Here is one article she wrote...posted with permission from Lance Stander.

Ouch, look at the price they are trying to get for the Shelby model.

Mike

 

[Simon]

EPB....as in Prince Charles's step daughter?

 

[Mike Christian]

yes -