As one who has never owned a replica and would probably never attempt to assemble one
myself, the tension between the various points of view as to price/value is slightly perplexing. On the one hand, one opinion goes:
“There is NO REASON why a good quality turnkey space frame GT40 should not be available in the USA for $ 50k. Why that has not happened yet is a mystery to me.” (Mike DD)
Conversely, another suggests:
“In my book I cannot see any 40 replica worth its salt being as cheap as an equivalent cobra replica. Cobra replicas tend to use ladder chassis whilst 40s have spaceframe or the more expensive
monocoque chassis. The cobra body is normally one piece except doors, boot and bonnet. The GTD has I think 27 panels to it.” (Malcolm M.)
I really appreciate the detailed insight Malcolm provides, even while I long for the “better value” that Mike DD would like to expect. I don’t care so much how expensive a thing is. I mainly want to make sure it holds its value. With so little resale info available, I can’t help but feel a bit unsure of the investment angle on these cars. If I didn’t need to be concerned that someday I would need to get my money out of a car, I wouldn’t care so much. But there it is.
Final thought: Lest one think there are few of us with these concerns, witness how many threads on this forum eventually devolve into a debate about the price and value of 40's replicas!!!