Status of Spyder (Roadster) Conversions?

[Don]

There has been some discussion in the past regarding several replica manufacturers building a Spyder (Roadster) version GT40.

I know the history of the few early CAV cars and I know Fran Hall (RCR) has built a few in the past.

Is there anything new to report? I think if existing molds could be modified for a more open car, I think a lot of guys like me---non-racers---but lovers of the GT40 would be interested.

As a 6 ft.2 guy, I simply do not want a car with a Gurney bubble, fixed side windows, and the necessity of a removeable steering wheel. Too claustrophobic!

ERA has a prototype, but Peter will not even quote a price; which seems rather self-defeating.

I figured I would go the 2005/06 Ford GT route to find a better "fitting" car but their prices are ever moving upwards.

I'm afraid I will have to move to the "dark side", a 63 Corvette GrandSport replica to provide the room and more importantly, the enjoyment of the car.

Any thoughts?

DandyDon

 

[Tristan]

Don,

I myself have been contemplating a GT40 replica, I'm 6ft.1 and was afraid that i would struggle to fit inside one. While the idea of a "spyder" version sound great have you actually sat in one??

I say this as i went to the RF factory to inquire about this very same problem. I spent nearly two hours there talking to Paul, he had told me that they move the pedals further down for tall guys, At the time i thought to myself "yeah sure". We went into the workshop and I sat in a few of the car they had there and no problems at all. I'm not sure weather this is just in a RF car but i had plenty of room I could put a helmet on no problems.

I'm not interested in racing and would use it for street use with the exception of a track day or two. The RF cars are offered with Air-con to provide a livable cockpit.

Hope my impressions and experience may help you.

Tristan.

 

[Chris Kouba]

6' 3", average build, RCR40. Not an issue.

Check around. You can pretty much fit the car to your physique. I can shut the door without ducking. You may end up putting in a custom seat or something but it's no reason to write off getting the roofed version.

Chris

 

[Darrell]

DRB also do a modified cabin in their car with the footwell moved forward and lowered floors, several owners of these cars are well over 6ft tall.

Darrell DRB#46
LS1 G50

 

[Kevin L]

Cheaper option is to get a normal replica and cut the windows and roof cut outs of the doors off. You would then end up with something like a T-Top.

Kevin

 

[Johan]

I have an old version of the Spyder and I very much enjoy the open air aspect of it and prefer it to the coupe on both the track and street, but it is a fair weather car obviously.

 

[Doug]

I agree that the roadster would be a great choice. Can you post some pics Johan?

 

[Johan]

The roll cage is from a coupe...

 

[Kevin L]

damn that car looks good

 

[Johan]

Thanks Kevin, I know you like the color !

 

[Doug]

Very nice Johan. Do you know if the windshield is an original or is it sourced from something else?

 

[Johan]

The windshield is an original glass spyder piece but could be fabricated from lexan pretty simply I should imagine, and I know I should never make statements like that as they come back to haunt me..

 

[Doug]

For road use a windshield usually needs a DOT approval stamp which means laminated glass w/ plastic layer in middle. This is generally a good thing as it helps to keep objects out of your lap.!!

 

[Ian K]

Fran Kress's old spyder - such a nice car ...

But, I believe I have said that before

Ian

 

[Johan]

Thank you.. I remember the first time I laid eyes on it in the paddock at Road America in the early 1990s.
It was painted red and was the prettiest thing I had ever seen on 4 wheels. I remember the anticipation of its arrival being almost un-endurable, like a birthday party to a 5 year old.
When it finally arrived I had to park it on the lawn until I made room for it in the garage.
There was a path of dead grass circling the car from pacing around it for hours at a time.
I have considered selling it a few times as I don't drive it very much, but I always change my mind after
cleaning it up and taking it for a spin.

 

[Kevin L]

Thank you.. I remember the first time I laid eyes on it in the paddock at Road America in the early 1990s.
It was painted red and was the prettiest thing I had ever seen on 4 wheels. I remember the anticipation of its arrival being almost un-endurable, like a birthday party to a 5 year old.
When it finally arrived I had to park it on the lawn until I made room for it in the garage.
There was a path of dead grass circling the car from pacing around it for hours at a time.
I have considered selling it a few times as I don't drive it very much, but I always change my mind after
cleaning it up and taking it for a spin.

Johan,

I am willing to provide a free storage spot with routine "warming up" if you need to make room in the garage... I mean, it is the best color!

There are few cars that look that good

Kevin

 

[Johan]

Several people have commented on various threads over the years that they do not like the Spyders as well as the coupes because the windshield on the coupe is a characteristic of the car that they had in mind when craving one. They say the windshield looks taller, but in fact it is not taller. Just a different shape. The car looks very low when standing next to it in person. Maybe it looks taller in photos...
p.s. I have a bigger garage now but still no extra room. How does that happen ? I think a garage has an inherent vaccume that sucks automotive artifacts, as well as debris, into it.