To Own A GT-40, it takes??
- Thread starter wrenchmaster
- Start date
What is the investment range?
If you're going to build it yourself; depending on your skill set, your previous building experience, the tools and machinery you have available and the time frame you're allowing yourself - just time and $$$s.
If you're going to buy one that's turnkey (new or used)...just $$$$$s.
There are far too many variables involved 'components-wise' to give you a more definitive answer than that IMPO, Sir.
Davidmgbv8
Supporter
Base budget $60k
Thats very very base budged. It will be tough to build a GT40 in that budged these days.
Davidmgbv8
Supporter
So far I am on track, the only pieces outstanding I have not purchased but have ordered are the tyres. Still hunting a windshield solution. Paint will be the only wild card once I get there. The way chemical pricing is going up It may just live in primer and gelcoat!
Doc Watson
Lifetime Supporter
Deep pockets......... Infinite patience............
Ian Anderson
Lifetime Supporter
The ability to answer hundreds of questions from all that see it.
The ability to ensure you have an extra half hour to fill it up and be surrounded by interested people.
The ability to drive defensively as people either do not see you or attempt to video you when they dribble alongside
I could go on but in reality they are fantastic cars to own and drive
ian
The ability to ensure you have an extra half hour to fill it up and be surrounded by interested people.
The ability to drive defensively as people either do not see you or attempt to video you when they dribble alongside
I could go on but in reality they are fantastic cars to own and drive
ian
You forgot to mention when it rains or they're washed - they leak.
Buuuut, with enough effort & $$$s, that can be remedied.
I'm lucky in that after a few introduction rides my wife actually likes a ride every so often.
Davidmgbv8
Supporter
Whilst mine is far from completion, my girl likes to go fast, thinks that anything below 75F is freezing, barely drives her Mini Cooper S below 90, loves to drive in the MGB v8 at 100. I am the one who likes cold A/C and to be more about pleasant exhaust notes vs loud. It will be interesting in 2-3 years when it is on the road.
$100,000
an understanding partner helps
I am in no rush with mine. The journey and the people you meet along the way is part of the fun and not the destination. Well it is for me at least.
Must admitting, beeing married to a gearhead (my wife) who actualy bought the abandoned GT40 project gives no issues about quality time in the workshop both trying to spent most of the time in it.
Only issue I conquer every day .. who is making dinner tonight......
Only issue I conquer every day .. who is making dinner tonight......
Howard Jones
Supporter
If you are married then you should throw in the kitchen upgrade. She will LOVE your car then. If she isn't your wife but a girlfriend then she already knows she can be replaced. Tell her you could have always been down at the bar...............
Back to the car. They take a lot more time to build than you originally believed. They can cost a lot more than you originally planned for but not if you keep the power down to 400hp or less and spend a minimum on the paint after doing your own body fit and prep. These cars eat paint up when driven. There isn't any reason to put a $10K paint job on one if you intend to drive it. A low price Miracle paint job can come out very nice and they are under $2000. You will need to take the fiberglass stripped pieces to them for paint and then bring them home and reassemble the car. A closed trailer works perfectly for this.
The total cost can be kept well under 100 grand. Even 60 to 70 K is doable if you don't pay anybody to do anything except apply paint.
A last bit of advice. I would spend an extra $5000 on the gearbox instead of on the motor. Start with a used running hyd roller 302, put a 4 barrel on it, and run the car like that until you are finished with everything else. My finished choice would be a G50 Porsche gearbox with a TBD limited slip in it along with a 1st gear change. However, the original low 1st gear is useful (slow crawling traffic and loading on trailers etc) so don't spend the money on gear ratios changes or install a TBD until you drive the car. Just get a usable undamaged one and a decent running 302 and start that way. Then later you can upgrade both after the build costs are done with.
Back to the car. They take a lot more time to build than you originally believed. They can cost a lot more than you originally planned for but not if you keep the power down to 400hp or less and spend a minimum on the paint after doing your own body fit and prep. These cars eat paint up when driven. There isn't any reason to put a $10K paint job on one if you intend to drive it. A low price Miracle paint job can come out very nice and they are under $2000. You will need to take the fiberglass stripped pieces to them for paint and then bring them home and reassemble the car. A closed trailer works perfectly for this.
The total cost can be kept well under 100 grand. Even 60 to 70 K is doable if you don't pay anybody to do anything except apply paint.
A last bit of advice. I would spend an extra $5000 on the gearbox instead of on the motor. Start with a used running hyd roller 302, put a 4 barrel on it, and run the car like that until you are finished with everything else. My finished choice would be a G50 Porsche gearbox with a TBD limited slip in it along with a 1st gear change. However, the original low 1st gear is useful (slow crawling traffic and loading on trailers etc) so don't spend the money on gear ratios changes or install a TBD until you drive the car. Just get a usable undamaged one and a decent running 302 and start that way. Then later you can upgrade both after the build costs are done with.
