Walker Racing

Just read in Autoweek that Derrick Walker of CART/IRL, etc. fame was "getting a contract to build road-going GT40 replicars at his race shop" in addition to his various open-wheel race programs. Interesting.
 
They are building the GT40NA cars. I currently have car number 4 at my shop, (yellow/black).
you can see it here: web page

The car has a carbonfiber body, and is powered by a 351.
There are some really beautiful pieces on the car, and hints of indycar technology are everywhere.
For example,,,The car has an indycar accel pedal, carbon fiber inner panels, and a stainless exhaust system that is a work of art.
 
I have heard that the price is between $125,000 and $185,000 for a turn key. Joe /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
The chassis is assembled & set up on a chassis "table".
All geometry, bump steer, alignment etc is done on this table during assembly.
The body is so light,it is incredible (I'll get actual weight of it soon).
The exhaust is a work of art.
I still haven't decided whether to actually sell the yellow one I have,,,,or keep it for myself!
 
Alain

It sounds like a great car....but I'm worried that someone
is expecting too large (?) market for such an expensive replica. We all know what CAV sold their cars for...and what
Superformance is threatening to do...

How do you see this one fitting in?

MikeD
 
I was waiting to reply to this question until I got back from my last visit to Indy. (this weekend)

I just returned from the first annual"GT40NA Experience",,, which is planned to be an annual get together of GT40NA cars/owners/dealers.

This was a two day event, hosted by GT40NA and Walker Racing inc.

On Friday, we were invited to tour the Walker racing facility, and see the GT40NA in various stages of production.
There were three completed GT40NAs on display, (including my yellow one) and two chassis in progress.
They also had the various stages of engines on display.

An excellent presentation about the GT40NA was given by Jack Arute.
Mr. Arute also gave a talk on the history of the original car,,,and a description of GT40NAs intention to build a modern version of the car, with new technologies/techniques in some areas,,,,,yet retain the "spirit" of the original.
Derrick Walker, his staff, all of the GT40NA team,were there to answer questions about the car.

Andrew Broadley, was also in attendance, answering questions and discussing the new chassis design and other changes to the car.
Of course, those who know your GT40 history are aware that Andrew's father is Eric Broadley (father of the Lola GT which became the original GT40).

Two time Indy 500 winner, Arie Luyendyk was also at this event for both days. I noticed him signing autographs, and visiting with folks about driving fast.

We were treated to a first class dinner buffet by "St. Elmo's", featuring some of the hottest shrimp you will ever have, and an open bar.

On Saturday we enjoyed complimentary passes to spend "pole day" at the Ind Motor Speedway's Tower suite.
We were able to watch the qualifying from the comfort of the suite and go take a "pit/garage tour" when we wanted to be right next to the action.
Hors d'oeuvres and beverages were served.

Yes, the GT40NA is not for everyone. This is not the choice for a do it yourself builder, or one on a tight budget.

..........But someone looking for an exclusive, handbuilt sportscar, assembled using the latest techology/techniques/materials,,,,,,by technicians who assemble some of the world's fastest racing cars......

Yes, GT40NA definately has something to offer you.
/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 

Howard Jones

Supporter
I saw the demo car at Long Beach and had a good long up close look. I was quoted a price of $165,000. I was also told that the production cars would have a "new purpose built 6 speed based on a IRL transaxle". The demo did have a 351 in it mated to a beefed up R21 renault. This car has a rather different look interior from the original car. More modern I guess, new type gauges, I believe they were white faced. It also had race seats it it. I did not know that the body was carbon fiber but the chassis was a spaceframe that had a lot of my GTD's basic layout. The body also had some small differences about the latches and minor panel finish at the edges. Also it had very shallow nose exaust vents that seamed to be about 6-7 inches tall. Wheels were hasselbrad (sp?) knock offs on alum uprights and the brakes looked like corvette in the rear and wilwoods on the front. Suspension links were rosejointed overall. It really is a nice car and I believe the production car will be very interesting.

I will admit that I was shocked by the price though. If I put a 3 grand in brakes, a 6 speed Quaft and a new 400ish 351 in my car right now it would be well under 85K total. I admit this isn't a apple to apple example but as these cars go what is? It just seams like a lot of money but maybe I'm wrong about that. I supose you can always sell a few cars to the big check writers.

Good luck guys.
 
I think you got the picture Howard. You can't get all those big names to come out for just any old car you know! I quess price is suppose to bring exclusivity. I remember some years ago when GTD and some of us ex builders were at Watkins Glenn discussing marketing of GT40 replicas - we concluded that there were a lot of choices out there for under $100,000. So good luck to these guys. It will be interesting to see what they produce for the consumers dollars.
 
Hmmm, I'm not sure which one you saw at Longbeach(or what equip/options it has),,,,,,

asking price for my yellow/black car is $115k,
and I will consider trades. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Also, when trying to compare this car to others, you might also want to consider the 5k stainless/tuned exhaust system, around 5k for the carbon fiber interior and chassis covers, and then add the cost of making the body out of carbon, and the C&R custom made alum radiator about a grand too.

Wheels on mine are 17 inch bolt on compomotives with yokohoma AVS, brakes are baer slotted/drilled units, seats are modern sparco with custom stitched leather.

I understand the "sticker shock" some have with the price though. ....it is a high caliber car with a pricetag to match.

Heck, I can not afford to keep it personally...... (although I wish I could)
At least I will have had the experience of putting the first few "test miles" on it, and hopefully get the oppurtunity to service/maintain it for the future owner.

In the meantime, having it at my shop provides me with plenty of incentive to get back to work on my GT40NZ car.

I've even connsidered finishing my NZ car (or even selling it as is) to try & keep the carbon yellow NA car,,,,, but sadly, I seem to have carbon fiber taste on a fiberglass income. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif
 

Howard Jones

Supporter
This car was white with 2 blue stripes down the middle. The guy who was showing it said it was a prototype/mule. I don't want you to think I am knocking the car or the price. The car is very nice and well done. The price is more than I can afford and we'll see how it does from a business sence. I had a brochure, what was the name of the company Bud? Maybe it's not the same car.

God knows these cars are not cheep to build and since I have done all my own work I supose I should remember that there are labor costs even if I didn't pay for any myself. I can guess that having a Indy car team build you car for you wouldn't be cheep.

Again, only my best on a job well done.

Howard Jones.

PS; The guy showing at the car at Long Beach seamed to know what he was doing, answered all my questions for at least a 1/2 hour, and was very nice.
 
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The GT40 is in good company next to that CART/Champ Car /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif The IRL cars have become hard on the eyes /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif
 
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