napolis...your thoughts on the era or cav gt-40 replicas?

i heard an amusing story the other day about the new GT and the naming issue surrounding "GT-40".

as the story goes, apparently some replica manufacturer ended up acquiring the "GT-40" name from ford at some point. why they'd sell it is beyond me, but somehow these guys ended up with it.

so when they started the GT project, they found out they couldn't call it the GT-40, which apparently they wanted to.

the replica company had gone through various ups and downs and ended up in the ownership of a group of investors run by a particular individual.

ford approached him about the name. needless to say, the car is called the GT not the GT-40, so we all know how the deal turned out.

the guy wanted an outrageous amount of money, the new serial numbers to start after the s/n's of the replicas his company had made, and all the replicas to be "declared authentic" by ford.

hey, if you don't ask.......



doody.

 

I would buy an ERA car as it is I think the best replica (that I know of) on the market. It is the only one that is a monoque and not a space frame.

I assume you have been to their site: http://www.erareplicas.com/gt/gt.htm

They even can make a Mk2 big block one now ...

Pete

 

What about roaring forties?

 

Doody, the original car was introduced in April of 1964 as the "Ford GT." The car acquired the GT40 nickname during it's appearance at Le Mans in June of that same year. Much like the Ferrari "Daytona," it was never officially desingated the GT40, hence, the name was never a Ford trademark to begin with.

 

http://www.roaringforties.com.au/

Heres a car that belongs to someone I know... It's a Roaring Forties kit, and I know that Roland knows the owner.
http://www.gt40andcobralover.com/GT40%20left%20front%20low.jpg
http://www.gt40andcobralover.com/Right%20side%20view.jpg
http://www.gt40andcobralover.com/Right-rear.jpg.
http://www.gt40andcobralover.com/Left-front-low.jpg

 

interesting. i guess these guys must have trademarked it then when ford didn't.

if the story is to be believed...

thanks wayne!

doody!

 

ferraripete, you've got a PM.

 

No I have not seen an ERA in the flesh. I did what you probably have been doing and thought about a GT40 replica and thus searched the internet. There are lots of really good kits, but to me the ERA stands out for going the extra mile with the monocoque chassis ... this makes it very close to a copy not a look a like.

I am not aware of any ERA chat site, but there are plenty of replica (even GT40) sites ... try:

http://www.gt40s.com/links.html heaps of links.

Pete

 

My pleasure, just keep me updated; I head to school the 18th so anytime before then..

 

I believe they were marketing their version of the car as the "F40 MkV."

 

I've seen an ERA - very nice work too. the guy had it out at motorsport ranch. said the only thing that was non-replica about it was the air vents in the rear of the cabin.

he didn't push it out there, because being on the ground, more so than even most f-cars, he was just excited to drive the thing on the track, as it felt blazing fast. also, in order to get in the car, you must open up the door all the way, step and stand on the seat and then slide in, then closing the door. a bit more difficult, but with the overhang on the door, it might appear obvious, but really, there is no other easy way in the car. this is something that magazines and videos don't really comment about.

 

If you go to the site Pete posted and click home you'll learn a lot. You'll also notice I've posted there as well.
There are several good replica's but they're all different and there's some new important info re CAV that is discussed on that site.
MKII's are a different kettle of fish and the only one I'd consider is the one Lee Holman makes.
The trans is the main issue and although several claim to have T44's Lee is the only one I know that really does. He a friend and a great person.
The T44 he's made is patterened off of my box so I know it's correct.
I also know Nick and have seen the CAV's in White Plains. Nick's a friend as well.
Doody
Don't believe all you read.
Wayne
It's a bit more complex than that. All is soon to become clear. For the time being I can't say more.

 

Okay yes the Holman cars would be definitely superior to anybody elses as they made the originals. Fun I did not find their site when I last poked around ... must have been working too hard

Could not get any closer to an original could you.

Note they have an original MkII team car for sale ...

Pete

 

I have been to the ERA fctory. They had a complete car in for some minor work, it was outstanding. They like to call them recreations. As for trans & engines you can provide them to ERA or they have sources. Long waiting period for a complete car with everything, about 2 1/2 years Cost about 140K.

I will say the folks there were great, took me for a tour and spent time discussing several options.

 

Lee is set up in his new shop, Tele # is same. There is also a CAV for sale at AutoSports in NY (LI) Tom Popadouplis another friend.