Hey guys
I'm about to dive headfirst into building my first GT40 . I've been putting together a budget and it's climbing like the national debt!! To date, the estimated total cost is $52K. Does that sound reasonable?

The kit is $22K from GT40 Replication, LTD., in New Zealand. It will have the wide Gulf rear wheel flares. I plan on using a 351W crate motor bored/stroked to 392 ci, and producing 430 HP, and some form of EFI or Webbers. I have sourced a 5sp ZF transaxle (pricey at $6800, but bulletproof).

I budgeted $4K for paint. Is that reasonable?

Reading all the exchange of information has been very helpful, and I appreciate all of it.

Bill D
Los Angeles, CA
(GT40 neophyte)

$52K sounds pretty reasonable.

The CAV GT40 comes built minus engine for $55900,
but it uses an Audi transaxle instead. Also comes
painted, and with Trigos.

I guesstimated about $65K for RF with all of the
options I want, supplying my owm engine and trans.

The Tornado kit comes complete, including 302 and
Renault trans for $51, unassembled and unpainted.

So, $52K sounds about right.

Ian

I have heard that the NZ kit does not come in a complete kit form. So make sure you know every part you will need to source. I have the Roaring Forties kit and am very pleased with it. I chose it after looking at all those mentioned above. My decision was based on value and quality of the parts as well as driver comfort. When I considered these things the RF looked like the best overall deal.

Have you seen a GT40 built by GT40 Replication in New Zealand? Where did you see the car? How did it compare to other GT40's by the other manufactures? I live in Northern California and would like to see your kit once you receive it if you don't mind. Good luck and keep us updated on your build.

Len

I have a friend that was down in NZ last year on business and made a point of going to see the NZ GT40. He rode in 2 different cars for a total of about 2+ hours. He said that both cars were very solid and well mannered vehicles and that Phil(the NZ GT40 owner) was straight forward in his fielding of questions. I contacted Phil and he offered to sell me his personal Rover powered GT40 for $36K USD complete plus shipping. But since I couldn't drive the car myself and eyeball it, I had to pass on that deal. I won't spend that kind of money on a car that I've never driven. I was really tempted to hop a plane and go see it. I was going to make a week of it, see the NZ GT40, then the BRB GT40 and the RF in Austrailia. The currency exchange rate is the best for a deal in NZ.

Hi Len

No, I haven't seen one of the New Zealand GT40's in person - yet. I have plans on going to NZ early next year, talk at length with Phil, and drive one of his cars.

I based my decision on several factors, foremost being the initial cost. Further, Phil Ware, owner of GT Replicaton, LTD., has been very upfront about what he needs to sell me, and what I can source locally. He even provided me with a list of parts needed, estimated costs, and suggested sources for them.

Finally, he said his company has built 29 cars to date. Assuming this to be true, it means he has considerable experience manufacturing these cars.

I will let everyone know when I get the car and provide pictures for all to see.

Bill D
Los Angeles, CA