Pathfinder Motorsports
Sponsoring Vendor
Alan Watkins recently started an interesting thread that has produced some fascinating information and revelations regarding the genesis of the Superformance GT40 (Thread: "SPF GT40 Genesis"). His post eventually morphed into a neat discussion regarding how (and why) one can enhance the look and authenticity of a non-original GT40 - whether a replica, or a 'Continuation' car like the Superformance.
Reading the thread we noticed that there are some folks who are not entirely familiar with the unique characteristics of the Pathfinder GT40R - characteristics that both make it more authentic and, of course, a true racecar. Rather than hijack Alan's thread, I though I would start a new one focusing on the GT40R.
It was the desire to go racing in a GT40 that prompted Pathfinder to approach Hi-Tech and Superformance with a design for what we called the 'GT40R'. We had a great time working with Jimmy Price, Lance Stander, Dennis Olthoff, and the guys at the factory in developing a racecar with fewer compromises and more authentic elements than any other replica on the market. Our development program resulted in a shakedown test of the first Pathfinder GT40R racecar at Watkins Glen, where in its first race it won both the US Vintage Grand Prix and the NY Governor's Cup race in its class. Not bad for its maiden outing!
Pathfinder's goal was to offer a GT40 Continuation car that lived up to its name: It would look like the original car, and it would race like the original car. And later, when we found ways to make the 'R' car even more authentic, we sourced or built new parts and began a growing list of standard features and options for our customers.
There are many differences between a standard SPF GT40 (a great car in its own right, but not intended for racing) and the Pathfinder GT40R. Some of the really neat but rarely noticed features include items like a powerful windshield wiper motor that will perform at racing speeds. Other differences, however, are more evident but often overlooked, such as:
1. An aluminum front hood air diffuser that was installed on several GT40s in the late '60's. They were engineered to prevent escaping hot air from the radiator scoop on the hood (whether single or double) from entering the NACA ducts found on the two front fenders. These ducts are the source for the fresh air vents on the dashboard - and super-heated air from the radiator is the last thing a driver, race or street, wants blown in his face.
2. A similar feature is a small winglet attached to the trailing edge of the front fenders. Found at one time on P/1076, there were two explanations for it: 1) it slightly disturbed the air streaming down the uncommonly aerodynamic sides of the Mk I so as to increase cooling airflow into the side air scoops that provided air to both the engine and the brakes; and, 2) they reduced the amount of debris kicked up by the front wheels that invariably found their way into the rear scoops. You decide, but either way, they look very cool.
3. We install a Perspex or Lexan bug shield, identical to the one used by the illustrious P/1075 at Le Mans. Apparently when bugs hit the windshield of a GT40 going 200+mph, they become very difficult to clean off quickly in the pits. So a clear bug deflector was installed forward of the driver a few inches from the windshield. Look at the historical photos in our website's albums and you'll see them for yourself. We're the only company we know of that provides this piece.
4. An adjustable rear spoiler that was copied directly from one built by Shelby racing for their GT40 program. It is built to the identical dimensions and uses the same gauge material as the original, right down to the fastening hardware.
5. GT40R's sport Le Mans-style round driving lights with internal turn-signal lights to replace the standard GT40 road version lights. There's something about those large driving lights that add a beautifully aggressive look to the Mk I, and of course P/1075 had them.
GT40R driving lights
Standard SPF GT40 driving lights (However, please note the 'R' tow eye and front canard wing - both standard features on the GT40R
6. Pathfinder-designed race-grade rear brake ducts that are both effective and great looking.
7. We provide a custom straight pipe exhaust with megaphone exhaust tips that look menacing and sound demonic!
And that's just a few of the differences. (Click here for some more photos showing build details of the GT40R.) Naturally, there are those whose interest in owning a GT40 replica extends principally to having a similar 'look and feel' to the original cars. They don't mind that the roof isn't metal, or that the cockpit has been enlarged, or that the frame and/or body is inaccurate. They just want a serviceable, fast, and exciting GT40 look-alike, which is great!
On the other hand, there are a few who want to capture all of the performance and nostalgia that only extreme attention to authenticity can deliver. For these enthusiasts we believe you have three choices: You can choose a Gelscoe replica - a fine hand-built and very authentic copy of the original cars selling for about $475,000. While it cannot be called a 'GT40' nor carry a continuation chassis number, it is eligible for an FIA Historic Technical Passport. Likewise the Holman Moody Mk II: Hand made, spot-on authentic, FIA eligible, and about $750,000. In its favor, it's also manufactured by one of the original builders and boasts an original Abbey Panels chassis!
The third and final choice is the Pathfinder GT40R. For around $130,000 we offer a ready-to-race car - approved by HSR, SVRA, and LOM - with an FIA 289 Ford/Holman Moody engine and enough original features to satisfy the most fastidious enthusiast. Plus our cars are assembled by either Holman Moody or Olthoff Racing.
This, and the GT40R's are licensed 'Continuation' model GT40's with original 'P' chassis numbers. For some, details like these mean very little. But for a few, they mean one more difference that helps to distinguish a 'pretty good replica' from a 'next-best-thing-to-an-original' GT40.
Bottom line: The GT40R is not as authentic as the Gelscoe or Holman Moody cars, but they are very close - and by way of cost they represent huge value in comparison to either.
For additional photos, build details, prices, and more please visit our website: www.GT40Racing.com.
Reading the thread we noticed that there are some folks who are not entirely familiar with the unique characteristics of the Pathfinder GT40R - characteristics that both make it more authentic and, of course, a true racecar. Rather than hijack Alan's thread, I though I would start a new one focusing on the GT40R.
It was the desire to go racing in a GT40 that prompted Pathfinder to approach Hi-Tech and Superformance with a design for what we called the 'GT40R'. We had a great time working with Jimmy Price, Lance Stander, Dennis Olthoff, and the guys at the factory in developing a racecar with fewer compromises and more authentic elements than any other replica on the market. Our development program resulted in a shakedown test of the first Pathfinder GT40R racecar at Watkins Glen, where in its first race it won both the US Vintage Grand Prix and the NY Governor's Cup race in its class. Not bad for its maiden outing!
Pathfinder's goal was to offer a GT40 Continuation car that lived up to its name: It would look like the original car, and it would race like the original car. And later, when we found ways to make the 'R' car even more authentic, we sourced or built new parts and began a growing list of standard features and options for our customers.
There are many differences between a standard SPF GT40 (a great car in its own right, but not intended for racing) and the Pathfinder GT40R. Some of the really neat but rarely noticed features include items like a powerful windshield wiper motor that will perform at racing speeds. Other differences, however, are more evident but often overlooked, such as:
1. An aluminum front hood air diffuser that was installed on several GT40s in the late '60's. They were engineered to prevent escaping hot air from the radiator scoop on the hood (whether single or double) from entering the NACA ducts found on the two front fenders. These ducts are the source for the fresh air vents on the dashboard - and super-heated air from the radiator is the last thing a driver, race or street, wants blown in his face.
2. A similar feature is a small winglet attached to the trailing edge of the front fenders. Found at one time on P/1076, there were two explanations for it: 1) it slightly disturbed the air streaming down the uncommonly aerodynamic sides of the Mk I so as to increase cooling airflow into the side air scoops that provided air to both the engine and the brakes; and, 2) they reduced the amount of debris kicked up by the front wheels that invariably found their way into the rear scoops. You decide, but either way, they look very cool.
3. We install a Perspex or Lexan bug shield, identical to the one used by the illustrious P/1075 at Le Mans. Apparently when bugs hit the windshield of a GT40 going 200+mph, they become very difficult to clean off quickly in the pits. So a clear bug deflector was installed forward of the driver a few inches from the windshield. Look at the historical photos in our website's albums and you'll see them for yourself. We're the only company we know of that provides this piece.
4. An adjustable rear spoiler that was copied directly from one built by Shelby racing for their GT40 program. It is built to the identical dimensions and uses the same gauge material as the original, right down to the fastening hardware.
5. GT40R's sport Le Mans-style round driving lights with internal turn-signal lights to replace the standard GT40 road version lights. There's something about those large driving lights that add a beautifully aggressive look to the Mk I, and of course P/1075 had them.
GT40R driving lights
Standard SPF GT40 driving lights (However, please note the 'R' tow eye and front canard wing - both standard features on the GT40R
6. Pathfinder-designed race-grade rear brake ducts that are both effective and great looking.
7. We provide a custom straight pipe exhaust with megaphone exhaust tips that look menacing and sound demonic!
And that's just a few of the differences. (Click here for some more photos showing build details of the GT40R.) Naturally, there are those whose interest in owning a GT40 replica extends principally to having a similar 'look and feel' to the original cars. They don't mind that the roof isn't metal, or that the cockpit has been enlarged, or that the frame and/or body is inaccurate. They just want a serviceable, fast, and exciting GT40 look-alike, which is great!
On the other hand, there are a few who want to capture all of the performance and nostalgia that only extreme attention to authenticity can deliver. For these enthusiasts we believe you have three choices: You can choose a Gelscoe replica - a fine hand-built and very authentic copy of the original cars selling for about $475,000. While it cannot be called a 'GT40' nor carry a continuation chassis number, it is eligible for an FIA Historic Technical Passport. Likewise the Holman Moody Mk II: Hand made, spot-on authentic, FIA eligible, and about $750,000. In its favor, it's also manufactured by one of the original builders and boasts an original Abbey Panels chassis!
The third and final choice is the Pathfinder GT40R. For around $130,000 we offer a ready-to-race car - approved by HSR, SVRA, and LOM - with an FIA 289 Ford/Holman Moody engine and enough original features to satisfy the most fastidious enthusiast. Plus our cars are assembled by either Holman Moody or Olthoff Racing.
This, and the GT40R's are licensed 'Continuation' model GT40's with original 'P' chassis numbers. For some, details like these mean very little. But for a few, they mean one more difference that helps to distinguish a 'pretty good replica' from a 'next-best-thing-to-an-original' GT40.
Bottom line: The GT40R is not as authentic as the Gelscoe or Holman Moody cars, but they are very close - and by way of cost they represent huge value in comparison to either.
For additional photos, build details, prices, and more please visit our website: www.GT40Racing.com.
