I have recently finished a full rebuild of my GT40. As I have a fairy decent photo record I thought I would now share the experience. Maybe there will be some things that could help people on a similar journey. One thing for certain, I have learned a lot. The next one would be easier for sure! It is not up to the standard of a lot on here but it's my car, built to my budget with my skills!
My GT40 journey started just over 3 years ago. I saw an old, pretty wrecked, GT40 on the UK Cobra Forum (I have owned a 427 powered cobra for nearly 40 years, but that's another story). The GT40's owner had recently died and a Cobra Club member had been asked if they could sell it on behalf of the estate. The previous owner had sadly died of dementia. The car had no doubt been well loved at one time but it appeared that the terrible condition had also taken a toll on the car, there being several very odd things, such as slicing off the rear arches with an angle grinder and some really questionable alterations done all over the place. In short, it was a mess. (The car was (is) on the GT40 Register of the Enthusiasts Club and it is possible that some on here know it or knew the owner. It would be interesting to hear if so as the identity of the owner/builder is not known to me and is not on the Register)
Whatever, it was a fairy low cost entry in to a GT40. The car was registered and came with a spare 302 and UN1 gearbox. We were locked down in the UK at the time, so I looked at the pictures, weighed it up and bought it blind on the phone! Why not!
Below are a few pics of how it was. MK3 body in not good shape, BMW V8 and a totally botched up panelling job. On the positive side, it had a stainless chassis and a 1968 302 with it. The chassis panels and most of the car were a total mess. Windshield broken. Dash, seats and just about everything good only for junk. Lots of BMW E38 parts everywhere, virtually everything including the uprights, hubs and brakes, power steering, master cylinder, even mirrors and the engine!
It was clear a major overhaul was necessary if I was to get it where I wanted it. Dismantling begins...........
My GT40 journey started just over 3 years ago. I saw an old, pretty wrecked, GT40 on the UK Cobra Forum (I have owned a 427 powered cobra for nearly 40 years, but that's another story). The GT40's owner had recently died and a Cobra Club member had been asked if they could sell it on behalf of the estate. The previous owner had sadly died of dementia. The car had no doubt been well loved at one time but it appeared that the terrible condition had also taken a toll on the car, there being several very odd things, such as slicing off the rear arches with an angle grinder and some really questionable alterations done all over the place. In short, it was a mess. (The car was (is) on the GT40 Register of the Enthusiasts Club and it is possible that some on here know it or knew the owner. It would be interesting to hear if so as the identity of the owner/builder is not known to me and is not on the Register)
Whatever, it was a fairy low cost entry in to a GT40. The car was registered and came with a spare 302 and UN1 gearbox. We were locked down in the UK at the time, so I looked at the pictures, weighed it up and bought it blind on the phone! Why not!
Below are a few pics of how it was. MK3 body in not good shape, BMW V8 and a totally botched up panelling job. On the positive side, it had a stainless chassis and a 1968 302 with it. The chassis panels and most of the car were a total mess. Windshield broken. Dash, seats and just about everything good only for junk. Lots of BMW E38 parts everywhere, virtually everything including the uprights, hubs and brakes, power steering, master cylinder, even mirrors and the engine!
It was clear a major overhaul was necessary if I was to get it where I wanted it. Dismantling begins...........