The allure of kit cars is hard to deny. For a fraction of the cost of the genuine article, you can essentially build your dream car. And kit cars have also come a long way from the early days of Kelmarks and Bradley GTs, now coming closer than ever before to resembling the real thing. But there’s still a fair amount of labor involved if you decide to build it yourself, and the seller of this impressive Ford GT40 replica painted in the iconic Gulf Racing colors has decided to sell his incredible replica with plenty of work done but still more to do. It’s an American Classic USA kit from Brasil and is listed here on eBay with a $54,000 Buy-It-Now.
There’s no denying the Gulf Racing liveries is one of the best color schemes known to man. It’s recognized the world over and is about as iconic as you can get considering its deep connections to LeMans and the likes of almost every significant racing driver from the 1960s and 70s. The big problem I often have with replicas is that the proportions are all wrong, but in this instance, the GT40 kit appears to have done a fine job of capturing the original details in this regard. The paintwork is said to have been done to a high level, with the seller noting that it has been wet-sanded and buffed to an impressive shine. The bodywork is said to be complete except for the “….rear bonnet top grille.”
The GT40 certainly looks like the real thing from the front, and the seller contends this is one of the highest-quality kits you can buy. He says that “…the body is based on a real GT40, this kit is a high-end replica,” which can be perceived as being a completely subjective opinion. But again, this is the progress that kit cars have made in recent years, as builders are willing to put in a bit more work upfront to provide a do-it-yourself kit that more closely mimics the real thing and makes those hours of labor worth it. Speaking of labor, the seller notes that the next owner will need to finish the following areas to make a complete car: suspension, brakes, cooling system, engine/transmission, wiring, interior, gauges, and a steering wheel.
So – that’s a laundry list, eh? It’s interesting that so much work has gone into perfecting the bodywork only to find out this thing doesn’t even have a functioning drivetrain yet. I’m also a little confused as to why it’s just sitting in a storage locker as opposed to the owner’s house or in a shop that has been working on it. The seller notes that the sale will include “….two front and rear knuckles; interior door panels; four gloss black knock-off wheels; and side mirrors.” While the kit may be high quality, bear in mind its maker is in Brasil – but the seller thinks you’ll be fine if you can find a way to communicate via WhatsApp, where the company apparently maintains a presence. This is a major undertaking that could someday be a stunner – do you think the asking price is fair?
Nice, and what a WOW factor.
But, are these things really worth this much in unfinished condition?
Gone.
“Best offer accepted”
I wonder what the best offer was.
I just hope the new owner does not drop a LS motor in there! 🤦It must be a Ford engine period. 🐻🇺🇸
Yes, that would complete the ruse.
The 7.3 Godzilla pushrod engine!
I must admit I tend to fall on the side of not liking the kit-car concept….but this is a nice looking car and could be made into something impressive with the right components and engineering skills.
….my small classic car paint trivia contribution for today – that light blue color used by the Gulf Racing team livery is Standard-Triumph’s “Powder Blue” I discovered when researching the paint codes for TR4 restoration.
I like it for a replica, but the black edged windshield is an instant interruption and giveaway.
I had a taste of the kit car experience a few years ago. I went into business with a gentleman, who I thought designed a truly salable Kit Car. He was in Thailand, which made tings interesting from the start. I loved the kit and the concept and was very committed. I knew it wouldn’t be easy , but I was consumed by my optimism, for the car. Probably one of the biggest mistake ,but there were lots more. One of the problems ,many people did’t see the vision and the possibilities, I did. Also, no matter how nice and accurate the car is lots of people, do not want a replica. Also Federal Regulations Licencing etc. can be high, in difficulty and cost. Again, as you learn in business school, don’t try something without enough capital. I think this car and the one I had ,really did have a chance at success , but with what I learned, I would counsel most people, not to try it. I was also lucky ,I got out without loosing, my shirt or going bankrupt.
abt mid-yr last yr (hard to gauge the past 4 me) the Fed gov said we can make replica cars w/o service fees to the orig manufacturer (or some other added start-up, production cost) may B to encourage ele cars in this country?
Yes very nice but pricey.
Ended: Jan 29, 2022 , 4:44PM
Price: US $54,000.00
Best offer accepted
Located in:Boca Raton, Florida
Wow
Building the bathroom before pouring the foundation?!
Who would have known…
I really, really, REALLY hate black wheels, and it borders on sacrilege on a ca like this.
Joe Haska: Beware of foreign investors. Ask Steve Saleen how the Zhongwen screwed him!
And never go into business with Malcolm Bricklin.
Ahahahaha
Good one
I guess , we could add delorean to the list
His thing was a bit sketchy
That would be hard to do, he died in 2005.
I love the car, but that is way too much money for a project that has so much more work to do. It still needs a chassis and engine for Christ’s sake! Glenn in Brooklyn, NY.
Glenn yes i agree, but you do know it sold right away?
Howie,
No, I was not aware that it sold. Look, I love the vehicle and the Gulf livery, but this requires a good $20,000 (conservatively) more of work for just a replicar. The last one I saw like this rolled on a VW Beetle chassis using a Beetle engine, and when the guy parked it, no less than a half-dozen people came up to him to ask him about it, and his was just painted red with no livery. People literally were also stopping their cars to ask him about it. I would love this car – it would be phenomenal – but I would never pay $54,000 just for parts.
Howie,
I am shocked that it sold right away, as I conservatively estimate it needs at least $20,000 more work to actually be drivable. I love the car, but I am not going to shell out $54,000 just for parts.
The last time I saw one of these, I ran after the car until it parked, and talked to it’s owner. It was just a plain red one – no livery – and had been built on a Beetle chassis with a Beetle engine. While I was talking to the owner, no less than 5 other people stopped by to ask him questions. In addition, other cars stopped by and rolled down their windows to ask him questions.
Like I said, I love this car, especially the Gulf livery touch. Somebody that has a lot of money to burn and a lot of patience bought it. God bless him or her.
To me it’s just too much money for too little.
Regards,
Glenn