I have spent more $$$ than I care to think about and nearly three years having an exact original GT40 built. We are about half done, perhaps a little more as the engine is finished (not dynoed, though) and the monocoque and body are built. We are sorting out all the various bits for the suspension and drive train, etc.
The GT40 has been first on my list of desirable cars to own since I was a teenager, which is now a very long time. The original Mark 1 car is every bit as much as a classic design as the 113 Mercedes. They were fast, reliable and exciting cars, although not terribly practical. (no room for anything other than people, leak in rain, poor visibility rearwards, etc). Modern versions and updates address the ventilation issues etc, and the pushrod Ford V8 now makes even more power with new head and cam designs, EFI, etc. The one thing that most do not change is the body. It is already so astonishingly beautiful that most people just pick a paint color and concentrate on getting the car on the road.
Also long time favorites: 289 (not 427) AC Cobra, Ferrari 275GTS, Cord 810/812 (these are better in the unblown form, I think), Ferrari 288GTO, classic Mini-Cooper. vintage Triumph Bonneville (OK,half the wheels but twice the fun), and BMW R90S or R100S (again half the wheels).
Many cars you THINK you might want to own and drive turn out to be dogs. My 111 280SE convertible was a disappointment. And my older 1970s Mini kind of likewise. My late-model Euro classic Mini, though, with EFI, better brakes, better interior, but still only 10 ft long is one of my all-time favorites.
Sorry for the long-winded post... :oops:
