2020 Ginetta G40 Cup

Highlights

• Track-ready G40 in Cup specification
• Factory built by Ginetta
• Fully road legal
• MOT November 2025
• New engine fitted in 2024

Overview

Like so many low volume sports car makers, Ginetta has a storied history. Founded 66 years ago, the company has been through five owners and multiple financial crises, moving from Kent to West Yorkshire in the process.

It began life building specials on contemporary Ford chassis, and even today its cars are made along similar principles – mostly using Ford running gear and bespoke fibreglass bodywork, but with far more of a focus on motorsport.

The G40, as an example, is a car developed very much with competition at heart. Introduced in 2010, it’s not exclusively a racing car as roadgoing models are available and, should you wish to, there are a few creature comforts you can add into the mix.

But it’s noisy, basic and entirely focused on being set-up to be driven quickly, spiritedly and competitively, with pin-sharp responses, a hard ride and a crude, stripped back and noisy cabin. Please don’t think that’s a criticism as it’s far, far from it – it’s very much part of the immersive experience that this car provides.

If you want a Ginetta for the track, then you’ve got a fantastic starting point with this one. It’s a G40 Cup, meaning it’s a race-focused version of the road-legal G40, powered by a Ford 1.8-litre Zetec engine. Although never driven in any competition series by its current owner, the car is eligible for series such as the Ginetta Junior Cup and Britcar, should you wish to use it in anger against other racers.

Or, it’s the perfect road car and occasional track day toy, ideal for blowing off the winter cobwebs, or taking on circuits to release pent-up frustrations – it’ll get your adrenaline flowing and put a smile on your face no matter what.

First registered in 2020, the G40 has been enjoyed on circuit days and certainly hasn’t been stored away and mothballed, so there are signs of use, but it’s a genuine low mileage example, with five-point race harnesses, a new fire extinguisher system and all of the key elements required to develop it as you wish.

History and documentation

• UK V5C
• Fully registered and road legal
• MOT to November 2025, no advisories
• Genuine low mileage of less than 3,200
• Invoices for a new engine in 2024 along with a new clutch, costing almost £5,500
• Confirmation letter from Ginetta to say the car was factory-built and registered, and not a kit
• Two sets of keys

Interior

• Black cloth and vinyl bucket seats - some minor marks
• Five-point racing harnesses
• Extended head supports
• Flock dashboard and centre console
• Carbon fibre details
• New fire extinguisher system installed in 2024

Exterior

• Original white paintwork – ideal for sponsor livery
• SVG Motor Sport carbon fibre rear spoiler
• Straight and tidy all-round but with various scratches and scuffs from track use
• Marks and minor damage to rear bumper
• Quick release gunmetal grey alloys with decent Michelin rubber
• Underbody and chassis appears sound
• Windscreen has a crack, but not an MOT failure item

Mechanical

• 1.8-litre 16v 4-cyl DOHC naturally aspirated Ford Zetec engine
• Standard tune
• Performance air filter
• Quantum adjustable dampers
• New engine installed and fitted in 2024, with all relevant invoices
• Reported by the vendor to be in good mechanical order with no known faults

Summary

Motorsport isn’t cheap, but likewise, it doesn’t need to break the bank, and the great thing about this car is that as well as being set-up for track use, it’s also road legal. While it’s not necessarily prudent to drive to a race event, you don’t necessarily need a trailer for a track day.

It also offers a visceral, raw and life-affirming driving experience. There aren’t many cars built in the 2020s that offer such an engaging, deeply personal driving experience, so while it might not be your first choice for nipping to the shops, it’s a fantastic thing to have sitting in the garage for when the mood takes you. Plus, with that Ford Zetec under the bonnet, it’s not the kind of car that’s going to be stupidly fussy about maintenance, either.

To arrange a viewing, please request this in the Q&A section. You can click through to the seller's profile and use the 'Email Me' function to arrange a viewing privately. This seller is located in Sussex.