What to replace a GT40 with?
Discussion
My GT40 has been a huge, and very enjoyable, part of my life for 24 years (18.5 years in the build, 5.5 years on the road). However, I have decided it is time to move on.
My dilemma is, what do I replace it with?
After considerable research and watching innumerable road test videos I have made up a list of desirable possibilities, but being on the tall side (6’4”) I’m not sure I will fit into any, or all of them.
I want a manual, so that limits me somewhat, and as a GT40 replacement it really has to be a 2 door, and not a convertible. The list, based on a budget of up to 170K, comprises:
Aston Vantage (V8 or V12) – a GT8 would be nice
Lotus Emira V6
Porsche Cayman GT4
Audi R8 (V8 or V10)
TVR Sagaris
Noble M400
MG X-Power SVR (a bit left field I know, but is something so bonkers to be dismissed lightly?)
A classic of some description. E.g. Esprit V8, Maserati Merak, etc.
I appreciate that some of these are getting a bit long in the tooth now and finding one with low/moderate miles will be a challenge, but I’m in no hurry.
Being in southern NZ, trying most of these on for size is difficult, or, in some cases, just not possible, and most that are available will require a trip to some other part of the country to look at.
So, to narrow my search a little, my questions to the PH hive mind, and specifically to folk who have owned, or currently own, any of the above are:
Will I fit? I already know I don’t fit in most Lambos, de Tomaso, and a few Lotus offerings.
How user friendly are they?
Are running costs/maintenance for any outlandish? I appreciate that the GT40 is not exactly economical, but I can do pretty much any spannering on it myself.
Are there any I should I steer well clear of?
Any others I’ve missed? Recent Ferraris on budget don’t appeal for some reason, and OH has an aversion to 911s.
Of course, there are some autos/semi autos that are intriguing, such as R8s, any number of McLarens, C8 Corvette, Alpine A110, etc., but I really do love my manuals.
Would be used purely as a weekend toy or for an occasional tour.
My dilemma is, what do I replace it with?
After considerable research and watching innumerable road test videos I have made up a list of desirable possibilities, but being on the tall side (6’4”) I’m not sure I will fit into any, or all of them.
I want a manual, so that limits me somewhat, and as a GT40 replacement it really has to be a 2 door, and not a convertible. The list, based on a budget of up to 170K, comprises:
Aston Vantage (V8 or V12) – a GT8 would be nice
Lotus Emira V6
Porsche Cayman GT4
Audi R8 (V8 or V10)
TVR Sagaris
Noble M400
MG X-Power SVR (a bit left field I know, but is something so bonkers to be dismissed lightly?)
A classic of some description. E.g. Esprit V8, Maserati Merak, etc.
I appreciate that some of these are getting a bit long in the tooth now and finding one with low/moderate miles will be a challenge, but I’m in no hurry.
Being in southern NZ, trying most of these on for size is difficult, or, in some cases, just not possible, and most that are available will require a trip to some other part of the country to look at.
So, to narrow my search a little, my questions to the PH hive mind, and specifically to folk who have owned, or currently own, any of the above are:
Will I fit? I already know I don’t fit in most Lambos, de Tomaso, and a few Lotus offerings.
How user friendly are they?
Are running costs/maintenance for any outlandish? I appreciate that the GT40 is not exactly economical, but I can do pretty much any spannering on it myself.
Are there any I should I steer well clear of?
Any others I’ve missed? Recent Ferraris on budget don’t appeal for some reason, and OH has an aversion to 911s.
Of course, there are some autos/semi autos that are intriguing, such as R8s, any number of McLarens, C8 Corvette, Alpine A110, etc., but I really do love my manuals.
Would be used purely as a weekend toy or for an occasional tour.
I think an R8 V10 manual would be the most obvious 'best' option in terms of all round capability and civility, probably a Mk1 with the HPAS.
The other cars I identified that might be a bit comparable to a GT40 were the Gardner Douglas T70 (the 'Moda' has a roof) and the Superformance Daytona coupe. But they might be a bit too similar, it depends why you want to move on from the GT40 I guess.
If you get the chance I'd try and have a half-decent run in a McLaren, yes turbo and dual clutch but fantastic steering feel and the paddles do let you access the performance more easily. But only you can decide if you're happy to trade the manual gearchange for the other benefits. They also have fantastic NZ heritage of course
The other cars I identified that might be a bit comparable to a GT40 were the Gardner Douglas T70 (the 'Moda' has a roof) and the Superformance Daytona coupe. But they might be a bit too similar, it depends why you want to move on from the GT40 I guess.
If you get the chance I'd try and have a half-decent run in a McLaren, yes turbo and dual clutch but fantastic steering feel and the paddles do let you access the performance more easily. But only you can decide if you're happy to trade the manual gearchange for the other benefits. They also have fantastic NZ heritage of course
NDNDNDND said:
I think you'll kick yourself if you sell that GT40...
Is it more that you need another project?
Yes - I'll certainly miss it. Yep - pretty much need another project and perhaps something little more user friendly. Love the 40, but use of it is very weather dependent, not to mention hard on the hearing.Is it more that you need another project?
Not sure on space for you or more usability but a cobra daytona coupe?
edit:
having had a scout online TVRs seem to fit tall drivers really well. Certainly an event any i imagine you'd have a fair chunk of change for a bit of extra poke/customisation from any TVR
edit:
having had a scout online TVRs seem to fit tall drivers really well. Certainly an event any i imagine you'd have a fair chunk of change for a bit of extra poke/customisation from any TVR
Edited by andburg on Friday 5th April 12:34
I don't know whether they'll accommodate your height, but along the lines of your GT40, what about an Ultima? https://www.ultimasports.co.uk/
I have owned a GT8 from new and would describe it as theatre to drive.
Whether a suitable replacement for a GT40 I know not.
Certainly much more user friendly but your wife may not like the attention it gets - they are not inconspicuous or quiet but there again neither is yours.
I’ve had other Astons and had niggles with all but just that.
There are a few in NZ.
I doubt the servicing would be an issue for you.
As an alternative I’ve also got an R8 V10 but not manual.
Nevertheless it is a tremendous car ,seriously quick and very well built.
I wouldn’t suggest it’s a direct replacement for the GT40 but it is a very nice place to be.
If value is a consideration then the GT8 I think represents currently decent value whereas for a while the R8 and the like will probably continue to depreciate.
Whether a suitable replacement for a GT40 I know not.
Certainly much more user friendly but your wife may not like the attention it gets - they are not inconspicuous or quiet but there again neither is yours.
I’ve had other Astons and had niggles with all but just that.
There are a few in NZ.
I doubt the servicing would be an issue for you.
As an alternative I’ve also got an R8 V10 but not manual.
Nevertheless it is a tremendous car ,seriously quick and very well built.
I wouldn’t suggest it’s a direct replacement for the GT40 but it is a very nice place to be.
If value is a consideration then the GT8 I think represents currently decent value whereas for a while the R8 and the like will probably continue to depreciate.
As a 6ft4 tall guy myself and a previous Boxster owner I can say you will fit in a Cayman GT4, they are actually quite roomy once you are inside and sat in it, they aren't the easiest thing to get in and out of. I found the method was to stick my backside in first then swing my legs in after.
I always felt very comfortable once inside though
I always felt very comfortable once inside though
antipodes40 said:
My GT40 has been a huge, and very enjoyable, part of my life for 24 years (18.5 years in the build, 5.5 years on the road). However, I have decided it is time to move on.
My dilemma is, what do I replace it with?
After considerable research and watching innumerable road test videos I have made up a list of desirable possibilities, but being on the tall side (6’4”) I’m not sure I will fit into any, or all of them.
I want a manual, so that limits me somewhat, and as a GT40 replacement it really has to be a 2 door, and not a convertible. The list, based on a budget of up to 170K, comprises:
Aston Vantage (V8 or V12) – a GT8 would be nice
Lotus Emira V6
Porsche Cayman GT4
Audi R8 (V8 or V10)
TVR Sagaris
Noble M400
MG X-Power SVR (a bit left field I know, but is something so bonkers to be dismissed lightly?)
A classic of some description. E.g. Esprit V8, Maserati Merak, etc.
I appreciate that some of these are getting a bit long in the tooth now and finding one with low/moderate miles will be a challenge, but I’m in no hurry.
Being in southern NZ, trying most of these on for size is difficult, or, in some cases, just not possible, and most that are available will require a trip to some other part of the country to look at.
So, to narrow my search a little, my questions to the PH hive mind, and specifically to folk who have owned, or currently own, any of the above are:
Will I fit? I already know I don’t fit in most Lambos, de Tomaso, and a few Lotus offerings.
How user friendly are they?
Are running costs/maintenance for any outlandish? I appreciate that the GT40 is not exactly economical, but I can do pretty much any spannering on it myself.
Are there any I should I steer well clear of?
Any others I’ve missed? Recent Ferraris on budget don’t appeal for some reason, and OH has an aversion to 911s.
Of course, there are some autos/semi autos that are intriguing, such as R8s, any number of McLarens, C8 Corvette, Alpine A110, etc., but I really do love my manuals.
Would be used purely as a weekend toy or for an occasional tour.
What a nice problem to have! Have you considered the F Type SVR? And the looks are sublime! Plenty of noise and drama but not the ear ringing type where you can't have a convo in the cab when driving. My dilemma is, what do I replace it with?
After considerable research and watching innumerable road test videos I have made up a list of desirable possibilities, but being on the tall side (6’4”) I’m not sure I will fit into any, or all of them.
I want a manual, so that limits me somewhat, and as a GT40 replacement it really has to be a 2 door, and not a convertible. The list, based on a budget of up to 170K, comprises:
Aston Vantage (V8 or V12) – a GT8 would be nice
Lotus Emira V6
Porsche Cayman GT4
Audi R8 (V8 or V10)
TVR Sagaris
Noble M400
MG X-Power SVR (a bit left field I know, but is something so bonkers to be dismissed lightly?)
A classic of some description. E.g. Esprit V8, Maserati Merak, etc.
I appreciate that some of these are getting a bit long in the tooth now and finding one with low/moderate miles will be a challenge, but I’m in no hurry.
Being in southern NZ, trying most of these on for size is difficult, or, in some cases, just not possible, and most that are available will require a trip to some other part of the country to look at.
So, to narrow my search a little, my questions to the PH hive mind, and specifically to folk who have owned, or currently own, any of the above are:
Will I fit? I already know I don’t fit in most Lambos, de Tomaso, and a few Lotus offerings.
How user friendly are they?
Are running costs/maintenance for any outlandish? I appreciate that the GT40 is not exactly economical, but I can do pretty much any spannering on it myself.
Are there any I should I steer well clear of?
Any others I’ve missed? Recent Ferraris on budget don’t appeal for some reason, and OH has an aversion to 911s.
Of course, there are some autos/semi autos that are intriguing, such as R8s, any number of McLarens, C8 Corvette, Alpine A110, etc., but I really do love my manuals.
Would be used purely as a weekend toy or for an occasional tour.
I'll be travelling to Christchurch from UK next month to visit family. Are you about that way? Am looking for an e-type to take my aged Mum out for an hour, or so, in her favourite car. Know anyone who might be able to rent one to me?
Good luck with the car choices. So very many options. I can confirm that the Aston Martin V12 Vantage is a total monster and you wouldn't be disappointed! Spent many an hour in one doing the Alps (European, not southern) last year.
JM
Johnniem said:
antipodes40 said:
My GT40 has been a huge, and very enjoyable, part of my life for 24 years (18.5 years in the build, 5.5 years on the road). However, I have decided it is time to move on.
My dilemma is, what do I replace it with?
After considerable research and watching innumerable road test videos I have made up a list of desirable possibilities, but being on the tall side (6’4”) I’m not sure I will fit into any, or all of them.
I want a manual, so that limits me somewhat, and as a GT40 replacement it really has to be a 2 door, and not a convertible. The list, based on a budget of up to 170K, comprises:
Aston Vantage (V8 or V12) – a GT8 would be nice
Lotus Emira V6
Porsche Cayman GT4
Audi R8 (V8 or V10)
TVR Sagaris
Noble M400
MG X-Power SVR (a bit left field I know, but is something so bonkers to be dismissed lightly?)
A classic of some description. E.g. Esprit V8, Maserati Merak, etc.
I appreciate that some of these are getting a bit long in the tooth now and finding one with low/moderate miles will be a challenge, but I’m in no hurry.
Being in southern NZ, trying most of these on for size is difficult, or, in some cases, just not possible, and most that are available will require a trip to some other part of the country to look at.
So, to narrow my search a little, my questions to the PH hive mind, and specifically to folk who have owned, or currently own, any of the above are:
Will I fit? I already know I don’t fit in most Lambos, de Tomaso, and a few Lotus offerings.
How user friendly are they?
Are running costs/maintenance for any outlandish? I appreciate that the GT40 is not exactly economical, but I can do pretty much any spannering on it myself.
Are there any I should I steer well clear of?
Any others I’ve missed? Recent Ferraris on budget don’t appeal for some reason, and OH has an aversion to 911s.
Of course, there are some autos/semi autos that are intriguing, such as R8s, any number of McLarens, C8 Corvette, Alpine A110, etc., but I really do love my manuals.
Would be used purely as a weekend toy or for an occasional tour.
What a nice problem to have! Have you considered the F Type SVR? And the looks are sublime! Plenty of noise and drama but not the ear ringing type where you can't have a convo in the cab when driving. My dilemma is, what do I replace it with?
After considerable research and watching innumerable road test videos I have made up a list of desirable possibilities, but being on the tall side (6’4”) I’m not sure I will fit into any, or all of them.
I want a manual, so that limits me somewhat, and as a GT40 replacement it really has to be a 2 door, and not a convertible. The list, based on a budget of up to 170K, comprises:
Aston Vantage (V8 or V12) – a GT8 would be nice
Lotus Emira V6
Porsche Cayman GT4
Audi R8 (V8 or V10)
TVR Sagaris
Noble M400
MG X-Power SVR (a bit left field I know, but is something so bonkers to be dismissed lightly?)
A classic of some description. E.g. Esprit V8, Maserati Merak, etc.
I appreciate that some of these are getting a bit long in the tooth now and finding one with low/moderate miles will be a challenge, but I’m in no hurry.
Being in southern NZ, trying most of these on for size is difficult, or, in some cases, just not possible, and most that are available will require a trip to some other part of the country to look at.
So, to narrow my search a little, my questions to the PH hive mind, and specifically to folk who have owned, or currently own, any of the above are:
Will I fit? I already know I don’t fit in most Lambos, de Tomaso, and a few Lotus offerings.
How user friendly are they?
Are running costs/maintenance for any outlandish? I appreciate that the GT40 is not exactly economical, but I can do pretty much any spannering on it myself.
Are there any I should I steer well clear of?
Any others I’ve missed? Recent Ferraris on budget don’t appeal for some reason, and OH has an aversion to 911s.
Of course, there are some autos/semi autos that are intriguing, such as R8s, any number of McLarens, C8 Corvette, Alpine A110, etc., but I really do love my manuals.
Would be used purely as a weekend toy or for an occasional tour.
I'll be travelling to Christchurch from UK next month to visit family. Are you about that way? Am looking for an e-type to take my aged Mum out for an hour, or so, in her favourite car. Know anyone who might be able to rent one to me?
Good luck with the car choices. So very many options. I can confirm that the Aston Martin V12 Vantage is a total monster and you wouldn't be disappointed! Spent many an hour in one doing the Alps (European, not southern) last year.
JM
Firstly, your GT40 is beautiful. Well done.
TVR Cerbera 4.2 or 4.5? These fit taller folk quite well.
I noticed you mentioned a C8 Corvette, what about a C7? Plenty of manuals here, not sure in NZ though?
If it’s a project you’re after also, I’d maybe go for a muscle car, Charger/Challenger/Mustang etc? When I was in Australia there seemed to be quite a lot of Yank stuff and more than a few converted to right hand drive…would sourcing from Australia be easy for you?
TVR Cerbera 4.2 or 4.5? These fit taller folk quite well.
I noticed you mentioned a C8 Corvette, what about a C7? Plenty of manuals here, not sure in NZ though?
If it’s a project you’re after also, I’d maybe go for a muscle car, Charger/Challenger/Mustang etc? When I was in Australia there seemed to be quite a lot of Yank stuff and more than a few converted to right hand drive…would sourcing from Australia be easy for you?
Gassing Station | Car Buying | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff