Why do GT40 replicas cost so much more than replica AC Cobras?

[Mark IV]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

I assume that's an opinion and not fact. How do you know that it takes twice as long? The GT40 is a more complicated roller to build, as I said above, I just don't think it's $53,000 more expensive to build a roller.

However, Rick (Mark IV) knows the production schedules of a Cobra and GT40 roller, but labor in South Africa isn't the same as UAW. There's more materials, but RCR can build a roller for $42,000 in Michigan. The SPF GT40 is a better GT40, and comes with better parts, but is it $60,000 better?

Whether it is $60K better is up to the buyer BUT you can't compare production costs of the RCR with the SPF. Lets look at these items:

1) Roof- SPF; double wall steel stamped in matched metal dies on a 600 ton press. RCR; Fiberglass made in a mold. I know RCR does first class glass work but I assure I can make hundreds of FRP molds for the cost of a metal stamping die.

2) Chassis- SPF is coated steel that is laser cut, some pieces are stamped to shape, other are rolled, press brake formed, etc. Steel is then placed in a jig and spot welded, mig welded and gas welded to form. RCR is flat aluminum CNC cut to shape, jigged and welded.

Uprights- SPF are cast alloy and then machined. RCR are CNC machined. Casting patterns are not cheap.

There is no "economy of scale" for either manufacturer, 2-6 cars per month don't provide any real savings. And while the wage scale in port Elizabeth may not equal the UAW, it is nowhere as cheap as you may think. Plus the 30 plus paid holidays, etc. and there is less savings than you might expect.

And also in that $60K difference remember the SPF is a roller.....painted, trimmed and fully assembled. Brakes are bled, the wiring is all done, etc. And you get the exhaust, the A/C, the wheels, etc. So the real cost difference is much less. How much does a good quality paint job cost?

Again, taking NOTHING away from RCR. I know Fran and they make a nice car. It comes down to what you want and if you want to build it.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by Mark IV

Whether it is $60K better is up to the buyer BUT you can't compare production costs of the RCR with the SPF. Lets look at these items:

1) Roof- SPF; double wall steel stamped in matched metal dies on a 600 ton press. RCR; Fiberglass made in a mold. I know RCR does first class glass work but I assure I can make hundreds of FRP molds for the cost of a metal stamping die.

2) Chassis- SPF is coated steel that is laser cut, some pieces are stamped to shape, other are rolled, press brake formed, etc. Steel is then placed in a jig and spot welded, mig welded and gas welded to form. RCR is flat aluminum CNC cut to shape, jigged and welded.

Uprights- SPF are cast alloy and then machined. RCR are CNC machined. Casting patterns are not cheap.

There is no "economy of scale" for either manufacturer, 2-6 cars per month don't provide any real savings. And while the wage scale in port Elizabeth may not equal the UAW, it is nowhere as cheap as you may think. Plus the 30 plus paid holidays, etc. and there is less savings than you might expect.

And also in that $60K difference remember the SPF is a roller.....painted, trimmed and fully assembled. Brakes are bled, the wiring is all done, etc. And you get the exhaust, the A/C, the wheels, etc. So the real cost difference is much less. How much does a good quality paint job cost?

Again, taking NOTHING away from RCR. I know Fran and they make a nice car. It comes down to what you want and if you want to build it.

Don't get me wrong, if I were in the market, then I'd buy the SPF. It's the better GT40 replica for me, because it's better made and properly shaped compared to its competitors. But I just think $60,000 buys you a lot of assembly, parts, labor, paint, etc., if someone desired an RCR.

Ultimately, a GT40 replica was not for me because it's just too confining and gave a me a claustrophobic feel that I didn't like.