Opinions on CAV GT-40

bly · #1 (**permalink**) 06-17-2008, 02:15 PM

I am getting close to a GT-40 purchase. I have been really interseted in the RCR, But with my limited time to work on it, It would never leave the garage. I have time to do a little of my own work but not much.
I have been looking at the CAV GT-40, Anybody have knowledge or opinions on these cars??

Rick 427 Cobra · #2 (**permalink**) 06-17-2008, 02:34 PM

If time is a problem, why not consider a roller from SPF. Very nice cars and WAY WAY less time to complete. Just got back from visiting RCR. Neat car, but lots of time involved. Same for the CAV I would think.

bmwdb10 · #3 (**permalink**) 06-17-2008, 02:47 PM

The CAV typically comes as a roller as the SPF does. Time to complete should be the same. The CAV is a beautiful car but takes some liberties for the better with regard to comfort. The interior affords more room than the SPF which is very tight. I have researched and sat in both, love the originality of the SPF but for the money, the CAV is a great car and considerably more comfortable IMO.

RodKnock · #4 (**permalink**) 06-17-2008, 02:40 PM

ENTDOC will probably respond since he has one maybe two of them. He likes them a lot. He also told me that they're delivered as rollers. The SPF roller will be more money. Also I was told that Fran from RCR will do a roller, but you would have to talk to him about a price. Find the thread that I started about a month or so ago. Also, there's a manufacturer called Tornado that makes a good GT40 replica too.

Me, I may opt for the SPF.

bly · #5 (**permalink**) 06-17-2008, 02:49 PM

I have looked at SPF rollers, they are very nice, but i will not say that price is not an object for me. I have seen that the CAV rollers are around 65,000. I dont know if that is including the shipping or any other costs. Like I said in previous post I have a little time to work on but not to the extent that a RCR would require. I have an engine ready to go into something, just need car and a gearbox.

ENTDOC · #6 (**permalink**) 06-17-2008, 03:06 PM

Bly, I have a CAV Mk1 and a SPF MK11, both are very nice but different in many ways. Having said that, I would not hesitate to hop in either one and take off for an extended trip. The CAV is easier to get into and affords more head room, but once inside, the SPF seems bigger to me and pedal position is better with more room in the footwells. My son is 3 inches taller than me and he likes the SPF better. With the steering wheel off ingress is easy in the SPF but not needed in the CAV. The SPF is of course the most accurate of the replicas and is a registered GT40 legally (no need to start the obvious argument on the real ,not real situation). They are remarkably accurate in detail and I really like that aspect. The CAV will cost 10K or so less in most circumstances when all is said and done but I do not think the 65K figure for a roller includes options. AC is a must by the way. You will love a CAV, that I am sure. chuck feel free to call me for specifics.. 864-630-0467

mtpockets · #7 (**permalink**) 06-17-2008, 03:21 PM

Check out the new Backdraft GT. It's a turnkey roller. I got the chance to sit in and check them out in Boynton Beach a few weeks ago. Very nice cars.

ENTDOC · #8 (**permalink**) 06-17-2008, 03:57 PM

they are essentially rebadged CAVs with a few cosmetic changes. nice cars

Power Surge · #9 (**permalink**) 06-17-2008, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ENTDOC

Bly, I have a CAV Mk1 and a SPF MK11, both are very nice but different in many ways. Having said that, I would not hesitate to hop in either one and take off for an extended trip. The CAV is easier to get into and affords more head room, but once inside, the SPF seems bigger to me and pedal position is better with more room in the footwells. My son is 3 inches taller than me and he likes the SPF better. With the steering wheel off ingress is easy in the SPF but not needed in the CAV. The SPF is of course the most accurate of the replicas and is a registered GT40 legally (no need to start the obvious argument on the real ,not real situation). They are remarkably accurate in detail and I really like that aspect. The CAV will cost 10K or so less in most circumstances when all is said and done but I do not think the 65K figure for a roller includes options. AC is a must by the way. You will love a CAV, that I am sure. chuck feel free to call me for specifics.. 864-630-0467

Interesting comparison. I have seen many CAVs and a few SPFs and I always thought the CAVs were much more authentic.

ENTDOC · #10 (**permalink**) 06-17-2008, 04:19 PM

The bodies are virtually the same on all of them at least in my experience, but the CAV is a MONO chassis but that is where originality ends. It is stainless and takes many liberties in the design to cut cost and complexity. I do not think it is to the detriment of the car however, at least in function. I guess it is like saying an ERA looks more original than a CSX 4000; to some it does, but the originality ends there.

charlieh · #11 (**permalink**) 06-17-2008, 10:38 PM

I live in Cape Town where the CAV's are manufactured. I personally know the owner (Jean Fourie) and have been to the factory for a tour of the production facility. These cars are both designed and assembled to an extremely high standard, components being custom designed and built exclusively for CAV and not "borrowed" from a donor supply. The attention to finish and quality is exacting, what further impressd me was talking to the work team on the shop floor and one guy summed it up...."I look forward to coming to work each and every day".

I cannot coment on driving as I am a Cobra driver, but the engineering in these cars is top quality. We regularly drive with Jean and other local GT40 owners. Jean is an excellent guy who is fully committed to promoting and supporting their product. I know that he will be glad to answer queries direct and their website is easy to find www.cav.co.za

Charlieh

Cashburn · #12 (**permalink**) 06-18-2008, 06:53 AM

Bailey · #13 (**permalink**) 06-22-2008, 06:31 PM

Jay,
Those videos are great. FWIW, I have looked very carefully at the SPF, and the Backdraft GT. I'm 6'2", and in the SPF with the steering wheel removed, I can barely sit in the car with my knees into the bottom of the dash, the Backfraft, no problem. The dash and interior fit and finish, latch systems and seats are of a far higher quality in the Backdraft, and the car is far quieter on the road.
If things were different in my household, (like my wife being onbord) there would definetly be one in my garage instead of a Cobra.
Not that I am biased or any thing...........

Got the Bug · #14 (**permalink**) 06-22-2008, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bailey

Jay,
I'm 6'2", and in the SPF with the steering wheel removed, I can barely sit in the car with my knees into the bottom of the dash, the Backfraft, no problem. If things were different in my household, (like my wife being onbord) there would definetly be one in my garage instead of a Cobra.
Not that I am biased or any thing...........

I can relate. I'm 6' 2" and had a chance to sit in an SPF GT40 today. There's no way I could fit in that car, even if I sat in the seat shell without any padding. My knees were jammed into the dash and I couldn't get positioned well enough to reach the pedals. It's a beautiful car, but I just don't fit. My SPF MKIII is perfect with the seat rails removed and the seat bolted all the way back (if I was 1" taller, I wouldn't fit in the MKIII).

The BDR and the CAV both look awesome. If I had the space and few more $$$, I'd be there.

4pipes · #15 (**permalink**) 06-22-2008, 10:25 PM

I'm 6'2" and I sat in Pat Buckley's CAV. I fit fine, a little tough to get in, but definitely something I could learn to negotiate. His car is beautiful.

Jamo · #16 (**permalink**) 06-22-2008, 11:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4pipes

I'm 6'2" and I sat in Pat Buckley's CAV. I fit fine, a little tough to get in, but definitely something I could learn to negotiate. His car is beautiful.

Let me underscore this...[u]I fit in Buckley's CAV...went for a few laps around Sears Point. Wasn't all that difficult to get in and out once you knew what to lean on (not unlike getting in and out of an arruminum Cobra...some places you just don't touch). Had more than enough headroom and the legs were fine.

Now...I might want a wider seat.

jmimac351 · #17 (**permalink**) 06-22-2008, 08:59 PM

Chuck, which car has a better feel to it - CAV or SPF? Does one of them feel more like a production car than the other? I was pretty impressed with your CAV and with Reg Dodd getting behind the product now it makes it a standout in my mind. We run into Reg quite a bit here in Florida at track events and they are pretty particular about things. He also appears to be incredibly supportive of his customers.

RodKnock · #18 (**permalink**) 06-22-2008, 11:29 PM

At 5'11", I felt fine in the SPF GT40 today. A little tough to get into, but they have smaller steering wheels available and the steering wheel also cam off if needed. There was a taller and heavier older fella who got in and out of it just fine too.