Le Mans Classic: Travel and Accommodation
The GT40 Enthusiasts Club has fully sold its set of tickets. Those wishing to attend can obviously still book directly with 'Le Mans' to attend the main event.
We have information on some packages from Grandstand Motor Sports which are on special offer to Club Members.
Please view the information (PDF)
Le Mans Classic 2008 - update
This is the 4th Le Mans Classic and the GT40 Enthusiasts Club has attended every event - mainly thanks to Roy Snook who has organised each one - no mean feat given that we are a replica marque.
The 1st year (2002) we were only 6 GT40s and 11 people from the Club but at the last count for 2008 there appears to be 57 GT40s (with 54 booking track time!) and 190 people attending this event - even outstripping 2006 by a good margin.
Castle Combe Action Day - June 15
If you are interested please contact Dave Hensley - he is looking to sign up 10 cars.
Le Mans Classic 2008 Limited Edition Clothing
The Club has asked me to again organise the clothing for this year's Le Mans Classic. I have attached pictures of the new 2008 logo in two versions, one to go on Navy and Black items and a second version for white, light blue and light grey garments.
Please fill out the Excel order form which you can email to shop@gt40enthusiastsclub.com or print out the PDF and send the completed form with a cheque or credit card details to the club treasurer whose address is on the form. All orders must be on the official form. To ensure that everyone receives their order in time there is a strict cut-off date.
ALL ORDERS MUST BE
RECEIVED BY
MONDAY 2 JUNE LATEST
Brian Magee
2008 AGM Stoneleigh
The AGM was duly held last Sunday and well attended as usual despite variable weather conditions.
Click here to view committee changes.
Shakespeare County Raceway
Complete Kit Car has joined forces with the owners of the Shakespeare County Raceway to offer us a day to try the drag strip on Saturday 17th May, in just 10 days time! Its a great day out for the whole family.
Visit the events page here... If we can get at least five people within the club to commit to running, then they'll even throw in a trophy for the fastest car within club. Please let Dave Hensley know if you are interested.
Alastair's MDA GT40 Build
Alastair Ward has updated the website of his MDA build. There is simply an amazing amount of information and photographs please take a look.
Click here: fp.gt40mk1.plus.com
GT40 TRACK DAY AT GOODWOOD
At last weekend's committee meeting it was decided to postpone the mooted Goodwood track day until 2009. There was a tight deadline to confirm the October date and an event sometime in 2009, perhaps earlier in the year, will give everyone more time to ensure it is a first time success.
COUGH 'N' SPIT - 2008
Now it's 1 April, we can think seriously about putting our GT40s back onto the road. Here is a perfect opportunity to give them a Sunday run, get their fluids circulating and check that everything is still working.
We have organised our usual Spring Cough 'n' Spit trip to Warwick Bean's pub on Sunday 20 April at The Castle Inn, Millers Lane, OUTWOOD, Surrey RH1 5QB . It should be a reasonable run round the M25 to J6, then through country lanes via Godstone and Bletchingley to Outwood.
Last year's event was a great success, with a number of other car clubs showing up for what turned out to be one of the warmest days of the year. Take a look at the April picture on your Club calendar. This year, Warwick has very thoughtfully laid on a Hog Roast at a special rate of around £6 a head, providing the weather is favourable. We will be welcome to arrive from 11:30.
Please let me know if you are planning to come, so I can give Warwick some idea of the numbers, but if you are passing, you are still very welcome to drop in. And you don't need to be in a '40; please come if you just want to look at the cars.
Tony Hunt e-mail Tel:
01494 813222
Membership Secretary & Fortyfication Editor
GT40 Enthusiasts Club
Hants and Berks - New Venue
The Hants and Berks regional monthly meetings will now be at The West Meon. The pub has a large car park and the manager has set aside a corner for us in the restaurant.
The address is The West Meon, Alton Road, West Meon, Hants GU32 1JX and is situated at the junction of the A32 & the A272.
Meetings are still the 3rd Tuesday in the month starting at 7.30. Area rep. Brian Magee.
Classic Racing Cars Open Day
Gary Spencer of Classic Racing Cars, opened
his doors to the GT40 Enthusiasts Club on January
26th. In pride of place was the first David
Brown replica monocoque from New Zealand. CRC
have the UK concession for these chassis and
they are claimed to be accurate enough to qualify
for FIA approval. The workshop was a veritable
Aladdin's Cave of original GT40s, Mustangs,
Cobras together with a T70 and Chevron.
Le Mans Classic. July 11-13, 2008
Time to take action if you plan to attend the Classic next year. The dates are July 11, 12 & 13. After only three previous events it is already THE GT40 event on the calendar.
Please print and complete this attached booking form and return it to Roy Snook. If camping there are limited space available via the Club in the Club area and so you need to get your form in promptly.
Note that booking via the Club for circuit access does normally save you money as opposed to going via your own preferred travel agent.
Invicta Car Visit Report
The
Club visit the Invicta Car in November.
Read Dr. John's report here ...
GT40 Enthusiasts Club Database
Tim Martin will be re-issuing the comprehensive GT40 database in the early part of 2008. This is a cherished catalogue of every car which has been associated with the Club at some point in its history. Naturally its greatly enhanced if we good photos of all the cars listed. With those who did not have images last issue or who wish to send extra images please do so before the end of this year. Please e-mail them or send them to Tim directly.
2008 Membership open!
Join now and receive an extra issue (the Christmas Edition) of Fortyfication. Also if you're quick you may receive the Classic Le Mans DVD and/or the poster of Claude Nahum's 1966 Le Mans MkII GT40. There hasn't been a better time to join!
Please note that everyone planning to attend the 2008 Classic Le Mans event with the GT40 Enthusiasts Club MUST have a 2008 subscription.
2008 CALENDAR
The new 2008 GT40 Enthusiasts Calendar will be available at the end of October. Please send your orders by cheque or credit card to Tony Hunt at the usual address. The price is an amazing £8 (last year it was £13.50) plus 75p total packing & postage in UK, £1.50 overseas.
Surrey Area Pre-Christmas Dinner
For those attending please review the menu and send you choice to John Christian.
Click here for the menu.
Click here for the RSVP form to send to John.
Plans are being made to hold the annual Surrey Area pre-Christmas dinner at The Barley Mow, 181 The Street, West Horsley, Surrey, KT24 6HR on the evening of Saturday December 15th, 2007.
We will be dining in our own private function room which will have its own bar. Please make a note in your diaries.
NEC Classic Motor Show
- Sporting Bears Dream Rides
A very successful Sporting Bears Dream Rides event was held at the NEC Classic Motor Show.
Pete Bryant and Paul Brameld held up the honour of the GT40 Enthusiasts Club offering their cars for rides throughout the show's three days.
Altogether £30,000 was raised to support the Children's Hospice. Read more ....
Invicta Visit - Nov. 24th 11:00 am
The club has an offer to visit the INVICTA sports car factory near Chippenham, Wilts by the director Michael Bristow. This visit will be on Saturday November 24th at 11:00 am.
Take a look at www.youtube.com and search " Invicta S1". There is a short film made by the Dutch magazine GTO.
If anyone would like to join the visit please contact Dave Hensley for the day and date which is currently pending until numbers interested are established.
How to get there ... Instructions .. Google Map.
Performance Ford Magazine
Look out for the latest issue which has an excellent article on several members GT40s. Tim Martin's was Car of the Night.
Late season run to Donjohn at Wadhurst
The run to the Donjohn at Wadhurst on Sunday 14 enjoyed magnificent weather. Thirteen GT40s plus Cobra and MGB made the trip, which is excellent for late in the season. More...
NEC Classic Motor Show
This
year's NEC show is coming up fast. Nov 9, 10
and 11. Follow this link
to the advert. We have John Wisher to
thank for three very special exhibits on the
stand which reflect the show's theme of firsts and lasts. Firstly,
this is the last year John is organising
the event after many successful shows.
There will be one of the very first GT40s in 111, a roadster that was crashed at the Targa Florio by Bob Bondurant and has been recently rebuilt; 1089 which is the last GT40 built in the orginal run; and a Gelscoe Motorsport example which is the first and only continuation to obtain official FIA papers. Clearly an opportunity for a close look at some spectacular '40's.
Also read the theme for this year.
Marcadier - a 1980's French manufacturer
A recent e-mail revealed a manufacturer new to me at least.
Although
apparently orginally specified to use V6 PRV
2.7 litre engine, an owner from Vichy in France
has sent me some photos of his Ford V8 powered
model.
Follow this link for more images.
Anyone for Angouleme?
Paul Kinghan with GT40 will be at the 'Rallye des Charente' on 15th Sept in Angouleme.
Message
from Paul: The closing date for entry is coming
up in a couple of weeks. Entry price is expensive
at 350Euro per car but is a nice day out (that
is assuming the weather will be better than
last year!). I have been speaking to the organisers
about possibly having a couple of GT40's on
display in the city centre and maybe a gentle
parade around the street circuit before the
racing starts - we are still not sure if this
is possible but in case anyone wants to put
there name down then let me know asap and send
photos of the car so I can forward to them
next week once I am out there.
Contact Paul Kingham as soon as possible.
Goodwood Revival
August 31 - September 2nd. This year's event seems earlier than normal, or am I just enjoying myself too much this year! Anyway, as I am sure everyone knows this is a brilliant classic racing event on an historic circuit for we GT40 lovers.
17th Annual Knebworth Classic Motor Show
This coming Bank Holiday weekend you can pop along to Knebworth for a classic car event. Always an interesting show with a good autojumble. I have seen the odd GT40 including a few years back when 4 club members made the trip.
Wings and Wheels at Dunsfold
There is an interesting event at Dunsfold aerodrome (home of Top Gear studios) on August 26th.
Cranleigh Classic Car Show - Aug.19
As
an alternative to the cancelled Donington event
there is this Classic Car in Surrey on Sunday
19th August - not exactly the same locality
we realise.
Follow this link for details and booking form
GT40s at Bruntingthorpe July 29th?
Regular organiser Pete Bryant is looking for a stand-in at the above event for this year. There is apparently very little organisation needed other than managing a 'gate' of cars for the charity runs as 'GT40 team leader'.
Click here to view the publicity poster for the event. The charities support Children with cancer and include Rainbows and 'Memphis' Laros.
There will be clearly lots of activities to engage the whole family and it would be a very worthwhile event to support. Bruntingthorpe is in Leicestershire and has plenty of space and length to exercise your GT40 to the full - its a win-win situation.
Please call Pete on 02476 715715 (work) or 02476 468373 (home) if you can help or wish to take your GT40.
Prescott Hill climb events
Dave Hensley is organising a couple of interesting events at Prescott.
1. A day out on Sunday, July 22nd with a GT40 Enthusiasts Club area near the action. Tickets £12 per person.
2. A day out at the Hill Climb Drivers School using your own GT40s which will take place on a Wednesday, August 1st. The cost of this would be £175 for a full day of tuition with 6 to 8 runs up the hill.
This is a fantastic opportunity to try this type of sport in the company of like minded enthusiasts - please contact Dave as soon as possible to book a place.
EVO August Issue - Oulton Park
Look out for an article in this August's Issue of EVO magazine. It covers the GT40 Enthusiasts Club trip to Oulton Park
GT40 Enthusiasts Club AGM
About 25 cars attended Stoneleigh on Sunday in typical May Day weather. Click here for more on the AGM and views of most of the GT40s.
Bob MacDonald's much lauded burgundy GT40 won best presented car of the day. If you get a chance you need to see the standard of detail internal and external - truly first class.
OF Racing Club Event - May 18 2007 at Brooklands
Not
many of you will be aware of a private racing
club entitled OF Racing. The president
of the club is Sir
Spring Cough and Spit
The
Castle, Outwood (postcode RH1 5QB for satnav
owners) has been booked for Sunday,
15 April for the annual Spring
Cough & Spit.
Sweep away those winter cobwebs and get your motor running for the full 2007 season. If we get there for 12.00, Warwick will keep the space in front of the pub clear for us.
Rumour has it that Warwick's own 40 has had major winter rebuild, sounds very interesting! Please contact Tony Hunt and let him know if you intend going
Ford GT40 & GT Ultimate Portfolio 1964-2006
Another GT40 book has just been published.
The cost is £16.50 to club members (normal
price £19.95), post free.
To obtain a copy cheque to Desmond at The Soap House, Ripley
Lane, West Horsley, Surrey. KT24 6JS - payable to The GT40
Enthusiasts Club
Claude Nahum's GT40 at Le Mans - DVD gift
We have a real bonus. Tony Hunt asked Claude Nahum for permission to distribute copies of his video made at the Le Mans Classic last year. Not only did Claude agree, he also offered to foot the bill for a copy for each 2007 member, which will be distributed with the next Fortyfication, due out at the middle of March.
If you haven’t renewed yet, there will be no DVD with this, your final copy of Fortyfication. If you renew straight away your copy of the DVD will be mailed to you separately.
If there any GT40 Enthusiast 'waverers' out there it would be a very wise move to join the Club - this is a once-off opportunity to see racing video from inside the actual GT40 which came third at Le Mans in 1966!
GT40 members' cars on TV. A heads-up from Tony Hunt
I have just heard from the company that made the film of Desmond, Paul Walton and myself at Longcross back in July; Paul went on to the old FAV factory on the Slough trading estate afterwards, where they filmed some more. The footage will be shown on the Discovery Channel in the Massive Speed series at 20:30 on 14 December. The series starts on Monday, 4 December with daily programmes at that time on aircraft, boats, motorbikes etc, with our programme - 'Supercars', I think it's called, on 14 Dec.
Gentlemen, set your video recorders!
Ford GT Register section
The GT40 open register (available via the menu on the left) now has a Ford GT section. The register is open to anyone wishing to send their car details for all to view. The ultimate register of replica GT40s is available via the Members Area - this is the magnum opus of Tim Martin who is building a definite history of replicas, road registered and under construction.
GT40 Enthusiasts Club 2007 Calendar
Your
industrious committee has pooled resources to bring you a very
special 2007 Calendar. You will be relieved that it's not in
the style of theNorth Yorkshire Women's Institute (there is
certainly no truth that Desmond wanted to pose as Mr. July)
but instead it is full of GT40s in various seductive places.
See sample teaser images below and cover image above :
To obtain supplies of these excellent stocking fillers at only £13.50 delivered (UK mainland - other rates by application) send a cheque or credit card details to Tony Hunt (see Fortyfication for the address or e-mail Tony on membership@GT40EnthusiastsClub.com. Our thanks to Dr John for the majority of images.
NEC Show Report
A
personal account of the highlights by Dave Champ.
Click
here for
the full text ...
Donington Poster -
Claude Nahum's gold GT40
The poster
NEC
Classic Motor S h ow
27, 28 & 29 Octo ber
Bear Necessities at the NEC
RMA Donington Track Day - NO NOISE RESTRICTIONS
GTD 40 Car Club AGM
2007 Membership starts TODAY ( October 1st)
Donington Poster
All those attending the Donington Kit Car S
Classic and Sports Car - GT40 feature
The Chairmans BBQ
Another enjoyable day at the Soap House - click here ...
Donington
Kit C ar
Show - Saturday September
16 ,
2006
Donington
free Poster Offer!
We will have a Club Display
too.
'ASDA' day at Bruntingthorpe - August 20
T
he "ASDA" day is
organised by ASDA employees
with a view to raising
money for charity.
Chairman's BBQ - Sunday August 20th
This is a reminder that the Chairman's BBQ this year will be held on Sunday, 20 August, starting at 1.00pm.
Ripley Lane
Rockingham Thunder Sunday - August 13, 2006 ... LATEST!
Dave
Hensley now has the special
booking code for the event
below - contact
him on 0117 940 7652.
The Club can have some free laps of the Rockingham circuit in August. This depends on mustering 15 GT40s for the day.
Designated Club area, parade laps (only if 15 GT40s). Tickets £10 in advance from Rockingham but you must have booking code. Link to 2004 visit.
GTD Track Day August 17, 2006
The annual GTD track Day is being held at Goodwood motor racing circuit on Thursday August 17th.
All are welcome, whether member's of one, both or no clubs. This is a great opportunity to see a wide variety of GT40 replicas and some track action - you might even blag a ride.
Silverstone Classic - July 28-30, 2006 ...... the latest
We
have the opportunity for a GT40 Enthusiasts
Club presence at the Silverstone
Classic at the end of July.
A display area for our GT40s with tickets at a special 2-for-1 concessionary rate of only £15. Also there will be a track test day for clubs at the event on Monday 31st at £260!
Several members have committed to attend however we would like an idea of numbers in total. Anyone interested please contact Allan Feldman on allan@feldman.wanado.co.uk as soon as you like.
Le Mans Classic Gear
Please email brian@bmagee.co.uk or post order form
Le Mans Classic 2006
Alas
over far too quickly but this Le
Mans Classic was the best yet.
Celebrating the 40th anniversary of Ford's crushing victory at the Le Mans 24 hours in 1966 the winning Ford GT (left) was in pride of place. It was joined on a spectacular parade grid by the second and third placed GT40 and a host of GT40 replicas and new Ford GTs. Follow this link to a gallery of images ...
Lola Factory Visit - Wednesday July 26, 2006
We
are fortunate to get a Club tour of the
Lola works and to see the Continuation
Lola T70 MkIIIB on display.
Please follow this link to find out how to book a place - but hurry it's filling up fast.
Southwest, Devon, Cornwall & Somerset meeting
A new meeting for Southwest, Devon,
Cornwall & Somerset is to be held
on Tuesday July 11th 2006 at
The Waterloo Cross Pub on
the A38 towards Wellington, just off
Junction 27 of the M5 Motorway from
19.00 hours. One issue will be to decide
on the venue and a regular date for
meetings.
Contact Stuart Watson-Davies on stuartjwd@yahoo.com
Le Mans Classic - Reception at the Club Enclosure
Arrangements are now in place for the Le Mans Classic, where we have been centrally placed in the Ford Club Enclosure inside the Bugatti Circuit. To raise the profile of our Club, we have invited the LMC organisers to drinks at 12.30 on the Saturday, where Club members will have the chance to meet them, show them our cars and generally demonstrate that we are worthy of permanent inclusion in the Club Enclosure.
We look forward to a good Club turnout. Dress Smart Casual.
Le Mans Classic 2006 - July 7-9, 2006
THE event of 2006 is now less than ONE week away. The GT40 Enthusiasts Club attendance is bigger and better than ever. See the map for our terrific position within the Bugatti circuit - click map for larger view.
Le Mans Classic - Speed Ferries change of sailing times
If you are travelling via Dover - Boulogne on Speed Ferries to the Le Mans Classic please note a change of sailing times; these have been brought forward.
For more detailed information
on the new schedule, please visit
www.speedferries.com/speed_4.0.html
GT40 Enthusiasts Club - 2006 Le Mans Classic wear
Le
Mans Classic Limited Edition clothing.
Please go to the Club Shop or click
on this link for more information.
T-Shirts, Polo shirts, Paddock shirts, fleeces and baseball jackets in all common sizes.
You have now missed your opportunity to buy this clothing in advance but some items will be available at the actual event next month.
NEXT EVENT Castle Combe - Classic and Sportscar Action Day - June 17
To
commemorate the Ford v Ferrari battles
at Le Mans, the organisers
of the Castle Combe Classic and
Sportscar action day on Sat
June 17th, invite
all members of our GT40 Clubs to take
part in your own GT40.
Free tickets will be provided with a display area and track display consisting of a Le Mans start against Ferrari P4 replicas. It's got to be an impressive display and would provide an ideal photo opportunity.
Contact Tim Martin now if you are interested in coming.
London to Brighton Kit & Sports Car Run - Sunday June 11th
A
twist on the London to Brighton run (usually
for Veteran and Vintage cars). Your chance
for a leisurely run in your GT40 to the
lively South Coast resort of Brighton.
This event has been held for the last 18 years and changes its route regularly. The South Downs has wonderful scenery and picturesque villages, perfect for a relaxing day out cruising.
Click here to view the flyer with all the details ...
Le Mans 24 Hours (not Classic) June 17th
Bonjour
Everybody from France,
I have been contacted by Philippe PASTEAU,
who is Président de CLASSIC AUTOMOTIVE,
and Organiser of the «GRANDE PARADE
DES PILOTES » of « 24 HEURES
DU MANS »
On Friday, the 16th of June 2006, they
would be glad if we could present a delegation
of 8 to 10 GT40s coming from England and
all around the world to celebrate in their
parade of the "Anniversary of the Victory
of Ford at Le Mans in 1966". Specifically,
Philippe has invited members of the GT40
Enthusiast Club who are owners of completed
GT40s and their cars to come to Le Mans
with this year.
We need to formalise a list urgently, with
member's name, model, reg. number, year
and cc. I have already committed to attend,
but we need to move fast on this PLEASE
CONTACT ME BELOW IF YOU ARE INTERESTED
ASAP.
Tony Jasper
jaspertony@hotmail.com
P.S. For all Club members attending the Parade des Pilotes at the 24hours, there will be champagne after the parade in one of the houses overlooking the start/finish square. Also there is a VIP tour of the pits, paddock and other restricted areas before the race itself.
Secure parking is available for anyone wishing to leave their car in France between the 24 Hour and Le Mans Classic weekends
New Venue for Hants and Berks meeting
Brian Magee has advised that, following a successful trial meeting, the new venue for Hants and Berks region will be:
Chequers Inn, Winchester Road (A31),
Ropley, Hants , SO24 0BS
Tel:- 01962 772085
Follow this link for full details ....
Brian Magee's GT40 featured in IN FLUX magazine
You think you may be paying a premium in more than one sense when your specialist insurance broker produces a 60 page glossy magazine!! I was about to throw out this shiny production but something drew me inside ... and imagine my surprise to find featured on page 47 Brian Magee and his GTD40. Issue ONE of IN FLUX, a new edition from Adrian Flux Insurance does in fact have some very nice pictures of all types of specialist car - they also do very good value insurance (including track day cover) - Ed.
Hants and Berks regional meeting - loss of venue!!
The long running venue at Bullington Cross is no more. Regional rep. Brian Magee announced at the AGM that the Bullington Inn is closing forthwith. Local members have been looking for a new place to meet without success (it is surprisingly difficult to find a good pub now as the Herts bunch found out a couple of years back). As soon as it is back on the menu we will let you know - Ed.
Menu changes
A couple of refinements to the menu on the left. There is now a direct link to the forum section of GT40s.com. With Ron Earp's blessing this is our adopted forum for discussion - although not etiquette I have deliberately kept the page within our site to maintain the context. The Events Archive section has been is squeezed-in one line up.
Outwood meeting - Warwick Bean's pub
Sunday May 21st has been set for a meeting at The Castle in Outwood. Check out the link to last year's get together (Tony Hunt assures me the weather will be just as good!) Call Paul Brameld for details 0208 786 3477.
GT40 in print
The April edition of Classic Cars magazine (available at all good newsagents now) has 12 pages on the GT40 and new Ford GT. Well worth a look, you might even want to buy a copy rather than clog up WHSmiths!
Club Database
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Please take time to check out the Members Area, accessible via the link on the side pane or here. You will need to login and have your Username and Password ready. E-mail the webmaster if you have not yet received yours, these are currently only available to new and renewing members in 2006.
As well as the For Sale section, you also can see the full GT40 Register (click on graphic above for example on my GT40) of currently 350 cars, or thereby, with many photographs. We are also trying to build up a Suppliers file for the use of everyone but particularly the GT40 builders within the club.
Castle Combe - Classic and Sportscar Action Day - June 17
Ever
dreamed of joining in a classic Le Mans
style start against Ferraris of a similar
vintage? If you are still capable of
running across the width of Castle Combe
race circuit then now's your chance!
To commemorate the Ford v Ferrari battles at Le Mans, the organisers of the Castle Combe Classic and Sportscar action day on Sat June 17th, invite all members of our GT40 Clubs to take part in your own GT40. Free tickets will be provided with a display area and track display consisting of a Le Mans start against Ferrari P4 replicas. Naturally it won't be balls out but behind a safety car (only for reasons of noise you understand). It's got to be an impressive display and would provide an ideal photo opportunity.
Contact Tim Martin now if you are interested in coming.