A GT Quandry

[AHudson]

I'm half embarrassed to post this, but here goes.

Like all of you it seems, I've got a car disease. Had it forever. I'm by no means a 'collector' but have a couple of fun cars now (Viper, 512TR, Pantera, BB512i) and now lust for a GT. Okay, that was my first lie:

I've lusted for one since I saw the first prototype at the Daytona race in 2004. Then the Ford TV commercial that featured the GT. And this may all stem back to my having owned the BADDEST 1/32 scale electric car EVER when I was 9 years old in 1967... a purple/chrome Ford GT40.

Now I'm looking to add another car. Obviously the GT is a tall order for me. Pricey (for me) but doable. It's like a waking dream. Now for the embarrassing part, and I'm seeking input from people who know the cars best.

I've also looked hard at the BMW Z8. I fully realize the massive difference in the cars. And the prices are some ways apart. Also in this car's favor is I feel I may have overdone the 'mid engined' themed exotic. Plus, the look/design of that car (even with the front suspension shortcomings, now fixable) is a true turn on to me.

I know many of you own both of these cars. (That was like a revelation when I read those posts!) So, I'm looking for any guidance or input to nudge me along.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Kayvan]

I would sell the TR, Pantera (if 90s GT5 version) and Viper; and consolidate towards a GT.

The visceral qualities of the Viper will be met by the GT. You will also save thousands in insurance, storage, regs, maintenance over the next 3-5 yrs on 3-4 cars.

Having the classic BB512i and a modern F GT will meet all needs

The GT wont disappoint.

 

[teej]

Having the classic BB512i and a modern F GT will meet all needs

The GT wont disappoint.

+1

If I had a spot to park another car I'd add a 512i, great complement to the GT

 

[skyrex]

You came to the wrong place if you want to be discouraged from buying a GT. :lol

If you want a predominantly hassle free exotic car that is simple to service and maintain, easy to upgrade and personalize, holds its value incredibly well while being the most fun you will ever have driving buy a GT. Good luck with the decision. :cheers

 

[Kingman]

You came to the wrong place if you want to be discouraged from buying a GT. :lol

If you want a predominantly hassle free exotic car that is simple to service and maintain, easy to upgrade and personalize, holds its value incredibly well while being the most fun you will ever have driving buy a GT. Good luck with the decision. :cheers

Nice sales job.

 

[Triheart7]

Nice sales job.

:thumbsup

 

[2112]

Oh,

And my vote is to keep the 512 Boxer, get a Z8 and a GT. :thumbsup

.

 

[GTdrummer]

I just went through this same process. I have had 7 Vipers and various other toys, but have longed for a GT since 05. I still bleed Viper red, but it is hard to explain the visceral effect one gets from the GT--it is in its own category, and damn what a great handling car.

I kind of wandered aimlessly until I found the forum and got a hold of Shelby at Elite--great experience . (hope dealer endorsements don't violate forum rules) Good luck.:cheers

 

[JOEA2]

Oh,

And my vote is to keep the 512 Boxer, get a Z8 and a GT. :thumbsup

.

I like his idea.
Regarding the Z8. I have 50,ooo smiles on mine, the last 10,ooo with the "fix" and there is no sign of a problem. I was at Monterey with 33 other owners and not one had seen the problem.

Tough decision, but a fun one!
Good luck!

 

[FlorIdaho Chris]

I really enjoy my Z8 (no problems since new in 2001), but as you already know it is a very different car than the GT.

Like the GT the Z8 was produced in very limited numbers and is bound for classic/collectible status if it has not already reached this point.

No knock on Vipers (I have only just recently parted with my supercharged '06 First Edition Coupe), but they really are a dime a dozen. If you sell yours and want another it will be no problem securing one.

Given a nice weather day and choosing between rides I found more times than not the Viper stayed in the stable, thus it is now history.

There is no joy like the joy I get driving a GT. That said, for top down motoring there is nothing I would choose other than the Z8.

When I have the "need for speed" and really want to enjoy the act of driving I pick my GT any day. However, for a cruise with the significant other, the Z8 with the top down on a sunny day is hard to beat.

It may be sacrilege on this site, but in my opinion you will not regret either choice. The Z8 or the GT...what a bitch to have two great choices. Unfortunately whichever you decide on you will shortly pine for the other. Satisfaction will only come once you have them both in the garage. :biggrin

 

[AHudson]

Tell you what - I was initially sorry about the potential firestorm of the Z8 disagreement, but now that we've seen a digital handshake of sorts, I must say to both:

"Long live passion".

So, two sides to every story. We're car guys, we get our backs up. Let's move on.

The Viper comments are especially well taken. So are those supportive of the BBi for which I've a very deep soft spot.

I am - in my mind at least - working through the 300 variables attempting a rational explanation on 'why' a man really should have a Z8 and a GT. I'll come up with something. Don't we all?

Without going to far afield, maybe this all just scratches some personaility itch. Such as,"I feel like 'style and romantic ideals of open motoring" thus Z8. Or "I feel like kicking some asphalt", thus GT.

I GREATLY appreciate any and all input this side of insult. So, whatever experience and opinion you have (yes, even sans fact!) I appreciate it. Thanks. This is indeed helpful.

 

[Triheart7]

Tell you what - I was initially sorry about the potential firestorm of the Z8 disagreement, but now that we've seen a digital handshake of sorts, I must say to both:

"Long live passion".

So, two sides to every story. We're car guys, we get our backs up. Let's move on.

The Viper comments are especially well taken. So are those supportive of the BBi for which I've a very deep soft spot.

I am - in my mind at least - working through the 300 variables attempting a rational explanation on 'why' a man really should have a Z8 and a GT. I'll come up with something. Don't we all?

Without going to far afield, maybe this all just scratches some personaility itch. Such as,"I feel like 'style and romantic ideals of open motoring" thus Z8. Or "I feel like kicking some asphalt", thus GT.

I GREATLY appreciate any and all input this side of insult. So, whatever experience and opinion you have (yes, even sans fact!) I appreciate it. Thanks. This is indeed helpful.

Level heads prevail, but cool to see some passion. Thanks Stormcat and Chip.

 

[Neilda]

I haven't owned a Z8, but do know that it's handling has been criticised by some of the more fearless motoring journalists over here in Europe (those who aren't living under the ominous weight of BMW's advertising budgets!). The fact that BMW, in the final year of the Z8's production, had to engineer a brace to stabilise part of the frame, suggests that there were problems.

That aside, it's worth pointing out that the FGT is not only a motoring icon and legend, but it's a car that BMW can only dream of producing. It's in a different league.

If you can sell anything (wife, house, children etc), do so.

When you buy it, be sure to post some pictures here... :biggrin

 

[ChipBeck]

Bury me in it.

If you can sell anything (wife, house, children etc), do so. :biggrin

If I had to, I would sell every other car I own, sell my boat, sell my motorcycles, sell my plane, sell my house. I would not sell my Ford GT. It's that special. It's the one. Where have I heard that before?

Chip

 

[2112]

2112,

Here's a fact to get straight. Nothing kills a Forum faster than flaming. Feel free to post opposing information in a respectful manner. But telling another member to "Get your facts straight" presupposes a level of authority that you don't have. Lots of posts may contain incorrect info, but members do not intentionally post false information with malicious intent. If everybody is comfortable enough to post what they know, or think they know, the proper information will surface.

But when a few members try and shut other posters down with demands like the quote above, things go to hell in a hurry.

The information in your post is fine. Questioning the motive of a fellow member and the last line demand in particular is a violation of DBK's two word admonition to me....."Be nice".

Chip Beck
Moderator

Understood, and as I stated, I apologize.

.

 

[gzl]

AHudson, I as a 7 or 8 year old had a slot car GT 40 and in the gulf colors and somehow or another ended up acquiring - just had to have it - a Ford GT recently. I love it. It's a can't lose car.

 

[PL510*Jeff]

If I had to, I would sell every other car I own, sell my boat, sell my motorcycles, sell my plane, sell my house. I would not sell my Ford GT. It's that special. It's the one. Where have I heard that before?

Chip

Chip - reading my mind, again?:cheers

FYI--- there's a new Race track, primarily for motor scooters, that just opened in Desert Center, Ca. last week. Named Chuckwalla Valley Raceway. And it has an active airstrip with tower.

+- 70 miledseast of Palm Springs or 200 from Scotsdale. High Desert area where Gen. Patton trained soilders for the N. Africa action in WWII.

Track info :: 2.7 miles, 17 turns, 40' width, some elevations changes, and bumble bee (yellow and black) rolled edge curbing. So far it's just the track and airstrip. Country Club facilities to follow, etc, etc. Looks very interesting. And Car events will be allowed.

Additionally there's another group working on an FIA level 1 track and facilty -to the tune of 70m - in Thermal, near the Susan Cochran Airport. Still in the planning stages with Riverside County. They're stated goal is to have a US Grand Prix held there when, and if, it ever gets built.

 

[FlorIdaho Chris]

If I had to, I would sell every other car I own, sell my boat, sell my motorcycles, sell my plane, sell my house. I would not sell my Ford GT. It's that special. It's the one. Where have I heard that before?

Chip

I agree with that.

 

[GTdrummer]

I agree - let's try to be civil and friendly. Differences of opinion can be discussed nicely, without the need to bully or insult one another. Keep it cool, or both could get a "time out."

Good post. I am on a LOT of car forums (because I have an expensive addiction).

During my short time here one of the things I have enjoyed is the lack of flaming , the good cheer and passion. As to the passion--MAN! I might give up all my cars except one historic Viper I own for a GT, but I would stop just short of the wife and kids. (though some days I would trade a kid or 2 for my F-150):wink

 

[sethgt]

Z8/ Ford GT

I have owned a black/crema Z8 for the past 8 years. The only other car that spark my attention since then has been the Ford GT. I just took delivery of a low mileage white/ blue stripe 2005 on 3/31/2010. I love it. I also love the Z8. Although very different from a technical stand point, they are very similar in concept. Both halo cars from big time manufacturers, that echo in flavor, former pinnacle cars of historical significance.
The discussion of the Z8's shock tower problems was proven to be way over blown, and if the poster who is referring to the German clubs original letters, did a bit more digging, he would see that the German club did follow up studies and announced that there was not a big problem. many have not done the reinforced strut bars. Taking off the run flat, or as we call them, run crap, tires takes enough weight burden off the aluminum suspension to solve. It was also shown that any aluminum suspension car, wheter an Accura NSX (I formally owned), new Jaguar XK, Audi A8, R8, hit a curb or huge pot hole at speed, there would be the same resulting problems. The first thing that Lamorgini and Ferrari drivers I know, comment about the GT is the half shaft bolt problem. Unfare knock on the GT, same as mentioned about the Z8.
GT and Z8 both very different, but seem to appeal to the same auto enthusiasts.