I was coming home and this thing was parked at the entrance by the dock. I was bringing my wife home from work and I usually don't stop because she's tired but I said sorry and put the car in park. She wasn't disappointed either.
This man Turbo - who has stories for days if you have time - is quite a character. Never been to school, like me. Restored a GT40, UNLIKE me.
My friend said he was stupid for daily driving a three million dollar car (this isn't a Ford GT if you haven't realized yet). I told him he was stupid for saying that. Although it should probably be in a museum, I'm glad it's on the road.
Next time I'll get a start-up and rev video, if I can.
After explaining what the name of the car was (Vehicular Viagra) and how it got it, he surprised me by opening the door and telling me to hop in. I dropped in because when I went to sit, my butt fell like two feet onto the seat that is 2 inches above the actual ground. You're sitting about 4 inches off the ground, making it very hard to even see over the steering wheel. Time stops as I try to orient myself. There's three pedals all the way on the right... I don't know HOW you drive this thing without your full attention. As for a speedometer or anything like that, forget it. There IS however a bunch of gauges for things like oil and fuel pressure.
This car is actually a 1969 so I guess that's where he got the number... Right...
What I'm trying to say is this. And Turbo said the same thing. Enjoy what you have but keep making it better. That is the secret to life. He started working on cars just like most of us. Messing around at his dad's house. Now he's living the dream, truly. It inspired me. I think there was about 300 Ford GT40s built so Lord knows how he got parts.
Check out that carburator...
All I know is that this is the rarest and most beautiful car I have seen to date. My wife remarked how much it looks like a muscle car. However, ever since finding a place to live a few weeks ago, I've also ran into a Skyline at the gas station and a set of a Formula One car with a SIN car. What is a SIN? It's a Bulgarian GT car that uses an LS motor from the Corvette.
I'm enjoying life much more nowadays because in the past I might appreciate the car but I would not have stopped to look closely. I made friends with Jon, the owner of this car and also the Team Owner of Racer's Edge, a Grand Touring team running this car. I wouldn't get these great experiences simply driving past. After all, when you're old, it's not gonna be your problems that you remember but the interesting things. Those things that are a passion to you. Make them a part of your life. Hell, build your life around it as I am trying right now.
The SIN car was amazing, quality top notch. I imagine it's a great bang for your buck if you're looking for a pure race car considering the fact that it runs an LS motor (I didn't ask if it was an LS1 but I assumed it was). Makes just as much power as its competitors.
The amount of carbon fiber inside was mind-blowing. Everywhere I looked, there it was. This car is a complete 180 from the Ford GT40. The GT40 is raw, powerful. It commands all of your attention. The SIN is elegant and powerful. It's modern and a lot less intimidating to drive. The clutch is where it's supposed to be and you have good visibility. Still wouldn't take it over the GT40, however, but being modern, I guarantee you it's faster - at least on a track.
In place of the passenger seat was a box with switches for oil, fuel, and anything you can imagine. The steering wheel was covered in buttons and the car uses paddle shifters. Overall, a beautiful and fast supercar. I think this company produces road legal cars aswell, with two seats.
The car regularly competes and seems to have just gotten their social media accounts running. Their Instagram page is @racers_edge_motorsports. Give them a follow if you like.
The last vehicle I want to mention right now is also up there in terms of legend. The Nissan Skyline. If I'm not mistaken, this was an R32. Again I was on my way home when I had to pull over for gas and ran into this sight (thankfully not literally with my car).
The R32 had just blown a head gasket. Surprisingly though, I think I was sadder for that than the owner was. It was evident that that wasn't his first or last time. He just looked bored waiting for a flatbed.
If you're wondering, yes it is right-hand drive and is tuned to the teeth. I'm not sure if that's real gold wrap but I wouldn't doubt it.
He said he liked my LS400. Thanks buddy... JDM for life?
I don't know these motors but I suppose the intake is on the right leading to the turbo on the left? Please correct me. The car was boosting 10 PSI at the time it blew the head gasket. I forgot what the man said but I could've sworn something about probably not topping off a fluid... Damn.
So what's the one thing all of these cars have in common? Of course they're all fast as hell but they're also unique. And all of the cars have had a load of effort put in. You are probably seeing more R32s now because they're old enough to import now. This ain't a budget car though, that's for sure. Maybe you can buy just the engine and play with it.
What is my point? Go out and meet people instead of being bored at home. Continue bettering yourself, your situation, and your car. Last but definitely not least, enjoy life because that is the common thread between these three owners.
Everybody starts at the bottom. Just like my LS400 is the car of my life right now, you may have one too and I encourage you to make it the best vehicle it can be. Listen - my car is probably only worth $2,000 but it's priceless to me and still puts a sh**-eating grin on my face whenever I hit the gas. The reason for this is because I literally brought it back to life and really made it my own.
If you have been thinking of getting a project car, I encourage you to do it and take the time to do all the work yourself. It will pay off big time.
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