Get your facts straight. At last year's IN SAAC Spring Fling the guest
speaker was the current owner of the GT40 rights and sole producer
of replacement panels, etc for those still campaigning the GT40.
He bought the rights from Ford after Ford gave up on racing GT40's.
A fair deal for a reasonable price.
He offered to lease back the use of the name to Ford for exactly what
Ford wants from other vendors when they use the Ford name and Logo.
Usually this is a 3% to 5% commission. Ford objected to being treated
in the same manner as they treat others. They offered him $10K plus
5 free VIP tickets to the next two Detroit Auto Shows. This was not \
even his original purchase price.
His response was 'that is ridiculous'. They countered with $20K and
the free VIP tickets.
At the Ford GT unveiling at the NY Auto Show, he noticed that the
large banner on the stage said 2005 GT40. A quick call from his lawyer
got the sign removed. Lots of whiteout on early photos/
His offer still stands. Treat me like Ford treats its vendors.
That's hardly ripping Ford off. Its the Ford brass thinking they can do
whatever they want to the little guy.
Interestingly not one piece of the new GT will fit the old GT40.
If you need replacement parts for your original GT40, don't go
to Ford. They could care less. You have to go the man
who owns the name and carries on the car/
Dave Johnson
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