G4 info

[P50]

Ok, I've been pondering and pondering. Then a bit more pondering.

Thinking of pulling the trigger on a new G4. If there was a S/H machine around I'd consider it but they are very thin on the ground. As in none for sale even close to what I want.

Whilst investment wise a 60's one would be better news I want a car to use. I have enough old machines that play up so in this instance would prefer a brand new turn key injection machine. I want a coupe or hardtop roadster. LWB with the wider rear body which is pretty much all that are being built.

So to wheels. Miniltes naturally. Dare offer 7" rear and 6" front. However I've noticed some have what seems like 8" at the back. Am I correct? They are significantly wider than a 7. What tyres? I think I'll plump for A048R's. Can I get a 7" wheel on the front to balance it more? The one in the pic looks like it's on 6" on the front still. I like the wide wheeled look even if they do increase unsprung weight etc...

Are the new chassis all round tube? I will get mine galvanised as it seems they can rot at the rear lower sill area after 10 odd years if used in the wet etc. I'm 5"7' so could fit in a SWB but think the LWB is more balanced looking plus I would prefer the room anyway. Engine wise standard will do me as I do not intend to track/race it. I've had plenty of "cammy" race bread motors on the road and in this instance simply want a tractable contraption. I can do without emission problems, heavy fuel consumption, heavy/snappy clutches and a rough idle with peaky torque/power. They're plenty fast out the box.

Any further tips etc more than welcome... my biggest problem is the colour!

Thx

Edited by P50 on Saturday 1st June 06:42

Edited by P50 on Saturday 1st June 06:43

[P50]

geeeman said:

hello!

have you spoken to Dare yet? not sure what the build time would be for a new G4.
All Dare Chassis are square tube, approx car weight around 660 kgs with zetec.(duratec not an option)

Not aware of any that run 8 inch rears. It may be possible with some arch widening, i think Mark Walklett was planning this for his G4R ( unlike 60s round tube G4Rs that had IRS and twincam engine, Dare G4R denotes a car built for racing primarily - race zetec, lsd, uprated suspension etc )

7s on the front, may be possible with different offset?
yokohamas are a good choice on the G4

as for colour, thats a difficult choice if getting a new build! personally i think they look best in metallics.
Dare have also done a couple of G12s (duratec) for the road, at 5'7 you should fit in there too

my old G4

Thanks.

I actually signed on the dotted yesterday and in a few months will have a new out the box G4.

These days spec wise there's little to choose. Just internal/external colour really. As it's going to be a keeper I want my chassis galvanised. Yokos on 7"s rear 6"s front.

I was impressed by the general build etc of the product. This is a very left field purchase for me as there is plenty of machines out there new or not for the money. But I've measured 15 times and cut once. A G4 ticks all boxes for me. A used LWB coupe would have fitted the bill but there are simply none for sale. My research shows that a S/H car seems to be priced at their new cost give or take. As time goes on the price goes up and that's where the discount appears. Much like a steel sports classic Rolex. Most owners do not sell their cars. If they do come up for sale they go abroad...

I will opt for a black interior. See no point in leather as the modern vinyls of such good quality. Plus looking at S1 Elises for example the leather seems to go shiny/baggy and can wear quite badly. I obviously did consider a mint S1 Elise which would have saved me thousands but it is not a 60's racing car on the road. It's a 90's sports car. All be it a superb "game changing" machine. It's just not raw enough for me.

The G12 whilst excellent was £15k more so I a no no. Plus I honestly prefer the G4. I think the fact that I still could and did buy a brand new G4 assembled at the original designers works was a big factor. Imagine being able to go Cooper Car Co or Jaguar's competition dept on a Saturday morn in June '13 and order a brand new track ready Mk1 S or lightweight E Type.

A new G4 fundamentally remains true to a 60's machine in all areas. I have a few classic cars which require constant fettling thus grazed knuckles and did not want a million owner from new thrashed to death 60's G4 on carbs. A turn key new machine fits my remit.

Whilst this is not a consideration for many I do think it's important to support British industry no matter how much it gets slated generally. The Yanks do tend to buy there own cars. So do the French and Germans. Our mainstream car industry went bust as we all know but the UK's still really good at the specialist stuff. My hard earned going into a Brit business has to be a good thing..

I agree metallics do suit the G4. I'll prob go for some kind of blue.

Edited by P50 on Sunday 2nd June 06:57

[P50]

hidetheelephants said:

What's the sticker price for one of these? They're lovely!

27k on the road. Not too bad all told. The prices of classic cars have gone potty and that sort of money actually buys not too much really tasty machinery. An ex LHD non matching number MGA or Healey from the States is that sort of money as a starter if restored OK.

I think a G4 is the classic car/race world's best kept secret...

Don't tell anyone!

[P50]

GTRene said:

Dare/Ginetta G4
Ginetta G40R

I think the G4 would be more "basic" ?

the G40R would be a tiny bit more luxe I guess?
both are about the same price, the G40R is also just under 30K I believe.

the G4 is a timeless beauty, wonder which drive's better/faster around a track with the same power to weight.

I didn't consider a G40R as it's not been around for over 50 years..

I'm sure it's a fine machine in all respects but it's that gorgeous styling and old skool ambience that lured the G4 to me.

[P50]

GTRene said:

I'll agree with that, I never forget that tv broadcast with Vicky

http://youtu.be/nfxZbB0PIZg

Indeed. She sings nothing but very high praise for it. One of the reasons why I done the business..

IMHO if you don't like a G4 there's something seriously wrong with you! May even shake it down on a non m-way run down to the med in autumn. Assuming it's ready.

[P50]

dareG4 said:

I bought one new in 2000 and have so far done more than 45000 miles in it.
There has been no major issues apart from cracked rear upper shock absorber mounts that needed welding and a leaking radiator.
The Weber Alpha injection system has needed attention from time to time.
I just love the car and intend to keep it for several years to come.

I intend to be buried in mine.

So much so I am having the chassis galvanised... After 50 odd years I'd like to think they've pretty much sorted the thing! Might get the rear shock mounts beefed up a bit actually prior to the dip..

I bought a new Morgan 4/4 in 2000 and sold a Morgan 4/4 in 2000. Didn't deliver but they are a lot better now.

The G4 is simply a giant slayer. I shall enjoy owning this car immensly. I want to drive it to Morroco and have it shipped to the States for a tour.

Watch our for 21CUM at some point (a plate I picked up some time back which has been on retention for a while and needs somewhere to go!).



My only quandry is colour. I fancy going a bit off the wall and going for Audi Purple Velvet! Although my pal says I should go for a 60's hue.

Sod it I think purple will work! Long time dead...

[P50]

Lightningman said:

I think you've made a great choice P50, based on what you've said you're looking for and your criteria.

Have they given you timescales?

There's orders for Japanese G12's to be assembled. But they can certainly have a few cars on the go at the same time.

That aside it will take 4-5 months to build one. So it's a case of when they get the chassis out the stores and get it galvanised..

I suspect sooner than later..

[P50]

geeeman said:

seen a dark purplish G12 in build at dare , looks quite nice, but think lighter colours suit the G4

regarding spec, what state of tune will the engine be?
Other options to consider, beefier roll-over bar, lsd, hydraulic clutch with pendant pedals (this may be standard now)

although i love my 60s G4, the Dare is a great compromise in terms of looks and practicality


Oh and would be great to see another G4 in London.. mine gets a bit lonely

Edited by geeeman on Tuesday 4th June 12:42

The jury's out on the colour. May go for Lambo Celeste Phoebe or Porsche Gulf blue. Or a 60's metallic grey. I'm bouncing from one thing to another...

The motor is a non dry sump 2ltr standard zetec with weber alpha injection. Oh and a lightened flywheel.

The chassis allocated for me is a pendant LWB. Although I prefer floor hinged control and have requested it. Bad idea? Why is pendant superior? Is floor hinged cable? I'd always prefer hydraulic tbh. I did see a clutch master on the floor hinged chassis IIRC.

I'm not racing or doing anything in the wet so LSD and a racing rollbar are pretty much superfluous. Per above I want a tractable motor so no need for any further tuning. I'm actually having a radio. Joke...

[P50]

Lightningman said:

GTRene - do you have any more photos of the orange G4?

P50 - have you driven a G4?

Hi,

No not driven one one and don't need to. The shape's obscene and I've not read a bad review in 50 years plus of production.

All I know is that they are simply fantastic. No brake servo, no power steering. Pure driving minimilistic headonism of the highest order.

Some things can be acquired in this way...

I can happily wait as in this case the journey will be as good as the arrival...

[P50]

Lightningman said:

I'm sure the drive will be great, I meant more in terms of fitting in the car. I have heard they are quite small for larger owners; although perhaps the LWB has improved this?

I'm five foot seven on a good day! I'll fit in a SWB no problem. The LWB will seem like a Tardis!

I'm not keen on the Mountney so have just ordered a gorgeous Momo Prototipo.

http://www.momo-uk.co.uk/gallery/tuning/steeringwh...

[P50]

geeeman said:

some nice pictures of my Old G4, now residing in Switzerland

http://www.automobilrevue.ch/galerien/liste/galeri...

Edited by geeeman on Thursday 13th June 23:25

Stunning machine.

Do they all go overseas?

Mine will never be sold whilst I breathe! Zero previous owners on my V5 is a nice thing to view!

[P50]

sketch pad said:

I think they do '
people do not appreciate them in England and under value them ( dandarez )
I had a G4S4 many years ago and I wish I could afford an original G4 or a new DARE G4 but daughter's Uni funds has put pay to that for now.

A G4 is so very rare in the UK. I figured why pay more than the original list on a 15 year old car when I can buy a brand new one? Thus getting a warranty and no dodgy prev track work, shady owners and skulduggery like a rusty rear chassis.

At 27k I see them as value. Compared to say a sterile Boxster at 50k with mandatory options. I know the Porsche is a fine daily driver and more sophisticated etc but it's a washing machine that has its final future as a banger being ethically dismantled when it is of no more use.

The G4 has MAGIC. Modern cars lack soul. Much like current times.. :0(

[P50]

OK.

For various reasons I came to the decision not to purchase a new G4 at this juncture.

On that basis does anyone know of a 90's onwards car for sale?

PM please if you may know of one in the UK.

Thanks

[P50]

Carnage said:

Have you thought about John MCCandless's car on race car direct? Arnie at Crossle cars did a lot of work to it and says its very well sorted.

I appreciate its in Ulster and has a feisty engine, but I imagine you'd get a few K back from selling the engine if you wanted a softer one.

It's a bit of a raw racing machine.

I want a more streetable vehicle. Carpets and no bare fibreglass!

[P50]

mikeg15 said:

A G4 !! That is funny !!

One's a balls out track car. One isn't. I don't want to drive to the Cote D'Azur in the former.

Do I need a full cage on the road?

See pics.

[P50]

dandarez said:

Of course, if you can't find your G4 P50, you could go for a G15 and save a lot of £££s.
See the blue one on PHs.

Thanks for the tip but it's the G4 that's stole my heart.

I love that sensuous 60's shape! I just hope I don't buy something else in the meantime..

[P50]

dandarez said:

I agree

It was priced at £30,995
...BUT it now says POA (price on application).

Yet scroll down to the bottom, and bingo, the price is still there!


I recall last looking at the car when Phil had it on their stand at Stoneleigh.

This year I noted it had been on sale on their Northampton Motorsport website at...

£27k ONO.

I don't miss much!

Do you reckon it's tractable enough for the road Shadi?
240 bhp at 7,700 rpm!

Edited by dandarez on Tuesday 10th December 20:49

So in your most humble opinion what is this G4 actually worth?

The only other G4 to gauge it with is the Irish car I suppose.

That's £22k ono and the Yellow's £31k ono

Both are not selling. I want a G4 but weren't these £18k new back then?!!

[P50]

dandarez said:

What is it worth? how long is a piece of string?

One's an out and out race car, the other is road as well.

I have only seen Phil's car in the flesh... yellow one, it is a superb car.
If it were the price I think you would like to pay, you'd have competition from me in buying it!

I think it probably is worth £30k if you compare it to some other marques up in that price bracket.
But a G4 doesn't have the same number of public in the queue to buy. Hence you can wait a while to sell.

Say you decide to part with £30+k and, say you reach a point where you need to sell (money needs, life change etc)... would you get anywhere near that figure back?
2, 3, even a 5k loss I could bear.
Not 10k!

Just my thoughts, nothing else.
I'd love that car on my drive!

You speak wise words Yoda.

At the end of the day there will come a point when one may decide to sell.

A thorough financial kicking is not something I could handle.

I suppose I value it at very low 20's

You can ask what you like for anything. The proof is in what bids you get.