Fantasy Junction

Description

1964 (per logbook) Ginetta Racecar (exact date of manufacture unknown)

Please note: This Ginetta racecar has been active in historic racing with CSRG and other groups as a "1964" for over 30 years. However, elements of it build- mainly the square tube construction of the chassis- suggest that its construction origins most likely date back to the mid-1980s, and that it was simply sold as a "1964", and assigned the identification "G464IRS" by New England Classics when purchased by the present owner.

Chassis No. – G464IRS (per logbook)
Exterior Color – Dark Red
Interior Color – Black
Engine – 1.6 liter Kent Pre-crossflow 4 cylinder
Transmission – 4 speed dogbox
Current Miles – Racecar miles unknown
Current Owner – Purchased 1988 (first race with this owner 1988)
Miles driven under current ownership – Race use only

General History

Founded in 1958 by four brothers, Ginetta established their business in Woodbridge, Suffolk, building competition parts and eventually cars. The company gradually outgrew their location by 1962 expanding to Witham, Essex where the G1-G4 were produced in larger volume. The G2 and G3 models were largely for competition use but the G4 series became more of a crossover vehicle usable on the road, but still capable as a racecar. The G4R was specifically constructed for race duty. Though specific production numbers are not available, it is estimated that fewer than 500 examples of various iterations were made until 1969, all of which used a variety of Ford engines. Remarkably, Ginetta continues to operate today producing a wide range of competition cars including some very sophisticated Cup and Supercup cars beginning in 2011 as well as state-of-the-art homologated prototype cars.

General Overview

This square-tube chassis Ginetta is believed to have been constructed for competition use and subsequently modified to include updates to the suspension and engine, typical of ongoing developments for competition cars of this era. The logbooks dating back to 1988 indicate track time at a range of events including dozens of races by the current owner who purchased the car from a Connecticut dealer shortly after it was imported from England.

The car is currently powered by a 1.6 liter Kent pre-crossflow engine found in later series Ginetta G4 S4 cars. The all-steel engine was built by Tom Crowther, delivering 162hp @ 7,800 rpm (dyno sheets and engine build specs from Superflow Corporation are included with the car). The 4-speed dogbox gearbox is outfitted with a very tall 1st gear and the rear end appears to be a modified Jaguar XKE unit with a 409 limited slip and inboard disc brakes. Though the rear hubs and drive shafts are the same as the XKE, the standard and heavier XKE carrier unit has been replaced with a lighter construction arrangement specially built to lighten the suspension. The uniquely constructed independent rear suspension coupled with the square tube frame design most likely indicates this car has benefited from ongoing updates all of which have contributed to it being a competitive vintage racecar worthy of the Ginetta name.

Although the last race recorded in the logbook was October 2015, service records from McGee Motorsports dating to 2018 include replacing the head gasket, new copper gaskets, and testing operation. In 2016 McGee removed the transmission and installed an owner supplied transmission, Tilton clutch, performed a brake service and installed a new slip yolk and u-joint. In 2014/15 new spark plugs, new input shaft, bearings, drive discs for 1st and 2nd as well as 3rd and 4th gears, needle bearings, and a 25 tooth layshaft input gear were installed. In 2013, the engine was built and installed along with a new fuel cell, new brake pads fitted, and a new fuel regulator installed. Invoices cover the period from 2012-2018 including specs and dyno sheets for the engine currently in the car.

General Condition

Today this Ginetta has all the qualities of a durable participant hosting years of vintage event competition. The car has been enjoyably used over the past 30 years with all the proud signs of impressive race duty. The current mechanical condition is reflective of upgrades typically found in competition cars, but the overall design is all vintage Ginetta – beautifully sculpted and uniquely built. The body is sound, and paintwork overall is glossy, with a few small blemishes, minor paint cracks, road chips, and other typical road marks found on vintage racecars. The wheels and Hoosier racing tires are appropriately sized for this low, wide car, with the wheel centers finished in gold surrounded by polished aluminum rims. The fixed headlights, rear lighting, and plexiglass windscreen create a handsome sports racer profile. The rollbar is finished in dark grey and is covered with multiple entry stickers echoing the many vintage racing events signed off in the logbooks. White meatballs adorned with number 54 contrast the deep red color, an attractive color seldom seen on racecars.

The cockpit is spartan but clean with proper access to the shifter and foot pedals. A form fitting bucket seat for the driver is laced with a competition five-point seat belt. A fire suppression system is also professionally installed. The black finish dashboard hosts four instruments, a few switches, and a Ginetta branded leather wrapped steering wheel. Clearly the goal of lightweight construction and trackside access is paramount in the design and layout, making for easy driver ingress and egress.

Under the forward tilting hood, the 1.6 liter engine sits quite low inside the body, defining the dramatic hood line and distinct triple hood bulges which appear to be primarily cosmetic due to the placement of the side draft carburetors. The compact engine is topped by a finned alloy cam cover while the intake manifold is fed by twin 40DCOE34 Weber dual throat carburetors and filtered via quad air horns above the exhaust header tubes. The exhaust collects to a single side exit pipe opposite the driver. The radiator, lines, hoses, and fittings are all very well prepared using braided stainless lines and anodized fittings. The small, hinged trunk opens to reveal a compact fuel tank also outfitted with braided stainless lines and anodized fittings. The underside reveals the square tube frame construction, uniquely developed IRS based on the XKE, disc brakes, and properly maintained mechanical components.

This is a great opportunity for a vintage racer to acquire a highly capable racecar with years of proven competition history, professional preparation, and fantastic looks. This Ginetta is ready to run at the head of the pack in any vintage racing event, striking a unique presence to even the most knowledgeable vintage motorsports enthusiasts.

PLEASE NOTE: although this car has been previously prepared for competition use, we recommend that a qualified race shop review the car to determine all systems are appropriately prepared before it is used in a competition setting.

Items Included with the Car

Four spare wheels of similar design to the type mounted on the car
Racing logbooks
A spare exhaust section with muffler

Please note: This Ginetta racecar has been active in historic racing with CSRG and other groups as a "1964" for over 30 years. However, elements of it build- mainly the square tube construction of the chassis- suggest that its construction origins most likely date back to the mid-1980s, and that it was simply sold as a "1964", and assigned the identification "G464IRS" by New England Classics when purchased by the present owner.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

Inquire About This Car

Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608