gd 427 specification

7/29/2019 GD 427 Specification

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Unit 26 Roseland Business Park, Long Bennington, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG23 5FF

Phone: 01949 843299 Web www.gdcars.com Email: [email protected]

Sports Cars Ltd.

Introducing the GD 427

Book your test ride at GDand feel the difference.

Quality ~ Performance ~ Passion

The Modern Alternative


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Sports Cars Ltd.

The GD427 stands out from the sea of Cobra Replicas.

Externally the body is millimetre accurate, but a replica it is not!

Its sleek understated look is sublime and commands attention wherever it is seen.

However, this car has more to offer than nostalgia. Beneath those graceful lines the GD hides a host of modernfeatures more typical for a modern super car than a traditional roadster. The point is not to copy but to improve!

Back in 1988, when Andrew Burrows embarked on developing the GD427, he opted for a fresh approach to the

chassis and body design in a quest to update the legendary car to something one drove, ...rather than wrestled!

From concept to design this alternative approach gifted the GD427 with a truly inspiring driving experience, the

distinction all made clear in 1994 when Kit Car magazine conducted a group test of all the UKs Cobra replicas and

voted the GD and the best drivers car. Today the verdict is just the same with Complete Kitcar magazine giving their

final verdict - GD427 10/10 best Cobra replica available.

The ConstructionTypically, replicas are based on basic construction

methods comprising of a ladder type chassis frame that is

often crude and heavily engineered with a GRP body bolted

or bonded on top, uninspiring but easy to produce.

The GD is unique, combining the strength and safety of asolid semi-monocoque body, mounted in isolation to a stiff

triangulated backbone chassis. The GD chassis handles hugepower without a flinch, yet is both smooth and predictable to

drive, remaining totally communicative to deliver truly

staggering road holding while the body tub remains

unstressed, providing a safe environment for occupants.

A championship winning GD being chased by another!

The GD has proved on the track it is hard to match and though very few owners ever buy to, or indeed wish to,exploit the GDs full potential, without doubt the fact that the GD427 has been developed and tested to the limit

reassures any GD owner the integrity of their investment. Ask any GD owner, or indeed the specialist press that drive

these cars and you will understand better why the GD427 is just a little more special.

The Ultimate Classic Sports Car


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Sports Cars Ltd.

A pedigree underneath, the GD427 can look every bit the classic replica on top.

Best of both worlds

The GD 427 is an uncompromisingly advanced sports car, designed and built

since 1990 and compliant with UK IVA approvals, GDs uniquely high

production values deliver truly modern performance in an enduring classic style.


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Sports Cars Ltd.

First designed by Andrew Burrows back in 1986, the GD427 backbone space-frame chassis offers gripping performance.

Developed for road or track use, the backbone design safely encloses the power train and accurately locates the suspensionfor improved power delivery and taut predictable handling. Driver feedback is with positive and precise control and because

of the stiff chassis frame, suspension can remain supple and therefore ride quality high.

For drivers who want the very best in handling, the GD is the No1 choice

The chassis is suitable for most typical V8s including Rover V8, small block Ford and Chevrolet. Some big block engines

will fit but these are less suitable where fine car balance is preferred. The GDJAG chassis is designed to accept the robustand widely available Jaguar XJ6/XJS axles produced up to 1990.

The GDJAG Chassis Kit ACH01 comprises of the following items:

Space-frame backbone chassis bracketed for axles and chosen power unit

Steering arms (2)Differential lower mounts (2)

Front wishbone shock absorber mounts (2)

Radiator mounting frame

Transmission tunnel cover

Body isolation mountings pre-fitted

High tensile itemised bolt pack

Options are:Roll over bar mounting provisions

Powder coating with zinc rich base coat

To get the chassis rolling you will require the following:

Six new hydraulic Dampers

Six specially rated road springs

GD Purpose made steering rack & track rod ends

Plus the following Jaguar XJ6 series 2 or 3 Front & Rear donor axles:

The complete front hub assemblies with vented discs and brake calipers The front bottom wishbone including fulcrum pins and thrust washers

The front top wishbones including pivot bar, bushes and camber shims

Bolts from the front spring pan and damper brackets Differential complete with inboard disc brakes, calipers and handbrake mechanism Rear lower wishbones with fulcrum pins, roller bearings, thrust washers etc.

Drive shafts and camber shims Complete rear hub assemblies

Countersunk differential bolts (4) Old Jaguar wheels for temporary use - not essential

In sourcing parts you could also obtain a JaguarXJS fly-off handbrake lever and the Jaguar V5.

You will not need the following donor parts:

the power unit the pressed steel sub-frames

the rear wishbone radius arms

the front and rear spring/damper units the steering arms and steering rack

A GD427 based on this chassis will allow the car to be registered on an age related DVLA plate.

Chassis Type: GDJAG

Gripping Performance


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Sports Cars Ltd.

Introduced in 1994, the GDEURO was so called because it is serviceable throughout Europe being based on Ford

Scorpio wheel bearings and brakes. However, this is not to be confused with kit cars based on Ford donor suspen-

sion, the GDEURO is very different as it uses purpose designed suspension components.

For drivers who want the best of the best,

the GDEURO chassis is the ONLY choice

The GDEURO chassis features purpose designed lightweight double wishbone suspension and heat treated cast

alloy uprights, these are fitted with new five stud wheel hubs, stub axles and wheel bearings.

The chassis as standard includes a new BTR Hydrotrack speed sensitive limited slip differential 3.23:1 ratio.Power is delivered through purpose made GKN drive shafts and CV joints.

The suspension provides full adjustment for camber, caster and toe-in changes and the steering assembly allows

final adjustment to dial-in zero bump steer. All geometry is pre done by the factory.

Adjustable alloy coil shock absorbers provide fine adjustment for damping resistance and ride height changes.The engine and gearbox locations are suitable for road and competition type isolation mounts, so to be compliant

but tough for the power available.All suspension components are assembled with high tensile fixings. All hydraulic lines are none corrosive.

The chassis accepts 16, 17 and 18 three piece alloy wheels that befits the GD model type chosen.

The chassis is 2 stage powder coated with zinc based primer adding a further 15 year protection.

GDEURO Chassis Assembly comprises ofALL NEWparts:

GDEURO chassis powder coated in your chosen colour Engine & gearbox mountings to suit power unit

Roll-over bar mountings

BTR Hydrotrack LS Differential

Steering rack and mountings Track rod ends

4 x Adjustable shock absorbers

4 x specially rated road springs

Purpose designed CDS wishbone set Rod end bearing set

Wishbone inner bush set

Ball Joint set

Alloy uprights

Front & rear bearings & oil seals Front and rear Hubs

Front and rear Stub axles

GKN Drive shafts C.V. joints

Ford Ventilated Brakes

Euro suspension assembly bolts

2 piece Handbrake cable assembly Flexible & rigid brakes lines

Rubber body mountings

GDEURO CHASSIS is listed as ACH02 on the price list

Options: Upgrade to AP Racing brakes.

Front Anti roll bar

A GD427 based on this chassis will allow the car to be registered on a brand new DVLA plate.

Chassis Type: GDEURO

Advanced Chassis Engineering


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Sports Cars Ltd.

The GD 427 body is a one-piece rigid semi-monocoque tub design with double skin panels.

The composite construction is made with specific woven glass fibre materials and bound by high temperature resinsfor minimal distortion. Areas of high load bearing are stiffened with a sandwich type construction similar to as used

in aerospace and boat building. The floors in particular are a 18mm thick rigid sandwich construction of greatstrength.

The tub is made rigid by front and rear bulkheads, engine bay, foot-wells, transmission tunnel, boot floor and wheel

arches all made integral within the inner mouldings and bonded directly into the outer shell before being released

from the moulds.

Side impact protect is important, period. It is no good thinking a low line chassis rail at the sill level will protect you

from a colliding car, since modern day bumpers height are well above the sill height of such low cars. The GD bodytub includes a double skinned cockpit side that covers the entire scuttle side and sill area along and under the door.

The outer skin of the body is made up with high tensile multi-

axial stitched glass cloth forming a protective net. The cavity

is then injected with an expanding polyurethane foam which

provides immense rigidity but also decelerates any side impact.

The doors offer similar protection by housing sliding anti-intrusion beams between the hinges and two-stage burst-proof

latches.

All GD body mouldings are produced in-house to the higheststandard. The resins we use are high temperature/low distortion

and combine with the best available glass fibre based materials.

Panel fit is always consistent and accurate, meaning assembly iseasy and replacement panels will fit, no matter how old the car.

Our ripple free quality mouldings means more often customersopt for one of our exterior gel coat finishes that now include the further option of body stripes. Of course, painting is

an option on any GD but not a necessity, you may choose paint because your choice is for modern metallic colour, butnot because you need to rework poor fitting or distorted panels with body filler!

At Gardner Douglas we expect you to want a quality product,

exactly what we pride ourselves in supplying.

When assembled, the braking system, battery and heater are all housed in secure compartments behind the frontwheels, thereby eliminating long cable runs and increasing the space in the engine and cockpit areas.

The brake and clutch hydraulic circuits exit into the engine bay and may finish at aircraft type quick releasecouplings. Simple socket connections are also used for the wiring loom.

The GD body design permits an extra useful feature that no similar car offers:-

The complete body with all controls, panels, trim, screen, dash, etc., undisturbed, can be removed from the chassis in

justan hour or two!

This feature makes the GD427 unique, in that it allows easy access to any major components, a factor that provesbeneficial for any major servicing meaning the car can be maintained to the highest order and ultimately protect the

resale value.

GD427 Body shellMk3 and Mk4 body stylesThe art of GRP engineering


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Sports Cars Ltd.

With Comfort and Safety

Such is the stiffness of the GD427 body; it rewards a further unique design benefit.

The body is totally rubber mounted and isolated from the

chassis with fourteen special fixings.These mountings support the body off the chassis thereby

allowing a small degree of movement between the two.This damping effect absorbs any harshness from the road

providing far greater ride comfort for the occupants.

In addition, by isolating high frequency vibration, the body

shell will not fatigue or fracture.

The body nose combines with the chassis forward leaning

radiator and support frame to act as a crumple zone in the

event of a high-speed head-on collision.

Of equal importance to note is the GD roll over bars are

functional and just for show as with most replicas The GDroll over bars are positioned centrally to the seat and fix through to the chassis frame.

The fuel tank is an upright design mounted behind the

differential but within the body to prevent corrosion. The tank shape reduces weight transfer while positionedwithin the rear wheels means it is well protected from side or rear impact.

The GD offers the largest boot in its class

with ample space for touring luggage, golf clubs, and of course a fold-away hood!

Improved Safety


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Sports Cars Ltd.

427cu.in 7.0Ltr. aggression bore the inspiration for development of our GD427 Mk4 body option.

Thousands of man-hours were spent honing the shape to turn this classic icon into a modern moulded

masterpiece.

Manufactured in the same proven semi-monocoque design as our sleeker Mk3 and available in the same

high gloss gel coat finish with superior panel fit. The GD above is moulded black gel coat

The GD Mk4 is exacting in original exterior shape and offers the best of classic style with modernunderpinnings. Subtle though the differences are to the Mk3, the Mk4 has a slightly beefier look with a

wider stance and bigger wheel arches to clothe the huge rubber. From the driving position one would

notice the exceptional cabin space and low seat position, as such, the Mk4 is the best choice for taller

drivers, but of course all GD bodies have the option for adjustable pedal position.

The GD427 Mk4 employs the same 20 plus years of continuous production techniques. All GD bodies

are moulded in house to the highest standard with high temperature resins and premium quality stitched

glass fibre reinforcements. Panel fit is always consistent and accurate for a professional fit.

Our policy with all GD product is to invest in thorough development before sale,

hence GD ownership exceeds expectations.

Driving a GD is a real joy, making an investment you will be proud of for years to come.

The Ultimate 427 gets 21st Century Engineering

GD427 Mk4 body style


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Sports Cars Ltd.

Gardner Douglas prides itself on choosing the right engine. For

years GDs have typically been fitted with iron block carburettor

Ford and Chevrolet small blockV8 engines. With the introduc-

tion of the latest GM range of V8s, GDs standard factory fit-

ment since 2003 is the best small block V8 of modern time, the

piece of mind that comes from an engine that delivers and re-

mains reliable is enjoyed by owner and manufacturer alike.

7.0Ltr. dry sump GM LS7 pictured right

Performance Unquestioned

GM Gen IV LS Production Engines

LS2 At a Glance:

90-degree pushrod V8, OHV, Aluminium Heads, Hydraulic Lifters

Bore and stroke 4.00 x 3.62 in.

Displacement 364 cu. in. (5.967 litres)

Compression 10.9:1

Induction System Sequential fuel injection

Gross Horsepower (SAE net) 400 @ 6000 rpm

Gross Torque (SAE net) 400 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm

Block All-new 319-T5 Aluminium

Recommended fuel Premium Unleaded

Valves per cylinder Two, 2.00" Intake 1.55" Exhaust

Redline 6,500 rpm

From its inception 50 years ago, GM's

small block V-8 has been a mainstayand favourite of the performance

world. The GM LS engines re-writethe history books for performance and

technology. The LS2 and the latest LS3GM engines in standard tune produce

outstanding levels of smooth low down

power with high fuel economy.


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Sports Cars Ltd.

A GD first again, this purpose designed complimentary hardtop that allows owners to use their cars all year roundin comfort and added security.

The design is the most sophisticated hard-top you are ever likely to see fitted to this style of sports car, a feature

that has been available to GD owners since 1996.

The top provides a watertight seal on thewindscreen, doors and body and features

gull wing half doors for easy access in andout of the car.

The gull wing doors also feature

sliding half windows within chrome sur-rounds to compliment the windscreen.

Of particular importance is the full surround

door seal and gutter.

The tope also features internal stainless steel

hinges, gas ram gull door supports, purpose

made laminated heated rear screen with

demist venting, and an optional moulded

head lining in complimentary trim withprovisions for a roof mounted hi-fi.

The hardtop is sold first as a factory fitted item, after which it can easily be removed and refitted, most impor-

tantly, without defacing the classic lines of the GD427 body.

You will appreciate the Gardner Douglas hardtop is not a simple floppy G.R.P. afterthought that you are left to

finish and fit as best you can. The hardtop has been designed in-house and specifically for the GD427.

For some, its practical features make the GD427 the only suitable choice.

For others, the added prestige and value the hard top gives makes their car all the more special. The top is offered

in the same range of standard gel coat colours and painted finishes.

Choosing a Gardner Douglas means you no longer suffer the winter cold

or have to reserve your car for the summer months only.

Instead, you are able to use your car to the full; day or night, rain or shine, all year round,

and still feel that same exhilaration and liberation you feel

every time you press the start button.

With a hardtop, the GD427 becomes a truly practical sports car.

Forthcoming developmentSoon to undergo development will be the introduction of a LeMans style Hardtop with gull wing doors

for direct fitment to the GDMk4, and will be available as a retro fit to any GDMk4.

Gardner Douglas Hard TopMk 3 body

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gd 427 specification

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