0-60 in 2.4 Seconds, for the price of an M3? The Gardner Douglas T70 is a Retro-Inspired Rocket!

[@JayEmmOnCars]

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[@ripvanwinkle2002]

its not a super car slayer at all its fast and pretty and cheap that makes it a sports coupe' at best it has no interior to speak of no amenities no roof no air con no heat. no stereo no wifi.. ETC a super car manages to be fast and sexy but still be civilized inside.. its not like im asking for a cupholder.. ( LOOKING AT YOU LEXUS LFA )

[@JayEmmOnCars]

@@ripvanwinkle2002 supercar slayer by definition means not a supercar

[@ripvanwinkle2002]

@@JayEmmOnCars if you are not better...you are not a slayer. by definition. the loser isnt pronounced the "slayer" in any battle ive ever heard of.. but you do you..

[@longtailgt]

Wheelspin and getting sideways every time you mash the throttle is simultaneously terrifying and exciting!

[@stevebutler1488]

Awesome video Jay. Nice to see you give time to small innovative engineering companies who's products are up their with the best. GD have been doing this for a long time and have really refined their cars and really set a high bar.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Always happy to support independent business

[@marvinheemeyer6660]

@JayEmmOnCars I was very interested in this car until you said an "LS". As yank from across the pond and LS over here is a "knuckle draggers" option. It's a cheap unimaginative option that is over dine and over hyped. Kind of like if we would go to Britain and always ask you if you would like to go eat "fish and chips". Eventually you'll have to say, "enough already alright".

[@jsquared1013]

@@marvinheemeyer6660 the "problem" is that it's so effective. I also don't quite like the "throw an LS in it" for everything, but it is light for its displacement and power, compact, and has an enormous aftermarket. I'd prefer something that is a bit more rev-happy like a Ford Coyote V8 or a number of V-6 and straight-6s out there, but for price/performance/weight it's hard to beat an LS.

[@marvinheemeyer6660]

@@jsquared1013 To me the LS is like another musician or celebrity owned restaurant in a tourist city. A vane attempt at something that suppose to be unique & good but ends up just being another cookie cutter disappointment that's nothing special at all.

[@kevinburke6743]

@@marvinheemeyer6660 the engine is bullet proof & cheap & easy to live with. My worry is the bolt together space frame chassis! 30 years ago TVR had a no holes chassis! It was all welded. All pipes wires etc were Zip Tie attached! Bomb Proof. The Achilles heel was the out riggers under outside of the body under floor front to rear wheels. If only they'd been Galvanised!

[@Kyuzeth]

The plethora of standout small manufacturers will always be my favorite part of the UKDM car scene. Thank you for highlighting Gardner Douglas! It's been enlightening to have watched this video and the last.

[@amgguy4319]

It's fantastic. It's absolutely perfectly proportioned. There is nothing that is a direct competitor. I even luv the green...

[@gimmeaminett2859]

My dad has one of these and we took it on a road trip to Le Mans. Cannot recommend this car anymore highly, it’s brilliant

[@martinlaurie1971]

Can’t see a bad angle on it anywhere, not sure what you’re looking at. Stunning looking car!

[@EuropaSman]

The Ford GT40 was an evolution of the Lola Mk6 GT and not the T70. The T70 was the succesor to the Mk6 GT and was developed at around the same time as the GT40 I believe. Having said that, though, the coupe version, the T70 Mk3, is one of my favourites along with the GT40 Mk1 and Porsche 917K.

[@johncahill3644]

No doubt, I’ve always thought it interesting that Ford GT40 puff pieces either ignore the Mk 6 altogether or neglect to mention that Eric Broadley sold Ford old tech that wouldn’t stand up beyond a couple years. Ford likes to pretend they dropped out having beaten Ferrari...but actually they had no shot against the Ferrari 512, Lola T70 and most importantly the Porsche 917!!

[@comeberza]

What an spectacular piece of kit, the UK car culture remains unmatched. I would feel so special in one of these

[@chriskappert1365]

There is a fenomenal video of one of these flying around the Nordschleife , touching 300 km an hour regularily , just bonckers with a mental sound ! ❤❤❤

[@augustortiz]

This is so much cooler than any supercar at the moment. And its amazing how the welds and chassis are better made than literally all Ferraris. I saw the welds on a production line 812 and they were abhorrently bad..

[@johncrow5552]

The welds don't look that great and the single sheer upright shows a lack of engineering knowledge.

[@abe3567]

THAT IS STUNNING ! I Think its the colour thats not doing it justice, what a machine.

[@cowanscott9047]

Glad you've done this series!! Off the back of your previous video on the Mk4 427, I've already enquired and spoken to GD about potentially getting one. I did mentioned your previous video to them. They are epic cars! A wonderful and inspired alternative to the usual crop of performance cars.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

That's amazing! They'll be thrilled I am sure

[@cowanscott9047]

@@JayEmmOnCars You're more than welcome! I enjoy your channel a lot and this (and your previous video) was the best review by far on Gardner Douglas cars! GD were extremely quick to respond to my enquiry this morning and I now have all the info I'll need on their product offering. That's a healthy sign! I've always loved the Cobra and had a passenger experience in a Dax Cobra almost 20 years ago.. I just need to offload a Caterham and an Elise Sport 220 next year.. but one of their cars would fit like a glove in my eclectic collection

[@Spenny909]

​@cowanscott9047 Roughly how much would you sell those two at? I have too many cars at the moment, but would like to know for a friend. And you sound like a guy who looks after his cars. Enjoy the GD!

[@Spenny909]

@cowanscott9047 Maybe one of your comments were removed? Consider if advertising the cars on auctions would return more than handing over to dealers. See what you could obtain for the Caterham soon, and hold on to the Elise.

[@InfiniteImprobabilityRacing]

I love the idea of building one of these - especially the Moda. To me this is probably the most appealing home-build sports car on the market. Thank you for doing this review, James.

[@malcolmlane-ley2044]

It's very pleasing to see a review of this car as I've always felt GD hide their light under a bushel.

[@mikeroz6549]

Saw the owner of GD with one of their Cobras at Castle Combe back in the early 2000s. It was way quicker than anything else on track. Brilliant video James. I loved the analogy of cross between gunpowder and cocaine. I have a 944 with 470hp on 255 section tyres and sort of know the feeling.😂

[@giovannibez9509]

What an amazing car, it looks like a mini Ferrari 512 S. Considering the type of car and also what it delivers the price seems perfectly okay.

[@naverd01]

Hmm, I'd say it looks more like a Lola T70 Spyder!

[@caribman10]

Doesn't look anything like a 512S....

[@GBURGE55]

@@naverd01 definitely a MK1 or 2 T70 Spyder. One of the best looking sport's prototypes ever built. IMHO.

[@travisswanson3449]

The raw and unfiltered driving experience. Oh how I wish more companies across the pond would offer this. Thanks James. May the power be with you. 😅

[@judih.8754]

I love the looks of that T70! Sounds great too!

[@chrisslater3174]

Really enjoyed that, James, thanks! I could tell from the footage how visceral that drive was. Interesting car and company, too (that I was completely unfamiliar with), and so good to learn about.

[@roblawrence6474]

Absolutely love this! I also loved the foreman p4 Ferrari replica. Such cool cars! Very retro and right up my street

[@shawnmiller3338]

5 seconds in and all I can say is YES PLEASE! Well done JayEmm, way to bring something rare to us car fans!

[@liamm-c1287]

That v8 sounds incredible. Its such a calm but rumbly note, not too loud but not too quiet

[@shortbuslife3440]

I went to Gardner Douglas old factory about 20 years ago when I was working for BikeIt and was very impressed by what they were doing then and lets face it they are one of the top UK owned car manufacturers, I also really liked the shooting brake they were building at the time that looked alot like an estate version of a Ginetta g20, not sure how many of them they sold but would be interesting to see and I can't find any details of it or remember the name of it. Great to see you doing some of the British companies.

[@Spenny909]

You are having a real hoot of a time right now. This was very enjoyable and I will have my eyes on a GD now.

[@ravetilldawn]

This looks bad ass. Sounds great and sounds awesome real and raw with a 6speed.

[@DIVEnSOME]

You are a very different car enthusiast,you find this little amazing car manufacturers that are building works of art and you present them to us , you have a unique channel.

[@djneils100]

i asked chatgpt to turn the transcript of this video into a car review. this is what it came up with In the world of automotive craftsmanship, few cars evoke the raw emotion and nostalgia of the 1960s racing era quite like the Gardner Douglas T70. Inspired by Eric Broadley's iconic Lola, which laid the groundwork for the legendary Ford GT40, the T70 is not just a car; it's a time machine. From the moment you lay eyes on it, the T70 demands attention. Its body, while reminiscent of the classic racers, carries a modern edge, a testament to Gardner Douglas's commitment to innovation. However, it's not without its quirks. The angles, audacious and bold, might not appeal to everyone, especially when compared to the sultry curves of the GT40. But in its own right, the T70 has a distinct character, echoing shades of the Lotus lineage, particularly the Elise and the 3014. Slide into the driver's seat, and you're greeted with an old-school muscle car vibe. The interior, while stripped down, is purposeful. Every knob, every switch, every gauge is a nod to its racing pedigree. The Tremec six-speed gearbox, paired with a Porsche transaxle, feels mechanical and raw, a far cry from the sanitized experiences of many modern supercars. But the heart of the T70, a 6.2-liter naturally aspirated Chevrolet LS3, is where the magic truly lies. With a Lingenfelter cam upgrade, this beast churns out a staggering 500 horsepower. And it's not just about the numbers. The symphony of the engine, the roar, the grunt, it's all intoxicating. It's a car that doesn't just move; it dances, it sings, it lives. Driving the T70 is an exercise in connection. The lack of power steering and modern electronic aids means you feel every nuance of the road, every pebble, every undulation. The mighty brakes, while lacking ABS, provide a raw stopping power that demands respect. And with a 0 to 60 mph time of 2.4 seconds, the T70 isn't just fast; it's a rocket on wheels. However, it's not without its imperfections. The brake pedal, for instance, feels a tad wooden, a trait it shares with its sibling, the GD427. And while its stripped-down nature is a boon for purists, it might not be the best companion for long journeys. Price-wise, the T70 is an investment. At around £100,000, it's in the territory of some of the world's most renowned supercars. But then again, the T70 isn't just a car; it's an experience, a statement, a piece of history. In conclusion, the Gardner Douglas T70 is a masterclass in blending heritage with performance. It's not for everyone, but for those who get it, it's automotive poetry. A car that doesn't just transport you from one place to another, but to a different era altogether.

[@KL50450]

Omg…

[@DavidMBanes]

Similar performance numbers, weight is 750kg, to my Marlin Sportster V8, which was just £9k but maybe not as stylish :) Another excellent video, always had the GD T70 on my bucket list.

[@williamcutler5472]

I think the T70 will just getting going at 100mph where as a Marlin will be hitting an aerodynamic wall.

[@DavidMBanes]

@@williamcutler5472 Trust me the wall is at 60mph !

[@davidfowler5971]

Well done! About time someone made a proper video about the GD T70

[@MrSabrecat]

Great video Jay, more of this type of content for me. Maybe a guided tour of the factory and show room, meet the people etc. Ultima Cars would be great to see too. On the T70, I need to look at the website to get a better idea of it's looks and size, maybe you could find a car to use as a regular size comparison. Love the V8 mid engine layout, the sound is awesome.

[@sennedegroof4728]

Really nice video as always and love that you show support and want to help out the smaller/ lesser known companies this is one of my favorite cars, nice work👌

[@sganzerlag]

Just wow!! What an amazingly FUN car that must be!!! Thanks for sharing it here!! Best regards from Brasilia, Brazil.

[@stephgagnoulet3133]

Yes yes yes!!! A GD T70... 🎉

[@jasono4330]

I could listen to him talk about cars all day keep up the good work

[@AccentShmaccent]

This channel has been kicking ass… great work!

[@LordHolley]

That's not a car, that's a go-kart, and I want one.

[@lordtherapeutics]

I think it looks great, sounds great, goes even better. No driver aids: the recipe is perfect.

[@truantray]

and little/no driver protection, for that 60s near death experience.

[@lecco666]

@@truantray It has a super strong and stiff structure,, with a rollover bar and harnesses. But you stick to your Prius and soya milk, you just would not understand.

[@dangrbitch]

perfect response!!!! new cars suck ass just like the wussy gender confused so called men today.@@lecco666

[@larrygerfen2801]

Jay, watch all your videos. I find myself living vicariously thru your vehicle reviews. You do a fantastic job presenting most aspects of each vehicle. I would like to have the view as the driver sees the road (appreciate that view noted from #27 reviews). Only other suggestion is your opinion of space for folks at that common today 6’ and wider in the shoulder. I’ve pined for years for various sports cars to be disappointed that I don’t comfortably fit. That includes boxster, older Ferraris, triumphs, mg, Honda s2000, Astons, and even a McClaren.

[@tomblatch1594]

I think it's very pretty actually. Proportions seem spot on.

[@john1703]

The Lola T70 (1965 on) came after the GT40 (1964 on), which was based on the Lola mark 6 GT of 1963. After a year, Eric Broadley had had enough of corporate Ford.

[@grunewaj]

I don't know why he kept going on about the GT40. It's obviously patterned after the Lola T70 and there was a T70 coupe which to my eye looked as good as the GT40. There was a bit of cross pollination from Broadley's influences but they were very different cars

[@JFW5358]

apart from the (entirely necessary) safety cage, I think it's a very good looking car. I prefer it to the 427.

[@th3b0untyhunter]

Clue is in the name, this is a Lola T70 replica. T70 came after the GT40, and was therefore not it's inspiration - that was the earlier Lola mk6

[@tomweller1318]

Love it and it’s a Lotus with a proper engine. 👍👍👍

[@ralph007silver]

Outstanding motor ❤ Surely the closest thing available to a classic Le Mans style race car for the road. Love it ! ❤

[@mattyb7607]

love the Lola T70. such a beauty.

[@SuperLuckyCat7]

Just love the way Your Vids evolve and improve. Avid fan of Yr drives, keeps me sane in a sinking World 👍❤

[@VirtualGuth]

Now that is one pure sports car - there is nothing at all practical about it, as it should be. Nice!

[@neiladam2832]

Pretty sure one of my favourite matchbox cars when I was a kid was a Lola Ford.

[@graysonlove27]

Looks like loads of fun! Here in the States, the LS platform is used on everything. Great motor and reliable but I've grown tired of the sound. I prefer the sound of the Coyote motor or better yet with the weight so low on this beauty I think a v8 Hayabusa would deliver a more surreal experience. NA's make around 500hp and twin-turbo versions make around 800hp. Plus the engine and trans are considerably less weight compared to a 6.2L. Better handling and better sound, and is probably easier to drive fast with less torque down low which this car doesn't need since it's less than 1000kg. Did I mention they rev to 10k! Great video and a great introduction to fine automobiles.

[@rogerp6903]

What a lovely beast! Thanks for sharing

[@simonzero3815]

Bonkers, but god would i love one. So obvious that you had reservations but love your honesty. Great video as ever.

[@iandavies1893]

Another good video, thought whilst I don't usually like old designs of cars I think it looks great.

[@guss2099]

FANTASTIC!🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@RedLP5000S]

Yes please. I'll take that exact spec. Truly a monster on the pavement. ✌🏻🇺🇸

[@markgadsby5568]

Each to their own… I’ve just watched a video on a rival channel of the brand new ‘Escort’ Mk 1s and 2s being made in Wales by MST and although a lot slower, are quite practical and look a lot of fun. I think they would get more attention too (yes, I’m shallow!)

[@archiegoodwinjr]

Wowee. I have been admiring this car for months and am grateful for the JayEmm sign off. I too prefer an original style GT40 mainly for its aesthetics but this T70 might be more appropriate for that weekly shot of adrenalin. Does making it street-usable alter the appearance from a Lola T70 (that was voluptuous and beautiful)? I recall inspecting a street version of the GT40 (when it was new and for sale for around USD14,000) and was disappointed by the changes. 80K quid for this green monster is a bargain but it would not be allowed where I live. Low productions cars such as this (including Singer, Gunther, Beck that are made here) cannot be registered in the bureaucracy that is California.

[@davidrussell8689]

What a beautiful, simple beast of a car

[@donaldelder540]

The hard top looks awesome

[@jrarsenault1937]

One of your best reviews! Loved the esoteric, retro extreme that is much less unaffordable for mere mortals. Please revisit GD ( that's the builder, not the cursivve outcry when right foot meets floor stop!) and overview other offerings ...

[@tomthompson7400]

with the lid its awesome.

[@Android-vk8yh]

What's a great quirky beast? Thanks for bringing it to us surprised. We could hear you

[@sickjohnson]

That was freaking cool Jay!

[@psircos]

Looks and sounds amazing! Not that youd drive it in the rain much, but putting right foot down in 4th, on a wet road, could lead to a fairground ride 😂

[@LilleyAdam]

Oh Lord. I love the Lola t70 spider. Wanted one for years.

[@warrenwalker8170]

There is a simple self canceling turn signal system. It comes from the motorcycle world. You can utilize the same switch and install under the dash a relay and a timer that allows one flip of the switch to flash the turn signal 11 times and then it turns off waiting for your next input. I installed this on my Ginetta G 20 and now I don't feel like a fool driving down the road with the blinker stuck on. I think it was about 100 bucks plus install I highly recommend

[@h2489-m2l]

950kg with 500hp. It sounds absolutely terrifying! I like the moments where its obviously having to concentrate!

[@richardearth2848]

GT40 mention Lotus Elise mention But no mention of the Lola T70 its actually styled on ?

[@wraptorcustoms]

Awesome vid. I really like the way you present, it's real, honest, respectable. Rather than manufactured drama style. Hopefully we'll have something special from our workshop for you to review one day. Keep going Sir! 🙂

[@drew699]

It’s a great looking car! £100K plus 11 MPG & no side windows & roof, will keep it niche niche.

[@alexprost7505]

Coupe looks like 300$$$ spiker fighter

[@daniels.2720]

Niiccee... Glad you enjoyed yourself JayEmm

[@Sean-if7rp]

In this day and age, such performance and engineering for that money is a bargain

[@truantray]

Whatever, It's a kit car.

[@johnnyboy1586]

I think the overall look of the car in awesome 👌just go to show you dont need huge power when you have lightness in the mix

[@stevejones9290]

Brilliant informative video. Thanks!

[@NigelDeForrest-Pearce-cv6ek]

Breathtakingly Brilliant!!!!

[@larrygerfen2801]

I like it a-lot. Same type of toy car as the cobra. However, I’d hate to have to deal with in England with daily rain (promotes the beautiful green verge). Perfect for my sunny Colorado.

[@AWMJoeyjoejoe]

Hey we have dry days. I can't remember the last one, but we do have them... I think.

[@cornishrider]

What a lovely thing and that's why Electric is Guff!

[@carlsitler9071]

O to 60 in 2.4 seconds is insanely fast. I know firsthand as my motorcycle does it in 2.5 seconds.

[@eljayr4669]

If it actually looked like Eric Broadley’s Lola T 70, the car would be a cracker.

[@alexanderguestguitars1173]

"Awkward angles"???? Are you NUTS???? It's STUNNING. IMHO Oh dear. Gearshift on the right. As a left hander myself "does not compute". D'OH!!

[@ericpisch2732]

What a pair of fantastic cars

[@adow77]

I absolutely love that.

[@MichaelAnderson-fm4th]

I enjoyed the lack of space comments. You'd have to be very friendly.... Dude your and your jacket were so wide you were claustrophobic before you got in the car..

[@encinobalboa]

It's basically a race car.

[@mostirreverent]

Love the looks

[@hatefeulblast]

We love you.

[@daviddellit8344]

Wow! Amazing. Thank you.

[@Nathan.Guthrie]

On a similar (albeit much less powerful) vein, would you be able to get a Wells Vertige on the channel? I'd love one!

[@sonkekoster3105]

That's a blast!!!

[@azguitar]

Beautiful car and great review!

[@phil4977]

That looks like a lot of fun.

[@davidcooks5265]

It looks like a beast, I'd want one in black 🖤

[@karllelliott681]

Well done on surpassing the 300k!

[@robertbuckland9637]

Hi J, I am really pleased you have looked at the GD cars. I have lusted after two kit cars for a long time now: the T70 Moda and the Ultima GTR. Is there any chance you could look at the Ultima creation please? I'd really like to know which you think is better/more livable/more hardcore. Thanks Robert

[@vinniedurrant]

Cool little green rocket, please have your witts about you when driving that!

[@leongiles3496]

Love it!!!

[@anomamos9095]

A window showing the engine should look apon something that looks like art and doesn’t look like it was squeezed out of a tube

[@ElBlingo]

Absolutely love these, if I had the money it would be my next car.

[@bogie1971]

The car is beautiful !!!!!

[@guillaumesandmayer7053]

I love English cottage automotive goodness.