The most important thing to me about building a kit car was to utilize my 2.3l turbo SVO engine and transmission. I had kept this power unit from my 84 SVO Mustang, the first car that I had bought new from the showroom. I wanted to build a car around that engine and I had researched so many options that it would be worthless to even try to describe it. But I settled on the idea of using a Lotus 7 style platform because of its simplicity and performance. I hung around some of the forums and got the idea that the GBS might be a good way to get a car together. So as I worked on a specification for my GBS Zero build I used my SVO engine for dimensions. Then I rebuilt the engine and trans so that when the kit came together it would be prepared for some real driving. Besides, the engine had been sitting under a tarp for years. At least it wasn't frozen.

During the specification process with GBS I was discussing my intention to fit the SVO engine and turbo and tried to work out the fit dimensions. Richard Hall suggested that he could arrange the RH upper brace tube to give extra clearance around the turbo and wastegate and bent a piece of tubing to fit. I am not sure it will be enough but I will soon have3 a chance to prove out the fit. Here's a picture taken a year ago at the GBS factory showing the re-shaped RH upper brace and then a picture of my delivered kit with the now-rebuilt SVO beside it for the first time.

In November of 2024 I took a trip down to Sonoma Raceway to look at a display of GBS Zero kit cars. I was disappointed not to be able to test drive one of the models they had on display but at least I was able to try one on for fit. Very snug but nice in all the right places. Primarily, it helped me decide to order the GT option, which is larger in width and gives a little more room in the footbox around the pedals. I met Richard Hall, who is the prime mover of the Great British Sportscar of Nottingham, England. Also, Paul Barnes, who lives in California and helps with prospective USA buyers. I talked with a few owners who had brought their own car to be part of the display. In October, Richard had given me a virtual tour of the GBS factory as an introduction. I actually had started the specification process in October and had made a deposit to get the ball rolling.