Superformance GT40 (2011)

Since 1960, Henry Ford II wanted to have a Ford race at Le Mans. After dealings with Ferrari fell through, Ford decided to produce his own car and began negotiations with Lola Cars manager Eric Broadley. The agreement between the two called for a yearlong collaboration that included the sale of two Lola MK 6 chassis to Ford. Soon after Ford hired ex-Aston Martin team manager John Wyer to work with Ford Motor Co. engineer Roy Lunn on what was to become the Ford GT. The original GT40 and MK1, designed by Lunn, was prepared at the specially established, Ford Advanced Vehicles in the UK. Abbey Panels constructed the advanced monocoque chassis and the drive train finally chosen was the 289 Ford V8 mated to a Coletti transaxle. During the GT40's racing history a variety of Ford engines and even a ZF transaxle were used. The Ford GT made its debut at Nurburgring in May 1964 and followed up the appearance with 24 Hours of Le Mans. The cars failed to finish both races - a devastating blow to Team Ford. Although they were not successful at LeMans in 64 or 65, their obvious potential led Ford to continue racing them and in 1966 Ford and the MKII made American racing history with a dominating one, two, and three finish over Ferrari at Le Mans.

Around 100 Race Spec GT40s were completed and unsurprisingly these have become extremely valuable and highly sought after. A number of High Quality Recreations have been built over the years however the cars built by "Superformance" stand above the others as the ones to own. The Superformance GT40 is only such later built car licensed and endorsed to use the name "GT40" as a true "continuation" of the original. Each hand crafted GT40 carries the GT40 -P chassis number and is registry eligible. The chassis of these cars is an exact replication of the original monococque unibody structure down to the press steel roof spider and is made up of over 244 laser cut and bent or pressed parts. The suspension features the original race car lay out. So original are the GT40 continuation models that two thirds or the parts are interchangeable with an original.

This stunning GT40 was completed by Superformance and delivered to its only owner in August 2011. The car's build was to the usual extremely high standard and the specification is very exacting and likely to be unique to this car. The car is fitted with a 5.6 Litre Roush C42 Engine run by Motronic management with Weber style Carburettor Velocity Stacks and the famous "bundle of snakes" exhaust headers, transmission is via a RBT/ZF style 5-speed transaxle with Sill Mounted (non-standard) "shifter". This spectacular example is presented in Heritage "Gulf" Livery in Homage to the Double Le Mans winner P1075. The car also features Twin Monza Fuel Fillers with a 22 and a half Gallon tank, a racing style dash with correct "Smiths" gauges, removable steering wheel, original style seats with 4 point harnesses, Helicopter Vents and "Gurney" Roof Bubble. Upgrades featured on this car include Wilwood super light brakes, Bilstein shocks with H&R springs, an adjustable pedal box, cross flow radiator and a very clever Air conditioning system which has been cleverly disguised in a mock up dry sump placed in the original position. The car is UK registered and has been used sparingly since its delivery in 2011. The car is presented in superb condition and is ready to be used and enjoyed immediately.