Overview
1968 Ford GT40
Superformance GT40P2242:
The legend that is the Ford GT40 is one that is so ingrained within automotive culture that it is widely known yet certainly bears repeating. Conceived in the 1960s, The GT40's primary objective was to challenge Ferrari's dominance at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The GT40 not only achieved this but also secured four consecutive victories from 1966 to 1969, cementing its legacy in motorsport lore.
During this most golden of racing eras, the GT40 progressed from the MK I through to the MK IV with both Ford and John Wyer Engineering building road variants. These street versions retained much of the racing DNA, incorporating advanced materials and performance-focused features. Its blend of performance and elegance on the road has left an indelible mark on automotive culture, making the GT40 an enduring icon in the realms of racing and high-performance automobiles.
The GT40's status as a legend of endurance racing resulted in a surge in demand for authentic replicas in the decades after its triumphs at Le Mans. Among those seeking a genuine GT40 was Peter Thorp of Safir Engineering, who entered into an agreement with Ford and John Wilment of J.W. Automotive Engineering to continue to produce a limited number of GT40s. Utilizing Willment's substantial inventory of original GT40 parts, tools, and original designs, Safir Engineering debuted the “Mark V” GT40 in 1980. Five years later, Safir acquired the “GT40” trademark and has since been the only official license holder of GT40 automobiles and parts.
GT402242 is a continuation GT40 MKI that was constructed by Superformance in South Africa under official license from Safir Spares LLC, and is documented in the official SAAC registry. The dimensions of both the MK I and MK II are true to the 1960s original, with 90 percent of the parts between the continuation cars and the period-built cars interchangeable with the racing versions built to comply with the FIA's strict Appendix K regulations.
GT40P2242 Highlights:
• A true GT40 MKI continuation built by Superformance
• Listed in the SAAC Registry
• Special all-aluminum 427 cu-in V8 by Roush Performance, dynoed at 560 horsepower and 550 lb-ft of torque at the crank
• Engine is equipped with:
• Steel crankshaft
• H-Beam connecting rods
• Wiseco pistons
• AFR cylinder heads
• Crane hydraulic roller cam
• 55 mm throttle body EFI with 42 lb injectors
• fuel system swirl tank with hi & low pressure pumps
• 13lb. 157 tooth Fidanza aluminum flywheel
• McLeod 10.5 single disc clutch with hyd throwout bearing
• Engine and transaxle breather to aluminum catch can
• ZF DS-25/2 five-speed transmission w/ 0.64 5th gear giving 2.71:1 final drive
• Custom Monza Red livery with racing number 48 of American racer Dan Gurney (roundels, graphics, and numbers are vinyl and removable)
• Dashboard signed by Dan Gurney
• Original-style steel monocoque chassis - all suspension components were magnafluxed and electroless nickel plated, including half shafts
• High-capacity air conditioner modified by the consignor with larger evaporator and custom ducting
• Aluminum radiator/oil cooler with dual electric fans and custom ducting
• Original-style mirrors, rear sway bar, and nos BRM (nos) magnesium knock-off wheels (9x15-inch front, 12x15-inch rear)
• Original Halibrand forged aluminum 3-ear knock-offs
• Dunlop CR65 racing tires (475/1000-15 front, 600/1200-15 rear)
• Bilstein coil-over progressive shocks with H&R Springs
• Road-legal, titled as a 1966 Ford GT40
GT40P2242 Features:
• Hydraulic front nose lift
• Four-wheel vented disc brakes, Wilwood calipers
• Pressed steel roof
• Custom-fabricated original style front and rear sway bars
• Custom-fabricated aluminum door eyebrows
• Custom-fabricated backfire plate with 2 piece turkey pan
• Custom mechanical emergency brake calipers
• Custom fab brace/collar between lower rear a-arms
• Front tow eyes
• SS straight pipe exhaust (mufflers included)
• Original Door locks
• Shifter and handbrake located in center of the tunnel
• Original-style seats with silver rivets
• RaceQuip five-point harness
• Oil cooler and braided lines
• 3M PPF on the front nose
• Halon onboard fire bottle
GT40P2242 is presented as an excellent example that has been kept in a climate controlled shop.
Included:
• Mufflers (removed)
• Spare Plexi glass panels (removed)
• Spare set of BRM alloy wheels with Avon cr6zz tires
• Custom Quick pit 3-ear knock-off tool
GT40P2242 Ownership History
GT40P2242 was purchased in 2008 and completed in the consignor's Costa Mesa, California workshop. It is titled as a 1966 Ford with only 3,196 miles and is available for $314,950.
