1966 Superformance GT40 MKI

Description

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. This spectacular continuation GT40 MKI was constructed by Superformance of Jupiter, Florida 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. 

Highlights 

• A true GT40 MKI continuation built by Superformance

• Listed in the SAAC Registry 

• All-aluminum 427 cu-in V8 by Roush Performance, said to have been 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 

• ZF DS-25/2 five-speed transmission 

• 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 was placed on a chassis table and measured for accuracy - 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 BRM magnesium knock-off wheels (10x15-inch front, 12x15-inch rear)  

• Dunlop CR85 racing tires (475/1000-15 front, 300/1200-15 rear) 

• Bilstein coil-over progressive shocks with H&R Springs 

• Road-legal, titled, and registered as a 1966 

Features 

• Hydraulic front nose lift 

• Four-wheel vented disc brakes, Wilwood calipers 

• Pressed steel roof 

• Custom-fabricated suspension components 

• Custom-fabricated door eyebrows 

• Custom-fabricated backfire plate 

• Front tow eyes 

• Straight pipe exhaust (muffler included) 

• Door locks 

• Shifter and handbrake located in center of the tunnel 

• Original-style seats with silver rivets 

• RaceQuip five-point harnesses 

• Oil cooler and braided lines 

• 3M PPF on the front nose 

Known Imperfections 

This 1966 Superformance GT40 MKI is presented as a well-kept example and is said to be free from any substantial imperfections. 

Included 

• Muffler (removed) 

• Spare Plexi glass panels (removed) 

Ownership History 

This 1966 Superformance GT40 MKI was purchased in 2008 and completed in the consignor’s Costa Mesa, California workshop.  

Additional Notes 

A Broad Arrow Group Consignment Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the owner of this vehicle.  

Contact: Ramsey Potts Phone: 912.508.4096 email: rpotts@hagerty.com