1961 Ford GT40 Replica

The Ford GT 40 is one of the greatest race cars from one of the greatest racing periods. The 1960's were the time of the famous Ford-Ferrari wars at Le Mans and in the World Sports Car championship, and purportedly, the GT 40's existence arose out of Ford's desire and then failure to purchase Ferrari. What ensued is one of the greatest motorsport battles of all time between Ferrari, who had won Le Mans six consecutive times (1960-1965), and Ford, who then won Le Mans four consecutive times (1966-1969), proving that they too could compete at an international level. Consequently, given the cars' competition pedigree and beautiful styling, these cars are worth well over a million dollars today. As a result, high quality dimensionally accurate recreations that employ original type Ford power plants are an affordable and enjoyable way to experience one of the all-time great cars.

We are informed by the vendor that this incredible GT40 reincarnation built over a three year period from 1984 to 1987 is an exact replica of the 1966 MK 1 Le Mans winning GT40 and is painted in Gulf racing livery. We are informed that this car is built to the highest standard and all panels are made from the original moulds. It can be used as a competition car but we are informed it is also a very capable road car.

We are informed by the vendor of the following power train specification:

The engine is a 4948cc, commonly known as the 302 small block V8 fitted with high compression pistons (10.1), fast road/race camshaft, hi flow water pump and long tube manifolds. Fuel is fed via a 500 CFM Edelbrock 4 barrell carburettor fed by 2 x facet fuel pumps with twin fuel tanks. Cooling comes via a large high capacity cooling radiator and Mocal oil cooler.

The transmission is via a rebuilt Renault gearbox fitted with a 3.45 (GTD) final drive fitted with a heavy duty Mcloed clutch.

The braking and suspension system consists of Willwood 4 pot brake callipers with a separate handbrake calliper system, 300 + mm brake discs on bales all round, Spa adjustable suspension (275lb front and 500lb springs both height and damping adjustable. Adjustable bias twin cylinder pedal box.

Wheels and tyres are made up of Halibrand (GTD) split rim wheels with 8J fronts and 11J rears which are 15'' in size and are suitable for both competition and road use.

Internally all dials and gauges work exactly as they should including the calibrated speedometer and display normal operating temperatures, safety equipment includes full race harnesses, fire extinguisher and internal and external battery cut-off switches.

Sold with an MOT and Tax until August 2014, this car really does offer the meanest, leanest, hardiest and fastest road experience ever. Whether it's trundling through small villages with that fabulous exhaust noise echoing off stonework or pressing on out on the open road, it's an incredible experience and an exclusive one at that. Silly though it is, no matter what else you've driven in your life, when you sit in that awkward to get into, bum - on- the floor cockpit and stare out over the delicate swell of blue and orange, your first though could be 'My God I'm in a Gulf GT40'.