2007 KVA GT40 Replica

• Body and chassis purchased from KVA in 1989 then carefully constructed over a number of years before passing SVA in 2007
• Powered by a fully-rebuilt Ford 302ci with a 4-barrel 600cfm Holley double pump carburettor on an Edelbrock manifold
• Engine mated to Renault UN1 with upgraded Quaife internals, solid input shaft and a Quaife limited slip diff
• Beautifully finished in Ford Radiant Red with a well-detailed interior and fitted with 15” Halibrand split-rim alloys
• A well finished re-creation offered with a fresh MOT and described as "on-the-button and ready to be enjoyed"

In the 1960s, British engineer and GT40 enthusiast, Ken Attwell, started to make plans on how he might one day own a GT40. In 1982, whilst working for Ford in Swansea, Ken decided to start building his own replica. Ford had requested that Ken help with the restoration of their own Mk3 car that had been involved in a filming accident. As there was no budget for the restoration Ken agreed to their request, completing the work in his home workshop with the proviso that he was allowed to take moulds from the body panels which he would later use to construct his own replica. He designed a space frame/semi ladder-type chassis which turned out to exceed the required torsional strength and by late 1982 his first, blood-red KVA (Kenneth Vincent Attwell) ‘Mk 3’ GT40 ‘replica’ was complete and was displayed by Ford in the reception area of their Swansea plant. This car used Ford-based suspension components, a Ford CVH 1.6 litre engine and VW Variant transaxle. Later, plans were made for larger engines like the 2.8-litre V6 or 289 CID V8 with ZF or possibly Renault 30 transaxles.

Howard Walker of “Motor Magazine” test drove the car and wrote a very complimentary article in the October 1983 issue with a front page spread and lots of photographs inspiring GT40 enthusiasts across the country and generating a huge amount of interest. With Ford’s blessing, Ken formed a small company called KVA and began manufacturing kits that could be built up as replicas. He continued his full-time work as a Senior Engineer at Ford and, with the KVA developing rapidly, his wife Margaret stepped in run the business. She proved a very capable operations manager and continued until she retired in 1994 after the business was sold to Jules Hoffman of Integrity Motors in Florida.

Offered here is a beautiful and well-constructed Ford GT40 replica built using the well regarded KVA chassis and body. Our vendor purchased both the chassis and body parts directly from Ken Atwell in the late 1980s and carefully set about the build, entrusting all safety-related work to trusted professionals such as welding, fabrication, electrical systems and geometry. A fully overhauled Ford 302 engine was mated to a Renault UN1 gearbox rebuilt with new bearings, LSD and Quaife internals, a well balanced powertrain that, we understand, continues to perform well. Handling is taken care of by Spax adjustable coil-over suspension on all 4 corners and stopping power is provided by 4-pot callipers with performance discs. The bodywork is finished in glorious Ford Radiant Red with a beautifully detailed cabin space and 15’’ Halibrand split-rim alloy wheels add to the kerb appeal.

This GT40 replica was eventually taken for an SVA test in 2007 and UK registered in the same year qualifying for a V5c. It has very recently been MOT'd offering peace of mind to the next owner and the Certificate is contained in the car's fascinating history file.

Our vendor informs us that the GT40 replica has been an enjoyable project and a labour of love. It performs well and never fails to turn heads when out on the street or when arriving at a classic car show and, on offer at a very sensible guide, this is a great opportunity to enjoy an accurate GT40 replica while you can still buy pump fuel and freely drive to many events.