2008 Roaring Forties GT40

“The whole purpose of a replica is to recreate, to the finest possible degree, the shape and specification of the original vehicle. All too often, the designers get the first part right but are forced to compromise on the details of the specifications for the sake of convenience and cost.”

We make no apologies for quoting directly from the Roaring Forties-Australia website as their philosophy of putting engineering excellence at the top of the list is probably why they are generally regarded as the best builders of GT40 replicas in the world. Over the years, around three dozen firms have set up in business hoping to recreate the iconic GT40 and some, like GTD Engineering, did an excellent job, however, worldwide, 'Roaring Forties' cars are held in maximum respect. They have always insisted on supplying every last nut, bolt and washer to ensure absolute quality and do not supply 'kit-cars' but a superb piece of automotive engineering that is available for self-assembly

This fabulous aluminium panelled, 5.6litre, Roaring Forties GT40 is finished in Ford Imperial Blue with Silver stripes and was first registered on 16th May 2008. It has only had one owner and has covered just 1,671 miles (mileage is low because the car has generally been trailered everywhere). Since the initial build, it has been developed by Wealden Engineering and Taylor Automotive (both GT40 specialists on replicas and original cars) and is now a practical road car (with nice gear change – not always the case with GT40s) and is also a great track car.

It's accompanied by 3 ring-binders containing complete build details from spaceframe to shell, gearbox to the engine, wiring, pedal box etc., a Dyno sheet, tuning and set-up details, and a fresh MoT.

Nicely carpeted with decent air-conditioning, this amazing car is in immaculate condition and presents superbly. All in all, probably the best engineered and most attractive GT40 recreation we have ever seen.

Further details and technical info are on the website.

Details of the car are as follows:-

CHASSIS ETC

Space frame chassis panelled with aluminium, some of which is anodised silver, e.g. in the engine compartment.

Suspension is as per the original layout, with a mixture of Rose joints and Polybush mountings, giving a good compromise between comfort and race track precision and efficiency and also enabling a wide range of adjustment. Shock absorbers are 'Pro-Shock adjustables.

Wheels are knock-on, pin drive, aluminium BRM replica 17 inch. 17-inch wheels were chosen rather than the original 15 inch as that size provides for a greater choice of tyres with the appropriate speed rating, i.e. 180+ mph. The tyres currently fitted are Michelin Pilot Sport.

Brakes are AP Racing with 6-pot callipers on the front and 4-pot on the rear and are currently fitted with Ferodo /DS2500 pads. The handbrake has cable operated Brembo callipers. All hydraulic lines are braided stainless steel type.

Instrumentation is by Smiths and replicates that in the original car. Switches are Lucas as per the original car.

The radiator is aluminium and large capacity. No overheating problems have ever been experienced with the car.

ENGINE

The engine was built to order by Real Steel from all new parts except for the block and gives approximately 450 bhp. When first built it had a Holley carb and gave 443 bhp on their dyno. Since then it has been fitted with Electronic Fuel Injection with eight 48mm throttle bodies, all controlled by a Motec ECU. Full documentation on the engine, including a list of all parts used in its build, s available on request. A summary of the engine details follows:-

The block is an early 1970s small-block Ford which has been machined as necessary. The age of the block is significant under UK regulations as it means that the exhaust system does not require Cats and the only emissions test at MOT time is for visible smoke.

The engine has been “stroked” i.e. the stroke has been increased so the capacity is now 347 cubic inches (approx. 5,600 cc) from the original size of 302 cu ins (5000 cc). This gives increased power and, in particular, increased torque.

The heads are Dart PR01.

The crank is a forged steel eagle 4340.

Con rods are forged steel Eagle "H" beam.

Pistons are forged aluminium Keith Black.

The sump is a Moroso 9 US quart baffled and includes a windage tray.

The oil filter is located remotely from the engine.

An oil cooler is fitted.

The inlet manifold is as for Weber IDA carbs but is fitted with eight 48mm Jenvey throttle bodies with trumpet intakes.

The exhaust is a crossover system which has been ceramic coated inside and out by Camcoat.

The camshaft is a Competitions Cam retrofit roller cam with hydraulic tappets and Pro Magnum roller rocker arms.

The engine is fitted with a steel main bearing cap girdle to spread the load and strengthen the main bearing caps.

The ignition system is MSD.

A leak down test was performed on the engine last year which indicated that there were no problems. At the same time the ECU was remapped to make the engine more road friendly.

TRANSMISSION

The transaxle was new at the time the car was built and is an Audi 01E six speed fitted with a Quaife limited slip diff. The final drive gearing gives 190 mph at 6,000 rpm in 6th gear (max revs are 6,500).

FUEL SYSTEM

The fuel system is via Electronic Fuel Injection with eight throttle bodies to simulate the Weber IDAs on the original car. EFI is also more reliable than the carbs on the original cars and stays in tune.

All fuel lines from tanks to engine are Aeroquip type stainless steel braided high pressure and all connections are nut and screw – no clamps are used in any part of the system.

GENERAL

The car is fitted with air conditioning.

Carpets are fitted throughout.

5 point Schroth racing harnesses are fitted to driver and passenger seats.