2012 Superformance GT40 Mk.I

The 24 hours of Le Mans is often cited as the greatest endurance test for man and machine and firmly places the Ford GT40 into motorsport folklore. Originally built to take on Enzo Ferrari's domination of the 24-hour race, a Ford GT40 Mk.II eventually won in 1966 with Bruce McLaren and Chris Amon at the wheel. Just over 100 GT40's were produced across the Mk. I, II, III and IV variants. In 1980 Peter Thorp of Safir Engineering obtained permission from Ford to use the GT40 name, and hence the Mk. V model was produced. The Ford GT40 by Superformance is the only GT40 continuation licensed by Safir GT40 Spares LLC to use the GT40 trademark and hence makes it a rather special motorcar.

Presented here is a right-hand drive 2012 Superformance GT40 Mk.I which was built at the factory in Irvine, California to the exacting standards of the original cars. The chassis is a monocoque construction using pressed steel and the suspension components are interchangeable with that of an original car. The outer body styling is simply beautiful and is presented in one of the most iconic motorsport liveries, the Gulf Colours, ensuring it will always standout from the crowd. The decals on the car can easily be removed if required. The "Gurney Bubble' in the driver's roof door accommodates the taller pilots of this wonderful machine.

Open the cockpit door and you are greeted with Alcantara seats, Willans harnesses, a factory installed roll cage, three 12V sockets, and the, all important, air-conditioning! The gear lever is in the correct position, to the right of the driver's seat, giving an authentic GT40 driving experience. Sitting behind the cabin is a monstrous 6.9-litre 427 cu in. Rousch V8 engine producing over 550 bhp and mated to a ZF gearbox.

Purchased by our vendor in 2015 and registered in the UK in December of that year, this special car is legitimately badged as a GT40 and has only covered 598 miles from new. Supplied with a UK V5c and MOT tested until 22nd February 2018, Superformance GT40s have been known to obtain FIA papers, and with some serious consideration and work we believe this could be one route a prospective buyer might take. Failing that, this car presents a rare opportunity to own one of the most iconic motoring silhouettes in the world.