You must have heard of the Ford GT40. The GT40 project was born out of Henry Ford II butting heads with Enzo Ferrari, when a potential carrot was dangled by the latter in the shape of wanting to sell Ferrari to Ford, only for the carrot to be snatched away just before it was swallowed. Ford reportedly lost a few million dollars in audits of Ferrari’s facilities before Enzo Ferrari walked out on discussions due to a dispute regarding controlling the factory’s racing team. Enraged, Ford decided to build a car that would beat Ferrari at his favorite stomping ground, Le Mans, and the GT40 was born. After a poor start in 1964, Carroll Shelby was brought in, shoehorned in a 427ci V8, helping the car secure its first victory at Le Mans in 1966, with subsequent victories in 1967, 1968, and 1969. Whilst you could buy an original GT40, they are extremely rare, which is why replica makers such as Superformance stepped into the fray. Superformance utilizes factory ‘rollers’ in some cars, whilst in others, it manufactures chassis and bodies. Here’s a 2016 Superformance GT40 Mk 1 that’s designed to emulate the iconic 1966 Le Man's winner. With just 502 miles on the clock, this extremely rare enthusiast-owned car comes to you from California where it’s registered and titled and awaits its next discerning owner. It’s reportedly included in the Shelby World registry too and is street legal being an SPCNS (special construction) vehicle.

Exterior and Interior

The GT40 derives its name from its height at the windshield, which is just 40 inches, or the maximum allowable at Le Mans at the time. This car’s iconic design has been much celebrated, and this 2016 Superformance GT40 Mk1 stays true to the original’s lines and curves with its Gulf Racing Blue livery with Gurney bubble on the driver’s side. The six-spoke BRM wheels complete this timeless look and wear Avon XR6ZZ tires that are sized 235x15 at the front and 295x15 at the rear, whilst being rated at over 200mph in a serious hint of this car’s potential. The black interior stays as close to the original as possible as well, with a black color scheme and two original-style alcantara seats with steel rivets. Note that it’s right-hand-drive, with a right-hand shift for the gearbox as well. An adjustable pedal box and removable steering wheel are present, as is a nice modern convenience in the shape of a high-capacity air conditioner to keep both occupants cool.

Engine

This 2016 Superformance GT40 Mk1 packs a monstrous 427ci (7.0L) short-block all-aluminum crate engine from Ford Racing with a rated output of 600hp at 6,500rpm. Four dual-throat downdraft Weber carbs and silver ceramic coated headers are some of the powertrain highlights, as well as an oil cooler and aluminum cross-flow radiator with braided lines and dual electric fans. Twin stainless steel baffled fuel tanks hold their sustenance, whilst drive is sent to the rear wheels via a five-speed Quaife ZF transaxle. It’s also got fully independent front and rear suspension in the style of the original and sports an original-style monocoque chassis and pressed steel roof. Bilstein progressive coil-over shock absorbers with performance springs ensure that handling is up to par, whilst Wilwood four-piston calipers and ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels provide the stopping power.