Based on a Lola prototype designed by British race engineer Eric Broadley, the Ford's GT40 was Ford's successful bid to turn the tables on its racing rival Ferrari in the Le Mans 24 Hour race.
It did this in spectacular style, winning four times out of six attempts beginning in 1966. The first cars were built in England in 1965 and were fitted with a variety of Ford engines, ranging in size up to 302CID. They were so-named because of their overall height of just 40 inches. Given the cars' legendary status, GT40s have not surprisingly been replicated over the years in the United Kingdom, the United States and more recently, Australia. This GT40 is probably one of the most prized of all replicas due to the exorbitant cost of the originals, whose value today can exceed $Aus 2 million.
This GT40 replica was ordered in 1989 from GT Developments, which for many years was the most prolific manufacturer of these vehicles, with over 400 to their credit in the UK. The vehicle was built as a faithful replica of one of the most desirable GT40s of all time, the Filipinetti factory car that won numerous races in the 1960s.
It was assembled from all new parts in 1990/1991 and had an easy life for its first four years, during which it travelled less than 6.000 miles (10,000km). Its historically correct spoke wheels are an appealing and unusual feature were made at the original factory in the UK that supplied the original factory cars. It was sold to a South Australian in 1995 and again used sparingly until purchased by the current Melbourne owner. Because the vehicle had been used irregularly, it was again re-commissioned in June 2004 and registered on Victorian Club plates.
A new high-speed Daikin clutch was fitted and the pedal box extended to accomodate taller drivers. A new air conditioning system was also custom built and fitted, along with a new 'Hi Torque' gear reduction starter motor to ensure quick starts. The GTD GT40 has travelled less than 1,000km since. The owner states that a new GT40 replica in similar specification would cost around $150,000 in Australia. Currently on Club registration, the vehicle is sold unregistered with a Victorian Roadworthy Certificate supplied after sale to return to club registration only.
