TODAYS FEATURED DEALER
Park Lane (UK) Ltd
Omega Park, Alton, Hampshire
GU34 2YU
Telephone: +44 (0)1420 544300 +44 (0)7764 304207
Website: http://www.parklaneuk.com
Omega Park, Alton, Hampshire
GU34 2YU
Telephone: +44 (0)1420 544300 +44 (0)7764 304207
Website: http://www.parklaneuk.com
1968 FORD GT40 MkV by SAFIR
It is with great pleasure that we can bring to the market this stunning GT40 Mark V Powered by Ford, built by Safir Engineering.
Not to be confused with a replica, this car (the Mark V) is an official continuation car built in the UK by Safir the work overseen by JW engineering following an agreement with Ford in Deerborn. Starting at the last used GT40 serial number and moving forward sequentially, these cars carry JW Engineering chassis plates identical to those on all GT40s produced by the company. This continuation run was originally set for 25 units but subsequently changed to a very apt 40 units!
Not to be confused with a replica, this car (the Mark V) is an official continuation car built in the UK by Safir the work overseen by JW engineering following an agreement with Ford in Deerborn. Starting at the last used GT40 serial number and moving forward sequentially, these cars carry JW Engineering chassis plates identical to those on all GT40s produced by the company. This continuation run was originally set for 25 units but subsequently changed to a very apt 40 units!
This link gives a wonderful first-hand account of the process behind this models foundation - http://gt40.com/letter-peter-thorp.php
The Mark V, as with all other GT40 production, has excellent accuracy and maintenance of records with each car detailed in a published “production sheet”. Records are kept by the originator of the project (Mr. Peter Thorp) and the directors of Safir GT40 Spares. It is widely acknowledged by enthusiasts through to Ford Motor Company themselves that the Mark 5 holds a significant and positive place in the history of the GT40.
Our car is chassis number GT40P-1123 which was delivered in March 1989 but registered as a historic vehicle from 1968. It is believed to be one of just five examples that remain in the UK with the majority of production now in the US.
Finished in Red with White stripes, the first owner of this stunning vehicle is a noted businessman and car collector who only kept the car until the end of 1994 – covering just over 2,000 miles during his tenure.
The subsequent owner of the vehicle, purchasing in 1994, has owned the car ever since. His love for it is clear to see from not only the immaculate original condition we find the vehicle to be in today but also from the wonderful history file that accompanies it. This file begins with his purchase (assisted by Peter Thorp of Safir), details his commissioning of a new set of doors with removable tops (which are still present) and goes on to evidence the yearly maintenance lavished upon it during its 7,825 miles. Just the history file alone is a great read!
GT40P-1123 was built around a steel monocoque with the red coupe body shell being fabricated from Kevlar Carbon Fibre – the weave of which can be faintly seen through the paint! The Ford V8 is a 5.3 small block, built and tested by the highly respected Mathwall Engineering with Holley carburettors and said to develop around 400hp - the history file (of course) includes the original test data!
Running through a ZF 5 speed transmission, an AP Racing twin disc hydraulic clutch and a limited slip differential, this power is kept in check by AP Racing disc brakes front and rear. These are shrouded in lovely period style 15” six spoke BRM Magnesium wheels.
This really is a fantastic example of a very important piece of the Ford GT40 story – a vehicle with a more detailed and better-documented history would surely be impossible to find. Any inquiry or inspection is strongly encouraged as this car will surely not disappoint.
SELECTED BY:
IDRIS THE SQUIRREL
I'M NUTS ABOUT CLASSICS
CLASSIC CHATTER
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