1988 GTD40 Mk2 Coupé
Coachwork by GT Developments
Registration no. 6392 RO
Chassis no. GTD40 08288
Engine no. M6007-C347

A decade on from its final Le Mans win, the GT40 had become firmly established as one of the all-time great classic sports cars, leading to an increased demand for unmolested originals and the start of a replica-building industry. With a mere 107 GT40s being constructed at Ford Advanced Vehicles' Slough factory between 1966 and 1972, it is hardly surprising that a cottage industry of independent manufacturers arose to satisfy the continuing demand for replicas of Ford's charismatic Le Mans winner. Founded in 1984 by Ray Christopher, GT Developments soon established itself as one of the foremost manufacturers of accurate GT40 replicas, over 600 of which have been produced over the years. Autosport and Autocar magazines tested an original, GTD-built example in 1989. The former had this to say: 'An original GT40 is priceless, but an equally charismatic alternative is the GTD40. The pair are indistinguishable from five paces, let alone 50, so faithful is GTD's replica even to the discerning eye. The GTD is no "kit car", but a thoroughbred in every sense.' This Ford GTD 40 Mk1 'wide body' is the ultimate recreation of the iconic Gulf Oil-sponsored car number '6' piloted to victory by Jacky Ickx and Jackie Oliver at the 1969 Le Mans 24-Hour race. Attention to detail on this car is in a class of its own, with much time spent sourcing original parts and reworking it to drive and handle as a fast road or competitive race car. The engine is a genuine 327ci (5.4-litre) racing unit supplied by Ford Motor Sport in the USA, rated at 450hp and breathing via a quartet of Weber IDF carburettors. Fabricated by Tony Law, the exhaust system is a fully balanced crossover type complete with megaphone secondaries, Cermachrome coated for reduced engine compartment heat. The car also comes with standard silencers. Its transaxle is a Renault UN13, built by Chris CoIe of Mach 1 Transmissions, incorporating a Quaife limited-slip differential, solid main shaft, custom internals and an extra-long fifth gear. The adjustable front suspension is fully Rose jointed and braking is via 300mm vented discs and 6-piston Wilwood callipers. The pedal box is Tilton and the road wheels are replica BRM pin-drive, shod with Avon C2R road/race tyres. In pursuit of originality, the car has a modified front nostril to create the correct cooling and down force at high speed, and is fitted with original SEV Marchal driving lights and correct rear lighting. Twin-condenser air conditioning has been installed to reduce heat in the cockpit, which is a real must for these cars. '6392 RO' has covered a mere 500 miles on the new engine and comes complete with invoices totalling £52,000 spent on its development since acquisition, which does not include the original purchase price. Developed and set up by Frank Catt of Wealden Engineering over several years, this most exciting road or track-day GTD40 is offered with current MoT/tax and Swansea V5C registration document.