Dominating Le Mans from 1966 through 1969 helps, but let's face it: The Ford GT40 is one of the most stunning race car designs of all time. When unveiled in April of '63 in England, the sports car was light years ahead of any endurance machine it competed against. First raced at the German 1000km Nrburgring in May of '64, the GT40 took two years to develop before its four-year stranglehold on Le Mans. When Le Mans 1966 rolled around, GT40 Mk IIs finished 1-2-3. Powered by Ford 427ci big-blocks, they beat the snot out of all comers, including Ferrari.
For '67, the team of Dan Gurney/A.J. Foyt took first overall, in a GT40 Mk IV, while Bruce McLaren/Mark Donohue captured fourth, also with a Mk IV. The Mk IVs used the same powerplants as the previous year, the beasty 427ci thumpers, but had all-new chassis and bodywork.
A rule change in 1968 limited engine displacement in the sports car class to 5 liters. The first developed GT40 Mk Is used 4.7L (289ci) engines. Though Ford Racing didn't campaign them, Pedro Rodriguez/Lucien Bianchi won with a Mk I in '68, backed by John Wyer Automotive Engineering. For '69, Jacky Ickx/Jackie Oliver piloted the very same Mk I to victory, by barely beating a smaller displacement 3L Porsche 908. In racing circles, the Ford GT40 was already obsolete. Without the big dollars of Ford Racing to continue its development, GT40s weren't even entered in Le Mans in 1970.
Ford Racing produced GT40 Mk Is, Mk IIs, Mk IIIs, and Mk IVs. The Is, IIs, and IVs were race cars. There were only 31 Mk III street cars produced. At the time, these street machines weren't very desirable, as they weren't very aesthetically pleasing. They were lengthened in the rear to accommodate a luggage bin behind de-tuned 335hp, 289ci engines. They had four headlights, softened shocks, a shift lever moved to the middle of the cockpit, and were available with the steering wheels on the left side of the car.
Of the four versions of the Ford GT40, the Mk I has always been the favorite for vintage race car collectors and replicar enthusiasts. It's what the new Ford GT is modeled after, and also what most kit car manufacturers are interested in creating for the buying public.
Alan DeClue and Robert Silva, from Oakley, California, are racing buddies. Alan owns a 2001 CAV GT40 Mk I. Bob's is a 2004 CAV GT40 Mk I. Both of these guys' significant others put up with them racing their GT40s at various racetracks throughout the West Coast and improving them for the track and street in their spare time. KIT CAR met them, and one other CAV GT40 owner, at the NCKCC 2006 Handcrafted Automobile Concourse (January '07 KIT CAR). Like the 1966 Le Mans GT40 winners, they travel and show up as a trio. We arranged to photograph the cars at a future date, possibly at a racetrack in Northern California.
Thanks to the Shelby Club sponsoring some track time at Thunderhill Raceway Park, in Willows, California, we were able to see Alan and Bob's Mk Is at speed in their natural environment. Since Alan and Robert are members of the Bay Area Cobra Club, KIT CAR was also invited to partake in the club's informal breakfast meeting, which is held every Saturday morning, rain or shine. To be surrounded by Daytona Coupes, GT40s, Cobras, and various other track cars for most of a weekend is something every GT40-, Cobra-, or kit car-phile needs to do at least once in their life. How lucky are Robert and Alan that they enjoy these sorts of weeks and weekends all the time? That's the beauty of owning a kit car.
Alan DeClue's '01 CAV GT40 Mk I,
Bob Silva's '04 CAV GT40 Mk I |
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The drivetrain powering Alan DeClue's GT40 is a Ford 351W based 418ci stroker that produces 540 hp, backed by an Audi five-speed. Soon, an Audi six-speed will be the gearbox of choice, enabling speeds of up to 213 mph. Where's the nearest racetrack? |
Twin electric fans and a brass radiator keep Alan's engine coolant/water mixture at optimal operating temperature. |
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A must-have safety-regulated component in any race car, a fully charged fire extinguisher is easily within reach of the driver. Oakley Auto Upholstery trimmed the seats with black leather and ventilation grommets, just as the original seats were upholstered. |
VDO Instruments fill the Mk I's dash. |
Since personal item storage is at a premium in a racing GT40, CAV (now Auto Futura) fitted storage bins within the doors. |
Sparco aluminum drilled racing pedals handle Robert's rapid acceleration, brake, and clutch footwork. SMITH gauges fill the GT40's dash panel. There's also a CD player and AM/FM stereo for when Mr. Silva doesn't want to hear the symphony of the Ford small-block. |
In Bob Silva's racy red GT40 resides a 480hp 347ci Ford stroker engine that started life as a 302ci. The powerplant is mated to a ZF six-speed. |
Yep, that's really Carroll Shelby's signature. He doesn't sign replicas too often. He must have been impressed with Robert's car. |
Despite having a freeze plug pop out the side of the 418ci stroker mill, Mr. DeClue had a new plug in place and was on the Thunderhill racetrack the same day taking more hot laps. He had help from several buddies, who made a mad dash to an open auto parts store, and assisted him in installing the new freeze plug. |
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