Want a GT40 MK I? Here’s Your Chance…Sorta
With a fearsome Godzilla big block powerplant and a Ford title, this Superperformance GT40 is as close as you can get to the real deal.
The Ford GT40 is perhaps one of the most sought-after vehicles on the planet. With Hagerty valuations in “good” condition well over the $5 million mark, though, there’s a pretty limited customer base. Sure, there are some that can afford to swing that deal and will jump at the opportunity to buy one. However, for the rest of us, this might be the best chance we’ll ever have at GT40 seat time. While “replica” likely is the correct term here, it’s a bit less black and white than you’d think.
This Superperformance GT40 MK I is currently available on Bring A Trailer. For those unfamiliar, Superperformance makes continuation cars. It’s the only company licensed by the official trademark holder of the GT40 to sell cars under the GT40 name. They have actual GT40/P chassis numbers and are in the official GT40 registration. In addition, this one has a Ford title with the model year 1969 on it. Whether or not you consider it a “real” GT40 is your problem. That said, there is a substantial price difference between a Superperformance car and an authentic ’60s GT40. That’s all we’ll add to that argument.
‘Real’ or Not, It Is Real Cool
The Superformance GTs are phenomenal. The majority of parts on these cars are interchangeable with authentic Ford GT40s. However, modern technology allows for some modern comforts and virtually unlimited customization. So, this example has air conditioning, variable power steering, a hydraulic front-end lift system, and Bilstein coilover suspension. Though it’s still tiny, it’s got an awful lot more creature comforts than an original GT40.
In addition, modern builds mean modern power plants. This example has the ferocious 7.3-liter Ford Godzilla big-block V8. In fact, it’s the very first example to get the Godzilla power plant, according to the included paperwork. It has a custom eight-stack fuel-injection system with billet custom valve covers, a dry sump system with a billet oil pan, and a standalone ECU with drive-by-wire. It pushes 500 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels via a five-speed transaxle with a Quaife limited-slip differential.
Inside, it has seats with ventilated grommets, Gulf Racing livery-inspired gauges, and, as you’re likely aware, not a lot of room for much else. Still, it’s pretty spectacular to look at. I’m over six feet tall, but given the opportunity, I’d try to shoehorn myself in to take a spin in a heartbeat!
Not Affordable, but a Lot More Attainable
Ultimately, this car is not going to be cheap by any stretch of the imagination. When new, a Superformance GT40 can cost up to $450,000 from the factory. Though we’re not quite qualified to put an estimated sale price on it, we can say without a doubt that the new owner is likely to enjoy it. Who cares if others don’t consider it to be a “real” GT40? At the end of the day, it’s got a real GT40 chassis number, goes in the GT40 registry, and comes with air conditioning and 500 horsepower. That’s a win in our book.
Photos: Bring A Trailer
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