Written by independent automotive journalist Steve Statham
In motorsports, some victories stand atop a podium all their own. Even decades later, the memories still burn bright, and the achievements maintain their luster.
Among the unforgettable highlights in racing history are Ford Motor Company’s run of victories in the 1960s at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the famed GT40 sports cars. Ford plowed extraordinary resources into its Le Mans effort, placing its reputation on the line, and the gamble paid off big. The GT40 won Le Mans four straight years, from 1966-69, along with victories at America’s top endurance races at Sebring and Daytona.
It was a MKII GT40 fielded by Shelby American that first won in 1966, with drivers Bruce McLaren and Chris Amon behind the wheel. Although the finish was wrapped in controversy that can still animate fans even today, the victors’ names are etched in the record books.
Shelby entries took the top two positions that year. It was a meaningful victory for Carroll Shelby, who had won the race as a driver in 1959 and had now returned to win as a team owner. It remains a milestone for the company that still bears his name. In 2016 Shelby American announced a run of 50th Anniversary continuation GT40s honoring that 1966 victory. Number 14 of the 20 commissioned by Shelby American will be offered with No Reserve at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Fall Auction, presented by Gila River Resorts & Casinos, Oct. 10-13 at WestWorld.
These continuation cars are no mere look-alikes. According to Shelby, two-thirds of the parts are interchangeable with the original 1966 GT40 race cars. The cars are true to the original GT40 MKII’s dimensions, at 163 inches long and 40 inches high. They are built around an original-style steel monocoque unibody chassis, have fully independent suspension, and were available in both left-hand and right-hand drive. Original features such as 15-inch Halibrand-style wheels, fixed-back racing seats with cooling grommets, Smiths gauges and race toggle switches keep the vintage driving experience authentic. (One welcome exception is air conditioning, which this car has.)
Visually, the car is patterned after the race-winning GT40 piloted by McLaren and Amon. The Gloss Black paint and Silver stripes are accented by white roundels featuring the number 2. Additional detailing includes covered headlights and fog lights, ducts on the front fenders, plexiglass side windows with pop-out vents, red tow hooks, quick-jack front bumperettes, a ducktail spoiler and rear clamshell air intakes.
The MKII GT40s that raced in competition were powered by 7-liter (427ci) big-block Ford V8s. This 50th Anniversary edition carries on that mega-motor tradition with an aluminum 496ci V8 engine fitted with a Holley 4-barrel carburetor. Breathing through distinctive “bundle of snakes” headers that lead to polished center outlets, this is one engine that delivers a rumble that will never pass unnoticed. Other highlights include an aluminum radiator with electric cooling fans and Shelby finned valve covers. The engine is teamed with a Quaife 5-speed manual transaxle, and Wilwood brakes provide stopping power.
In addition to the vintage gauges and switches, the cockpit features an interior roll bar, removable leather-wrapped steering wheel, Carroll Shelby door sill plates and a numbered 50th Anniversary dash plaque.
Like the GT40 itself, 1966 Le Mans winner Bruce McLaren established a racing legacy that endures to this day. As a driver, McLaren scored victories in Formula 1 and Can-Am races, before being killed in a crash at Goodwood in England in 1970. But the race team he founded continues to operate and has gone on to become one of the most successful F1 teams in history, winning eight Constructors’ Championships and 12 Drivers’ Championships.
The Shelby 50th Anniversary GT40 MKII commemorates one of the most consequential periods in motorsports history. A treasured piece from The Alan Smith Collection, the car comes with a copy of the Certificate of Origin naming Shelby American and is Shelby Registry-eligible.
With 330 miles on the build, this continuation GT40 celebrates the past, but has a bright future ahead of it. The winning bidder at WestWorld will have ample opportunities to add to GT40 history and lore.
The Shelby 50th Anniversary GT40 MKII commemorates one of the most consequential periods in motorsports history. The winning bidder at WestWorld will have ample opportunities to add to GT40 history and lore.