One look at the legendary Ford GT40, and the first expression that comes to mind is ‘cruise missile’. With a slippery shape and razor edge lines that are as alluring as they are wind-cheating, it LIVES to run, and anything less than triple digit speeds is just a waste of time. Built by Olthoff Racing in Mt. Ulla, NC, this Superformance GT40 MK II is as close to an original GT40 as you can get. In fact this car is so authentic that it is officially recognized by the SAAC GT40 world registry with a real GT40 MK II VIN and, according to Superformance, can interchange 90 percent of its parts with an original car. Built as a legitimate continuation of the original MK II and capable of almost inconceivable levels of performance, this incredible GT40 is the perfect investment for someone who wants the ultimate thrill ride!

I don’t think the extreme, purpose-built nature of the GT40 really occurs to most people until they see one up close and personal. At just 40 inches tall, the driver is more or less lying in the car rather than sitting; and that low slung profile, when combined with the car’s buckled down front end and sawed off tail, create one wicked looking creation. Weighing in 150 pounds lighter than an original MK II, this Superformance GT40 utilizes a traditional pressed steel roof and high quality fiberglass body panels for a sealed and noise-free construction. Hand layered for extra strength and rigidity, and attached to the chassis with a composite adhesive, those fiberglass panels add both form and function by helping keep the cars frame stiff and aligned during hard cornering and presenting a smooth canvas for a top notch three layer paint job. Supplied by PPG and buffed to a brilliant shine, this MK IIs contemporary and timeless coat of Sunset Red and Titanium basecoat/clearcoat creates a look which will have people marveling at its reflections for hours on end. It isn’t easy to create a show stopper like this out of complex fiberglass shapes, and this GT40s excellent fit and finish is a testament to both the OEM quality of its manufacturer and the true talents of its builder.

While this killer GT40 is best experienced in the flesh, look closely at the photos and you’ll be able to see the amount of impressive and accurate details that were engineered into the design from day one. At the front of the car, new headlights, new driving lights and new chrome trimmed parking lights are housed vertically behind aerodynamic Lexan covers. Between those lights, a slightly canted grille opening houses satin black bumperettes at the sides of a cross flow radiator which catches fresh air for cooling and provides much needed downforce during triple digits speeds. At the back of the radiator fans, polished fuel caps for the cars original-style fuel tanks sit in front of a new glass windshield that’s cleared by a street legal windshield wiper; and original style vented Lexan side windows sit below a traditional, painted Gurney bubble. At the sides of the car, expressive rear fenders incorporate air intakes for the massive motor behind satin finished door handles and cowl hinges which sit flush below pristine chrome bullet-style racing mirrors. At the back of the car, a Lexan engine cover displays the cars spectacular Roush 427 in front of three more original style air intakes and a subtle metal decklid spoiler. Below that decklid spoiler, vertically oriented chrome trimmed tail lights sit at the sides of a mesh rear valence which hangs centered Aero Turbine exhaust tips above a satin black rear tow bar.

By law, Superformance is not allowed to sell their cars with a complete drivetrain, but they’ll gladly point their customers to suggested powertrain providers. Looking to maximize both power and curb appeal, the previous owner of this GT40 decided to opt for a killer $26K Roush Performance 427IR. Creating a stout 10:25 to 1 compression ratio, 427IR number 488 utilizes a forged steel internally balanced crank, forged steel H-beam rods, Wiseco forged pistons with plasma moly rings and lightweight pins, a Roush proprietary cam, high performance aluminum heads, and hydraulic rollers to produce 560 horsepower and 540 lb./ft. of torque on a premium pump gas. That air/fuel mixture is supplied by a fully CNC ported intake which receives air from a Weber-style eight stack induction system, and a Roush calibrated electronic fuel injection system which receives fuel from a high volume electronic fuel pump. Fire comes courtesy of MSD High Performance ignition which utilizes a dual-sync distributor to send spark through Roush plug wires. And lubrication is supplied by a high output oil pump that draws oil, which is cooled by an original-style oil cooler, from an eight quart powder coated oil pan. The clean 427 is 100% show ready from its trick machined “Roush V Eight” valve covers to its original-style, ceramic coated ‘bundle of snakes’ headers; and with a 0-60 time of less than 4 seconds and a claimed top speed of 230 MPH, it’s one brutally powerful piece or automotive art!

The bottom of the GT40 MK II is as simple as it is technical with the entire undercarriage, save for the engine and rear axle, being covered in aerodynamic, flat black belly pans. The chassis is a well-constructed original-style monocoque set up which rides on an original style front a-arm and rear coil spring suspension. Turns come courtesy of traditional manual steering which combines with front and rear original-style anti-roll bars to provide the tight cornering GT cars are known for. Stops are provided by a modern four wheel Wilwood Superlite brake system which includes four piston calipers, braided hoses and vented rotors. And behind the engine, a $10K RBT ZF 25DS-2 5-speed manual transaxle sends power from an aluminum flywheel and McLeod hydraulic throw out bearing directly to the rear wheels. Recommended by Superformance as the best transaxle for this car, the RBT turns thrust from the stout 427 into an unbeatable combination of instant acceleration and traditional GT car top speed. All that power flows to the ground through precise looking 17 inch Halibrand style wheels that are fitted with anodized spinners and 245/40 front and 335/35 rear Michelin Pilot Sport radials.

This GT40s interior is every bit as nice and authentic as its fiberglass body. Original-style bucket seats wear upgraded leather surfaces with authentic silver rivets and Willians 4-point racing harnesses. At the front of the car, an original-style dash hangs a correct Smiths gauge layout, which includes a 200 MPH speedometer and 8,000 RPM tachometer above an original-style adjustable pedal box. At the bottom of the car, an offset driver-biased tunnel holds a repositioned shifter and standard emergency brake above like-new black carpet which displays colorful “GT40” embroidery over original-style door sill fuel tanks. Above those fuel tanks, original-style Hartswell door latches and catches secure doors which feature both basic door panels and driver’s side controls for the standard equipment air conditioning system. In front of the driver, an original-style removable steering wheel features a colorful “GT40” logo at the center of gloss black spokes and a leather rim; and behind the driver, a Lexan window provides constant monitoring of the 427 engine. Everything is essentially new from the carpet to the headliner, and with the addition of a few street friendly refinements, this purpose-built cockpit has become a surprisingly comfortable place to spend highway time.

Documentation with this sale includes receipts for the build, GT40 MK II literature and information from Superformance, the cars original owner’s manual and warranty book, and a stack of paperwork pertaining to the SAAC registry.

Fully-sorted and scary fast, this Superformance MK II is ready to hit the track as soon as it rolls off the trailer. The fact that it’s expertly finished and packs show stopping good looks is merely icing on the cake. Few cars can carry the legendary heritage of a GT40, and this Superformance MK II is certainly worthy of the name. Don’t miss your opportunity to own an amazing piece of GT history!