1997 Ford GT40 Evocation by GTD

£ 84 450

Factory Built.
Frank Catt upgrades including suspension and fuel dump system.
Freshly built Ford 351 Windsor engine.

Since 1960, Henry Ford had wanted to have a Ford race at Le Mans. After dealings with Ferrari fell through, Ford decided to produce his own car and began negotiations with Lola Cars manager Eric Broadley. The agreement between the two called for a year-long collaboration that included the sale of two Lola MK6 chassis to Ford. Soon after Ford hired ex-Aston Martin team manager John Wyer to work with the Ford Motor Co. engineer Roy Lunn on what was to become the Ford GT.

The original GT40 and MK1, designed by Lunn, was prepared at the specially established, Ford Advanced Vehicles facility in the UK. Abbey Panels constructed the advanced monocoque chassis and the drive train finally chosen was the 289 Ford V8 mated to a Coletti transaxle. During the GT40’s racing history a variety of Ford engines were used.

The GT made its debut at the Nürburgring in May ’64 and followed up the appearance with 24 hrs of Le Mans. The cars failed to finish both races – a devastating blow to the Ford Team. Although they were not successful at Le Mans in 64 or 65, their obvious potential led Ford to continue racing them and in 1966 Ford made American racing history with a dominant one, two and three finish over Ferrari at Le Mans.

Purchased by its current owner an avid GT40 enthusiast in 2020 the car was given to marque expert Frank Catt of Wealdon Engineering. He was tasked with a no expense sparred rebuild which included fitting a freshly built SD Engineering Ford 351 V8 Windsor engine producing 400+ bhp and driven through a 5-speed manual transmission with the gear selector correctly positioned. Other upgrades included Frank’s suspension upgrades along with fitting a hot start fuel dump system, the latest Holley carburettor, brakes and steering upgrade.