1965 Ford GT40 Continuation
Details
Description
One of the most recognised and successful GT40's in the World!
- 2017 Goodwood Revival Whitsun Trophy Winner
- 2017 Bernina Gran Turismo Winner
- Officially Licensed Shelby Continuation Model
- FIA HTP Registered
- £150,000 spent by JD Classics to make it one of the most competitive GT40's in the world!
- The only sanctioned Shelby GT40 MK1 Continuation Model
- Eligible for GT40 Register and Shelby American Automobile Club Register.
After success with the Daytona Coupe in 1964, Shelby-American became more heavily involved in Ford's GT40 Sports Prototype racing programme, which had experienced disappointing results. Shelby made changes to running gear, particularly transmissions, to improve reliability, and designed their GT40 Mark II variant around Ford's 7.0-litre (427 cu in) engine. In 1966, the Mark II earned Ford the overall Constructors' title in the World Sportscar Championship with their 1-2-3 finish at Le Mans.
The Superformance GT40 is the only officially sanctioned continuation model. Carroll Shelby gave Superformance permission to construct officially designated GT40/P numbered chassis. This Continuation car carries a GT40 P-chassis number and is legally entitled to use the GT40 name and can be entered into the GT40 Register in view of their exceptional levels of authenticity.
Indeed so accurate are the Superformance GT40 Continuation models that the majority of parts are interchangeable with those of an original. Fitted with a Warrior engine, the chassis is an exact replication of the original monocoque uni-body structure down to the pressed steel roof spider. The front and rear independent suspension features the original race car design. The Continuation cars also accurately replicate the wheel hubs, uprights, instruments, steering, dash, "bundle of snakes" exhaust headers, catches and latches and many other components. This RHD example is fitted with an original style sill-mounted gear changer.
Built in 2014 for JD Classics client, John Young, Chassis P2262 was prepared for racing and granted FIA Historic Technical Papers (HTP) in 2016. These are valid until 2026.
Chassis P2262 ran in the 2016 Goodwood Members Meeting Alan Mann Trophy two driver race driven by JD Classic hot shot Chris Ward and owner John Young. The car ran competitively qualifying 13th but retired on 20th lap with gear linkage problems.
In 2016 the car came out again for the Goodwood Revival’s hotly contested Whitsun Trophy. This time driven solely by Chris Ward, Chassis P2262 finished first of six GT40s home and 4th overall behind a Lotus Oldsmobile 19, Lola T70 and a Lotus 30. During the race Chris Ward started lapping almost three seconds quicker than the lead car, proving both the GT40 was superbly set up by JD Classics and Chris was a wet weather specialist! During the race he set quickest lap of the day.
At the 2017 Goodwood Members Meeting Chassis P2262, again piloted by Chris Ward, lined up for the Surtees Trophy in 8th position after a qualifying session that was dominated by Lola T70’s. Chris Ward got away cleanly and started to make up places but in the fading light a collision occurred bringing out the safety car. When racing resumed Chris Ward raced to the flag climbing to 5th overall.
At Goodwood again in 2017 for the Goodwood Revival ‘show race’, The Whitsun Trophy, which saw the worst of British weather. Proving once more to be a wet weather specialist, Chris Ward, put in a lap late into qualifying that ultimately put him P3 for the race on Saturday. Come the race the rain stayed in place and there followed an epic duel between the yellow GT40 driven by Nick Padmore and Chassis P2262 driven by Chris Ward. By the final chequered flag Chris Ward took the win 3 seconds ahead of Nick Padmore.
As 2017 drew to a close, an event with origins dating back to 1929, the Bernina Gran Turismo, had yet to conclude. This historic race, initiated in 1929, experienced a brief two-year run before concerns over safety prompted its suspension, only to be revived and reinstated in 2015. Spanning a challenging 5.6-kilometer ascent up the Bernina Pass, the hill climb commences from La Rosa, culminating triumphantly at the summit of the pass, Bernina Hospiz.
During this event, Chassis P2262, once again under the command of the seasoned driver Chris Ward, seized victory by achieving the fastest time recorded throughout the weekend, securing the highest accolades. Returning to Goodwood for the 2018 Members Meeting, Chassis P2262 was this time driven by John Young in the Gurney Cup. Competing against some of the best drivers in historic racing, well known Gentleman Driver John Young brought the car back a very credible 8th out of 21 cars.
This was to be the last competitive race for chassis P2262 and in 2019 the car was acquired by the famous chef and car collector James Martin. James used the car sparingly since whilst having the car maintained with no expense spared by marquee specialists.
The car has recently been subject to a professional detailing and ceramic coating and is ready to be taken back to the track either as the ultimate track-day weapon or in competition and pick up the winning streak of its first chapter.
A unique opportunity presents itself to procure an officially authorized Continuation GT40 with a race-proven pedigree, highly suited for participation in historic events, offered at a considerably reduced cost compared to an original GT40.
Racing History
2016
Goodwood Members Meeting - Alan Mann Trophy
Goodwood Revival - Whitsun Trophy
1st Place of 6 in GT40 Class, 4th Overall
2017
Goodwood Members Meeting - Surtees Trophy
Goodwood Revival – Whitsun Trophy
1st Place – Overall Winner
2017 Bernina Gran Turismo
1st Place – Overall Winner
2018
Goodwood Members Meeting - Gurney Cup
8th of 21 placed
