[Brian Kissel]

Hello Mike !! The information I read some time ago, stated that they had a hydraulic shock style opener. Not to be confused with the electric over hydraulic powered unit that Jim has on his beautiful Lola. They used a unit similar to what is found on a lot of factory hatchbacks, like the Camaros and Trans Am's. Some teams removed them, because it took to long to change drivers, and replaced them with prop rods. In Starkeys book when talking about the first Mark III's (1967 & 1968), they are bragging them up. I quote " A notable feature was the gullwing doors fitted with a positive lock "T" handle on the outside to try and overcome the problem which the Ford GT40 had suffered of doors lifting at speed." By 1969 they realized that they weren't the answer either, as explained in my earlier post. Being race cars, I think the crews threw on whatever the driver liked best. As for me, I like the gullwings, but think the garage door style "T" handle in the middle of the door is just plain butt ugly. But then again, that is just my opinion, for whatever thats worth.