GT40 reference materials

I'm heavy into the research stage of my project. I have plenty of time to figure out exactly what I want to do, before I get started. However, it is difficult to find a comprehensive reference source for the 1960's GT40 serial numbers. Specifically, how each car was configured, painted, livery, etc.

Also, I can't find any consistent information on the basic layout of the chassis and components. I've seen the Haynes manual and a lot of photos, but the information seems inconsistent as most of the original cars were restored at some point.

What does the FAI and other officially sanctioned bodies use to judge or confirm authenticity of a GT40? For that matter, what does a restorer use? I'll be building a replica, but when I'm able I want to be as true to the original as possible.

Thanks,
J
 

Mike Pass

Supporter
Book with lots of info: GT40 An Individual History and Race Record by Ronnie Spain. Usually a few around on Ebay.
Cheers
Mike
 
FIA scrutinners follow mostly all forms that have been deposited when homologation of the car was due on the era of the car
Then Manufacturer had to amend those form each time something essential was modified from what have been homologated ; for example
brakes , gearbox ......
So when you start the long road to have "FIA papers " for an historic vehicle you will need to follow strictly those forms stating what sort of components where homolgated "in period"

Autentcity in a replica is only up to the owner to show to others that he is doing a nice build and he personaly like to have something as much as possible looking like the real deal
A replica will be always a replica ; with or without those nice items in

At opposite " Continuations" need to be very close to ; so building such cars it is mandatory to assemble only parts that have been fully homologated on FIA forms
To my actual knowledge continuations are limited to a very restricted number of company ( those company must be "homologated" before by FIA )

You can get copy of those forms but they are not free !! and will cost you more than a nice dinner !!!
 
Thanks for the responses. I'm not wanting to build a continuation car. But, if the car is a tribute to a specific chassis, I'd like to do as much as I can $$$ to be true to the original. Mike recommended Ronnie Spain's book, I've also now found a similar publishing by Trevor Legate. Thanks. The more information the better!
 

Mike Pass

Supporter
This may be of interest if you want to look at an original style steel monocoque. It all depends on how original you want versus cost.


Cheers
Mike
 
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Interesting to see the LG500 transaxle mentioned in those papers. I have seen/heard mention of this transaxle being used twice before. I just don’t know which chassis it was used in.
 
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Somewhere you stated;
" I'm a FNG to the forum, but have been following the GT40 for decades. I'm updating my research with the plan of starting my RCR GT40 MkII by the end of 2020. "
Even not building a continuation ;
A part painting the body with a"livery" replicating some car that raced in the past what sort of money do you want to spend for other tribute ?
Real one's had steel chassis ... seems the kit you are thinking to "start" is welded aluminium
Suspensions where brased whishbones ...seems the ones in the kit are machined parts from billet
And some more ..... ( pedals , tank , gearbox, brakes........)
Will be interesting to know on where of your built do you intend to be close to the real deal ??
so it will be easier to dig out pics of those "real area" to help you thinding "in period" stuff;)
 
Interesting to see the LG500 transaxle mentioned in those papers. I have seen/heard mention of this transaxle being used twice before. I just don’t know which chassis it was used in.
You are right Ryan ; me too !!! I didn't know that they amended in 1968 the homologation to add the LG 600 ( not the 500 which is a4 speed)
May be the Mirage car ?????
 
Merry Christmas, all. Michel, I apologize if I misused the term "tribute." I brought up this and the FIA, thinking that there must be organizations that have accurate and standardized documentation on the '60's GT40's. How else would they evaluate a car, and how else would a restorer build the car? The purpose of this thread is to chat about reference material. I think the books already mentioned are a good start! Thank you.

Mine will be a replica car, most probably an RCR40. However, it is important to make the car look and perform as close to the original as financially possible. Currently, I'm wanting to build a Mark 2. So, it will have a 427 FE engine with Holley carb(s). A good example of the sacrifices that will be made (along with the chassis), is the transaxle. A rare T-44 will be replaced with something more available and serviceable. Based on my research, I will decide how much I'm willing to spend.

I'm off to the Christmas tree to see if I was naughty or nice this year! I suspect I will have coal for the furnace!
 
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A good example of the sacrifices that will be made (along with the chassis), is the transaxle. A rare T-44 will be replaced with something more available and serviceable. Based on my research, I will decide how much I'm willing to spend.

I'm off to the Christmas tree to see if I was naughty or nice this year! I suspect I will have coal for the furnace!

:) :)
Quaife Zf replica ??? would this be a good choice ???
Don't know if able to afford your 427 FE power ???
any advises on this ?
 

EDIT - not sure i can get the first one to work, should be "Shelby Cars in Detail by Frank Barrett "






and of course the Ronnie Spain book.

there is copies of the GT40 spare parts book/price list on ebay from time to time.
 
Ryan, thank you! Now I have a reading list! Santa brought me the Haynes Ford GT40 manual. I'll be shopping for Ronnie Spain's most recent edition, and others. Thank you.
 

Ian Anderson

Lifetime Supporter
Talking of Ronnie Spain........ has anyone any news of his updated book?

i thought it was due two years back but on checking I note it was 2014 so five years and still no update!

ian
 

Randy V

Moderator-Admin
Staff member
Admin
Lifetime Supporter
Talking of Ronnie Spain........ has anyone any news of his updated book?

i thought it was due two years back but on checking I note it was 2014 so five years and still no update!

ian
No sign of Ronnie Ian... I hope he is well....
 
I have just about all the books on these cars. If I could only have a couple they would be ones by Ronnie Spain and John S Allen (John & Gordon Jones, in the case of 'The Ford That Beat Ferrari') (now on its 3rd edition)

This Christmas I received a new book 'Ford versus Ferrari' The battle for supremacy at Le Mans 1966, published by Veloce.
Probably published on the back of the recent, entertaining, but inaccurate film of the same name. (known as Le Mans 66 in UK cinemas)
I've only skip read it so far but, it jumps about ie., talking of Allan Mann Escorts in reference to the 1966 season. A whole two years before the Escort was launched....
The picture of a German Taunus rally car, is described as a Cortina run by Ford UK....
Chassis number GT40P/1088 'today' is pictured? I'm sure it's actually Ford UK's GT40P/1008 during the period when it was in Gulf colours, many years ago. '1008 has been mocked up as the 1966 Le Mans winner for an even longer period now.........
Mirage pictured described as a GT40...
Several MK3's pictured that are Mk1 road cars....

The authors that are well known, are well known & respected for a reason !
Happy new year, Steve
 
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