2020 Ford GT40 Recreation by Tornado

Highlights

• A superb recreation of the famous Ford GT40
• 5.8-litre ‘small block’ V8
• In superb condition throughout
• Long MOT with no advisories
• Racing harnesses, right-hand gearchange, fared-in headlights

Overview

The Ford GT40 sits at the very pinnacle of automotive royalty, having broken Ferrari’s seemingly unbreakable dominance at Le Mans in 1966. This was an amazing feat, with no American company having won a significant victory on European soil since 1921.

This isn’t a Ford GT40. But with values of original cars reaching into the many millions, it is as close as we mere mortals can come to owning one of these truly historic cars. Tornado Sports Cars have perfected the art of imitation, sculpting superbly crafted bodies which perfectly evoke the spirit of Le Mans ’66. So if you want to be able to live the dream of opening your own garage door to reveal a GT40 parked inside, then this is the car for you.

At its heart sits the 5.8-litre Ford ‘small block’ V8 engine mated to a transaxle, which powers the wide rear wheels. This engine is proudly displayed through the rear window, with its Weber carburettor sitting atop the V8 unit. And the driving experience begins as you step into the car, through the distinctively shaped doors, over the humungous sills, and lower yourself down into the almost horizontal driving position.

Driving this car is an event. It will attract all the right kind of attention wherever you go and provide hours of entertainment to you on both road and track. We can’t all sit in the pantheon of driving Gods, but we can certainly try to get as close as possible.

History and Documentation

• First registered on 1st October 2020
• The seller is the first registered keeper
• Registered as a kit-built car
• MOT valid until 30th September 2024
• No MOT advisories
• Registered as a Tornado
• The chassis plate states that the date of manufacture as November 2003
• HPI clear

Interior

• An ultra-low seating position only adds to the sensation of speed in this car
• Brass eyelets provide ventilation in the seats
• Willans five-point racing harnesses for both driver and passenger
• Right-hand gear change
• Straight in front of the driver is the tachometer, with the speedometer located far away on the left side of the dashboard
• There are toggle switches, gauges, and warning lights aplenty
• Like the original cars, trim is lightweight and sparing
• And also like the originals, you have a lot of sill to traverse when entering and exiting

Exterior

• Expertly sculpted fibreglass body panels
• The folks at Tornado certainly know how to sculpt a worthy tribute to the original GT40
• Race numbers, twin white stripes, three-pronged wheel nuts, a single wiper blade, it’s all there
• Tornado state that their body panels are so authentic that they have been used in the restoration of original GT40s
• There is no crazing or scuffs reported
• The underside shows few signs of wear or tear, with the car clearly having been used sparingly
• A fabulous choice of colours accentuates the car’s lines, with plenty of scoops and vents to please the eye
• The fared-in headlamps, Perspex windows and sliding ventilation covers add to the racing aesthetic
• 17-inch BK Racing alloy wheels front and rear are in excellent condition

Mechanical

• Ford 351 cubic inch ‘small block’ V8 engine - registered as 5,800cc
• The engine is proudly on display through the rear window
• Tornado Sports Cars state that this engine can be tuned to produce between 225 and 550hp
• Fuel is delivered via a single Weber carburettor, which can require some persuasion to start when cold
• The exhaust manifold is a piece of art, looking like a sculpture of an octopus
• We’re told by the vendor that the car drives perfectly and stops in a straight line
• The suspension components are beautifully polished - a fabulously unnecessary detail
• Braided hoses used throughout the fuel and hydraulic systems

Summary

Take this car to a track day at Le Mans and you’ll be pretty much as close as you can get to reliving first-hand the seismic victory won by Ford in 1966. Hearing that V8 engine at full chat just behind you as you power through the corners would surely raise the hairs on the back of your neck.

And this isn’t some poorly executed, slapdash attempt at a recreation. It looks fantastic on the road, with its low stance, expertly crafted body panels, and those fabulous wheels. We could spend hours just looking at the exhaust manifold, it’s so mesmerising. In all, this is certainly more than your average kit car.

To arrange a viewing, please request this in the Q&A section. You can click through to the seller's profile and use the 'Email Me' function to arrange a viewing privately. This seller is located in Coalville, Leicestershire.

The seller is happy to deliver the car in UK mainland.