Autoblog

Click above for high-res gallery of the Superformance MkII GT40

Perhaps the greatest achievement of Americans in motorsports is winning the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans. Ford and Shelby brought home not only the overall victory, but the Ford GT40 captured the top three spots. It was a resounding victory for an American team with an American car.

Those wanting to play the role of Ken Miles or Bruce McLaren have a cheaper alternative than purchasing one of the three original GT40s that made a photo finish at Le Mans. Superformance and Shelby Distribution USA have created a Shelby 85th Commemorative MkII GT40 celebrating Shelby's birthday and the 1966 victory that can be ordered in the same paint schemes as those top three GT40s. Lest you think this is a mere replicar, the Superformance GT40 is 90% interchangeable with the original race car. Both street and race versions are available, with power coming from a Shelby-branded Roush V8 crate motor. Only 85 of each color will be produced, and each will be included in the Shelby Registry. Follow the jump for the press release.

Gallery: Superformance GT40 MkII

PRESS RELEASE

In celebration of Carroll Shelby's 85th birthday, Shelby Distribution USA under license from Shelby Licensing and in partnership with Shelby Automobiles Inc. will reproduce the three dominating Shelby American GT40 race cars that accomplished one of the greatest feats in American automotive racing history into a street legal vehicle that can be driven or simply collected. These rolling chassis will receive a Shelby Automobiles Inc. MSO and will be recorded in the Shelby Registry along with the Safir GT40 Spares LLC assigned licensed mark, identification number and registry that confirms these cars as newly manufactured variants of the original GT40.

The MKII Shelby GT40s will be based on the following cars. Only 85 of each color will be issued.

Car #1, Chassis P/1015 - Arcadian Blue, White Stripes/Dark Blue borders, and Dayglo Red Fender Flashes
Car #2, Chassis P/1046 - Black with solid Silver Stripes and White Roundels
Car #3, Chassis P/1047 - Red with solid White Stripes and Roundels

Features Include:

• Record sale into the Shelby Registry
• Shelby MSO and dash plaque
• Carroll Shelby engraved door handles
• Carroll Shelby etched left and right front head light covers
• Roundels with 85 numbe decals
• Leather seating
• Hood wind diffusers
• CS GT40 numbered plaque
• CS GT40 side sill graphics
• Carroll Shelby signature floor and sill mats
• 85th Commemorative hood badge
• 85th Special Edition decal
• Available in right and left hand drive