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

We are big fans of Superformance, makers of the Cobra, Daytona Coupe, and GT40 replicas that have the blessing (and licensing agreement) of Carroll Shelby. When we heard they were opening up a new showroom in Irvine, CA, we had to go check it out ourselves. Superformance has actually been in the same building for the past few years, so the location is nothing new. However, they recently decided to knock down a few walls so that they could store their beautiful and wickedly fast eye candy in something more presentable to the public. On to the photos - check out the huge gallery of photos below and pick out your dream car.

Gallery: Superformance Showroom