MOTOR CARS | 219'Mark V' was chosen to designate the mildly up-dated model, the
monocoque chassis of which was redesigned to enable fabricated
construction (the originals had used pressed panels). Modern technology
in the form of zinc chromate corrosion proofing ensured a longer life than
the original design had enjoyed and a superior and less leak-prone fuel
tank was adopted. Tennant Panels supplied the roof structure, the rest
of the chassis being competed by Safir. Ex-JW Engineering employees
were used wherever possible.
The first Safir GT40 was completed in 19 0, with a further 39 examples
following over the course of the next 15 years, five of which were
completed to 7-litre Mark 00 specification. Cars could be supplied
engine-less or with, usually, a 5.3-litre Ford V8 installed. Maximum
power depended largely on the choice of induction - Holley or Weber -
outputs ranging from 400 to 4 0bhp. Although Safir received no financial
assistance from Ford, the latter sanctioned of the Mark V project and
assisted with obtaining certification for road use. Between them, JW
Engineering, Safir and Ford agreed that these continuation cars would
be called GT40 Mark V Powered by Ford, thus minimising Ford Motor
Companys potential liability. Safir later obtained the GT40 trademark.
This right-hand drive GT40 was built by Safir to Lord Beaverbrooks order
in 19 7, and was finished in the evocative racing colours of Gulf Oil,
sponsors of JW Automotives 19 Le Mans-winning Ford GT40. After
four years in Lord Beaverbrooks ownership, the car was resold by Safir
to the current owner in 1991.The current owner then took the GT40 to Hong Kong where it was
kept until 200 . He then shipped the car back to the <K where a
total restoration to exemplary standard (including engine removal and
rebuild, chassis repaint, body repaint, etc) was supervised by Ashton
Keynes Vintage Restorations Ltd with no expense spared. There are
detailed bills on file from Ashton Keynes totalling in excess of 114,000,
together with others from Paul Woodward (29,000-plus) and W
Kelham (19,000-plus). 0t is worthwhile noting that this car is still fitted
with its original 302ci Ford V8 engine, which was originally built by the
highly respected specialists, Mathwall Engineering Ltd. <sed sparingly
since the restorations completion in 2011, this beautifully finished
GT40 represents a unique opportunity to acquire a superb example of
this iconic sports-racer.
£180,000 - 240,000
€210,000 - 280,000