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Picks Up Where Its Ancestors Left Off

The Superformance GT40/R is continuing in the footsteps of its legendary ancestors, collecting wins in several vintage racing events since its introduction in late 2009. In fact, in its very first vintage race outing, the new Superformance GT40/R was driven to victory by experienced GT40® racer and Superformance owner, Dennis Olthoff. It has finished first at the US Vintage Grand Prix at Watkins Glen and first in the New York Governor's Cup Race in 2009 as well.

Dennis Olthoff had won first of class in numerous events around the country with his street model GT40®, which had been lightly modified for track use. The new GT40/R needs no such modifications. It is built to race and built to win. The Superformance GT40/R is the track model in the Superformance GT40® lineup, which also includes the GT40® MK I and MK II models as well.

There are few racecars more cemented in the memories of today's race drivers than the iconic Ford GT40. Built with an unprecedented budget to beat Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the GT40® went on to exceed all expectations – winning in 1966, 1967, 1968 and 1969. Driven by such storied drivers as Jacky Ickx, A.J Foyt, Chris Amon, Bruce McLaren, Ken Miles, Denny Hulme, Paul Hawkins, Dan Gurney, Mario Andretti and Bob Bondurant to name a few. The GT40® became synonymous with championship-winning, high-performance, high-reliability sports car racing. But with original cars selling in the millions of dollars, until recently it was believed that historic and vintage racing would rarely see GT40s race again.

Superformance LLC is proud to resurrect the GT40® – bolt-for-bolt virtually identical to the original – to reunite this iconic racer with the track. The Superformance GT40s are not replicas or kit cars, but rather an authentic continuation model of the famed GT40®. The Superformance GT40® is so original it even carries an original GT40 'P' chassis number, and is fully eligible for both the Shelby American Automobile Club and Safir GT40 registries.

The GT40® continuation is built to exacting standards - in fact over two thirds of its parts are interchangeable with that of an original car, including the “monocoque” style chassis. The Superformance GT40® chassis is an exact replication of the original monocoque unibody structure down to the pressed steel roof spider. The only departure is the use of electro-galvanized sheet steel in the construction. The chassis, at over 12,000 pounds per degree is stiffer than any other chassis on the market, and is made up of over 244 laser cut and bent or pressed parts.

The Superformance GT40® also boasts a pressed steel roof and beautifully finished body. The GT40® continuation accurately replicates the original chassis, suspension, wheel hubs, uprights, pedal box, instruments, steering, dash, "bundle of snakes" headers, catches and latches to name but a few similarities. GT40® owners also have the luxury of modern safety modifications such as Wilwood super light brakes, Bilstein shocks with H& R springs, an adjustable pedal box and cross flow radiator. Street GT40s are even equipped with air conditioning, which is cleverly disguised in a mock dry sump unit placed in the original position.

The interior features original style seats and racing 4-point harness seat belts. The GT40® continuation will comfortably fit a 95 percentile driver (6'2" X 240 lbs.) by removing the seat "trampoline" support. A racing-style dash features Smith Gauges. The GT40® continuation has Rack and Pinion steering and has been fitted with a removable steering wheel for easy access to the cockpit.

While the race version comes standard in right-hand-drive with a sill shifter, Superformance GT40s can be ordered in left-hand-drive with a center-positioned shifter as well. All race versions are fitted with a competition six point roll cage, a fire suppression system and fuel cells. The GT40/R is also fitted with a period correct and functional aerodynamics package including front canard wings, hood wind diffusers and a fully-adjustable rear spoiler.

The Superformance GT40/R has been accepted for vintage and historic racing by SVRA and HSR. It features such track-worthy components as FIA-approved tow eyes (front & rear) SCCA-approved emergency power cut-off switches, race-grade wiper motor (works at speeds over 150mph) race-grade brake pads, fluids and sway bars. Built by Hi-Tech/Superformance, the GT40/R is licensed by Safir GT40 Spares and is the only car authorized to be called a 'GT40®'.