1966 Ford GT40 (CAV Replica)
In 1963, Henry Ford established Ford Advanced Vehicles (FAV) specifically for the development of the forthcoming racing car. The first complete car was the Ford GT40. The GT stands for “Grand Touring,” and the 40 represents the total height of the car in inches.
GT40 had a very successful race history beginning in March of 1964. From 1966 to 1969, the GT40s were dominant, especially in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. In 1966, three Mark II GT40s won first, second, and third place. Automotive legends Bruce McLaren, Dan Gurney, A.J. Foyt, and Jackie Ickx all drove the cars to victories. Ford built 100 for racing and 7 slightly more civilized Mark III road cars. GT40s were everywhere on the international circuit, too. The GT40 singlehandedly proved that Americans could trounce the Europeans on their home turf.
Keeping the Legend Alive
Cape Advanced Vehicles was founded in 1999 as a South African manufacturer of Ford GT40 replicas. The first CAV GT cars were developed on the GTD platform, to which many upgrades were applied. They primarily focused on a tubular space frame chassis, while further development work aimed to create a user-friendly kit for customers to assemble at home.
Specifications for this Replica
- 1966 Mark I
- Ford Racing 347 ci engine
- 500 horsepower
- Four Weber 48 IDA 2-Barrel
- Carburetors
- Bundle of Snakes Header
- Aviad Oil Pan
- BRM Knock-Off Wheels
On loan to the museum from Darryl and Laurie Osipik