For many car enthusiasts, owning a Ford GT40 is the ultimate dream. Born from one of the greatest rivalries in motorsport history, the GT40 became legendary after dominating Le Mans in the late 1960s. While original GT40s are rare and extraordinarily valuable, dedicated enthusiasts around the world keep the spirit alive by building highly detailed replicas that capture the essence of the original race cars.
This particular build was exactly that — a passion project built over nearly four years, focused on performance, authenticity, and race-inspired engineering.
The Beginning: A Bailey Cars Starter Kit
The journey began with a starter kit from Bailey Cars, supplied by Peter Frost. Bailey Cars is well known among GT40 enthusiasts for producing one of the most accurate GT40 replica chassis and body packages available. Their kits provide a strong foundation for builders who want to recreate the look, feel, and performance of the legendary machine.
Starting with the Bailey chassis meant the project already had the correct proportions, suspension geometry, and structural integrity needed for a high-performance build. From there, the car would slowly transform into a fully realized machine — piece by piece.
The Heart of the Car: A 347 Stroker V8
No GT40 build would be complete without a powerful V8, and this car received an engine worthy of its racing heritage.
The motor was built by Peter Frost using all-new components imported from the United States. The result was a 347 cubic inch stroker small-block Ford, an engine configuration widely respected for delivering strong torque and impressive horsepower in a compact package.
The stroker setup increases displacement by extending the crankshaft stroke, allowing the engine to move more air and fuel with each revolution. This translates into more torque, stronger acceleration, and a more aggressive power delivery — exactly what a GT40-style build demands.
The finished engine produces approximately 450 horsepower at the crank, providing the kind of raw performance that makes these cars so thrilling to drive.
With a lightweight chassis and a mid-engine layout, that level of power ensures explosive acceleration and a driving experience that closely resembles a true race car.
A Proper Gearbox: Audi 6-Speed Manual
Transmitting that power to the rear wheels is a 6-speed manual Audi gearbox. Audi transmissions are commonly used in GT40 replica builds because they are strong, reliable, and capable of handling significant horsepower.
The six-speed configuration offers:
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Strong acceleration through shorter lower gears
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Comfortable cruising with higher gears
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Excellent durability for high-performance applications
Combined with the 347 stroker engine, the drivetrain delivers both brutal acceleration and smooth gear transitions, making the car just as enjoyable on the road as it would be on a track.
Race-Inspired Braking Performance
A car capable of this level of performance needs serious stopping power, and the braking system was chosen with exactly that in mind.
The car is equipped with Vari 6-pot front brake calipers paired with floating discs. This type of setup is commonly used in motorsport and high-performance applications because it provides superior braking consistency and heat management.
Floating discs allow the rotor to expand slightly under heat without warping, improving braking reliability during hard driving. The six-piston calipers ensure strong and even clamping force across the brake pads, delivering powerful and predictable stopping performance.
Motorsport Details: Single Center Wheel Nuts
Another feature inspired by race cars is the single center wheel nut attachment system.
Instead of the traditional multi-lug wheel mounting, the car uses single center-lock nuts, just like many endurance race cars. This system was originally designed to allow rapid wheel changes during pit stops.
While it adds a dramatic racing aesthetic, it also serves as a reminder of the GT40’s motorsport roots and contributes to the authentic race-car feel of the build.
Interior: Alcantara and Leather Craftsmanship
Inside the cockpit, the focus was on combining luxury with motorsport character.
The seats and dashboard were finished in Alcantara leather, a material commonly found in high-end performance cars and race vehicles. Alcantara provides several advantages:
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Excellent grip for drivers during spirited driving
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A premium, refined appearance
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Lightweight construction compared to traditional leather
The interior design stays true to the GT40 philosophy — minimalistic, driver-focused, and purposeful — while still delivering a high-quality finish.
Built as Close to a Race Car as Possible
The overall goal of the project was simple: build the car as close to a race car as possible while still maintaining road usability.
Every decision, from the drivetrain to the braking system and interior materials, was made with performance and authenticity in mind. The result is a machine that captures the spirit of the original GT40 — raw, mechanical, and exhilarating.
Four Years of Passion and Dedication
Projects like this are never quick builds. Between sourcing parts, assembling components, and ensuring every detail is perfect, the GT40 took nearly four years to complete.
But builds like this are about more than just the finished car — they represent patience, craftsmanship, and an unwavering passion for automotive engineering.
From the Bailey Cars chassis to the 347 stroker V8, the Audi 6-speed gearbox, and the race-inspired braking and interior, every element of this GT40 tells a story of dedication.
And when the engine fires and the car finally hits the road, those four years of work transform into something unforgettable — a modern tribute to one of the greatest race cars ever built.
