The Shelby GT40 Continuation: A True Automotive Icon Reborn
Few cars have achieved the legendary status of the Ford GT40, a vehicle that forever changed the landscape of endurance racing. The original GT40 famously swept the top three positions in the grueling 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1966 and repeated this feat in 1967 with the GT40 MKIV. In 1968 and 1969, GT40 MKI number 1075 became the only race car to win Le Mans for two consecutive years. Now, automotive enthusiasts can own a piece of this storied history with the Shelby GT40 Continuation—a meticulously crafted re-creation of the original that stays true to its roots in both design and performance.
Authenticity at Its Core
The Shelby GT40 Continuation is not a kit car or replica. It is a genuine continuation of the original GT40, authorized and licensed by Safir GT40 Spares LLC. Each vehicle is numbered with the original GT40-P chassis numbers and is listed in the Shelby Car World Registry and the official GT40 registry. This ensures that every Shelby GT40 Continuation is recognized as a true descendant of the legendary race cars.
Standard Features
The Shelby GT40 Continuation comes as a complete factory-assembled rolling chassis, showcasing show-quality paint finishes available in many standard colors. It boasts an original style steel monocoque chassis, independent front and rear suspension, and Bilstein® coil-over progressive shocks with performance springs®. The four-wheel vented disc brakes with Wilwood 4-piston calipers ensure superior stopping power, while the aluminum radiator and oil cooler with dual electric fans keep the engine cool under extreme conditions.
Engineered for Excellence
The GT40 Continuation features an array of modern upgrades that enhance its drivability while maintaining its classic appeal. It includes original style seats with silver rivets, a high-capacity air conditioner, an adjustable pedal box, and twin stainless steel baffled fuel tanks. The car's steering is rack-and-pinion with a removable steering wheel for easy access to the cockpit. Right and left-hand drive models are available, with the shifter and handbrake conveniently located in the center of the tunnel.
MKI and MKII Variants
MKI Features:
- Open crate air intake
- Lower and wider front fenders
- Smoother body lines
- BRM style wheels
- Inverted side air scoops
- Double scoop hood insert
- Built-in rear spoiler
MKII Features:
- Center engine scoop
- Double brake lights
- Accommodates small block engine with molded engine cover
- Available in Heritage color patterns
- Bolt-on adjustable spoiler
- Halibrand style wheels
- Aggressive snorkels
- Single scoop hood insert
- Accommodates big or small block engines
Modern Amenities
While the GT40 Continuation stays true to its racing roots, it also offers modern amenities such as air conditioning, Wilwood super light brakes, custom shocks and springs, and Smith gauges on the instrument panel. All models leave the factory as complete rolling chassis, ready to be fitted with the engine and transaxle of the owner's choice. The recommended power source is a specially prepared Ford Racing engine with the new ZF/RBT style 5-speed transaxle, but owners can also opt for any Ford-based 289, 302, or 351W small block, or 427 big block (MKII only) engine.
A Street and Track Legend
The GT40 Continuation is not just a showpiece; it's a true performer both on the street and the track. Its dimensions, including a 95-inch wheelbase and a curb weight of just 2,400 pounds, mirror the original. The chassis is an exact replication of the original monocoque unibody structure, made from electro-galvanized sheet steel for enhanced durability. The suspension layout, ‘bundle of snakes’ exhaust, and ‘Hartwell’ door latches are all true to the original design.
Customization Options
Owners can further personalize their GT40 Continuation with various options:
- Gurney bubble for taller drivers
- Four-point bolt-in or six-point welded roll cage for racing
- Canards for enhanced aerodynamics
- Color-matched sill and floor mats
- Heritage pattern schemes
A True Continuation
The Shelby GT40 Continuation is more than just a car; it’s a piece of automotive history. It combines the iconic design and performance of the original GT40 with modern reliability and convenience. Each GT40 Continuation is hand-crafted and carries a GT40-P chassis number, making it eligible for inclusion in prestigious registries. Whether on the street or the track, this continuation series offers an unparalleled driving experience that celebrates the legacy of one of the greatest race cars of all time.
Conclusion
For those who dream of owning a piece of Le Mans history, the Shelby GT40 Continuation offers a unique opportunity. It is a true collectible, a legend reborn, and a race car for the street as well as the track. With its blend of authenticity, performance, and modern amenities, the Shelby GT40 Continuation stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the original GT40.
The Shelby GT40 Continuation is not a kit car or replica. It is a genuine continuation of the original GT40, authorized and licensed by Safir GT40 Spares LLC. Each vehicle is numbered with the original GT40-P chassis numbers and is listed in the Shelby Car World Registry and the official GT40 registry. This ensures that every Shelby GT40 Continuation is recognized as a true descendant of the legendary race cars.
Standard Features
The Shelby GT40 Continuation comes as a complete factory-assembled rolling chassis, showcasing show-quality paint finishes available in many standard colors. It boasts an original style steel monocoque chassis, independent front and rear suspension, and Bilstein® coil-over progressive shocks with performance springs®. The four-wheel vented disc brakes with Wilwood 4-piston calipers ensure superior stopping power, while the aluminum radiator and oil cooler with dual electric fans keep the engine cool under extreme conditions.
Engineered for Excellence
The GT40 Continuation features an array of modern upgrades that enhance its drivability while maintaining its classic appeal. It includes original style seats with silver rivets, a high-capacity air conditioner, an adjustable pedal box, and twin stainless steel baffled fuel tanks. The car's steering is rack-and-pinion with a removable steering wheel for easy access to the cockpit. Right and left-hand drive models are available, with the shifter and handbrake conveniently located in the center of the tunnel.
MKI and MKII Variants
MKI Features:
- Open crate air intake
- Lower and wider front fenders
- Smoother body lines
- BRM style wheels
- Inverted side air scoops
- Double scoop hood insert
- Built-in rear spoiler
MKII Features:
- Center engine scoop
- Double brake lights
- Accommodates small block engine with molded engine cover
- Available in Heritage color patterns
- Bolt-on adjustable spoiler
- Halibrand style wheels
- Aggressive snorkels
- Single scoop hood insert
- Accommodates big or small block engines
Modern Amenities
While the GT40 Continuation stays true to its racing roots, it also offers modern amenities such as air conditioning, Wilwood super light brakes, custom shocks and springs, and Smith gauges on the instrument panel. All models leave the factory as complete rolling chassis, ready to be fitted with the engine and transaxle of the owner's choice. The recommended power source is a specially prepared Ford Racing engine with the new ZF/RBT style 5-speed transaxle, but owners can also opt for any Ford-based 289, 302, or 351W small block, or 427 big block (MKII only) engine.
A Street and Track Legend
The GT40 Continuation is not just a showpiece; it's a true performer both on the street and the track. Its dimensions, including a 95-inch wheelbase and a curb weight of just 2,400 pounds, mirror the original. The chassis is an exact replication of the original monocoque unibody structure, made from electro-galvanized sheet steel for enhanced durability. The suspension layout, ‘bundle of snakes’ exhaust, and ‘Hartwell’ door latches are all true to the original design.
Customization Options
Owners can further personalize their GT40 Continuation with various options:
- Gurney bubble for taller drivers
- Four-point bolt-in or six-point welded roll cage for racing
- Canards for enhanced aerodynamics
- Color-matched sill and floor mats
- Heritage pattern schemes
A True Continuation
The Shelby GT40 Continuation is more than just a car; it’s a piece of automotive history. It combines the iconic design and performance of the original GT40 with modern reliability and convenience. Each GT40 Continuation is hand-crafted and carries a GT40-P chassis number, making it eligible for inclusion in prestigious registries. Whether on the street or the track, this continuation series offers an unparalleled driving experience that celebrates the legacy of one of the greatest race cars of all time.
Conclusion
For those who dream of owning a piece of Le Mans history, the Shelby GT40 Continuation offers a unique opportunity. It is a true collectible, a legend reborn, and a race car for the street as well as the track. With its blend of authenticity, performance, and modern amenities, the Shelby GT40 Continuation stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the original GT40.
