1992 Ford GT40 - Auction - Fort Lauderdale, FL - 1992 Ford GT 40 Mk V Spyder by SafirTo be OFFERED AT AUCTION at Auctions America’s Fort Lauderdale event, March 27-29, 2015. Click here to view this listing on the Auctions America website.
Estimate:
$400,000 - $500,000
In 1980, Peter Thorp was one of the principals of Safir Engineering Ltd, an English firm that was involved in chassis design, engineering and manufacturer. He was in the market for a Ford GT 40 and his pursuit of one resulted in him meeting John Willment. Mr. Willment had formed a partnership in 1967 with John Wyer and formed J.W. Automotive Engineering Ltd. They continued with the construction of the GT 40 after Ford Advanced Vehicles sold them all of their assets. J.W.A. also ran the Gulf-sponsored GT 40's that won Le Mans back-to-back in 1968 and '69. Conversation between the two engineers led to the subject of what type of components and original blueprints may still be at hand. Willment still had a lot of original hardware, plus his reserve included a complete set of body molds. In short; this led Mr. Thorp to thinking it would be possibly for a man with his skills and knowledge, along with other similarly talented individuals, to build an exacting duplicate to address his colossal desire to obtain one of these magnificent racecars. Safir Engineering followed his desires and this particular car, P/1133, Mark V Spyder was completed in July 1992 for Mr. Thorp himself, which he would keep for his personal car. The car features an aluminum monocoque chassis (one of two such Mk V's built, the others are steel) with ultra-lightweight body panels. Powering the car is a 5.3-liter, 425-hp V-8 with Dart alloy heads connected to a ZF five-speed gearbox. The car is presented in a rich blue tone with black interior and white Le Mans stripes throughout, it is seen in a spectacular fashion. This GT 40 also carries Mk II rear bodywork with rear deck inlet ducts and a fully-vented spare tire cover. At 857 kilograms, it is reported to likely be the lightest GT 40 ever constructed. It also features select carbon fiber panels and has the uncommon open roadster look, as the original was called in period specialty magazines. Dry sump lubrication, ventilated four-wheel disc brakes and BRM magnesium knock-off wheels are just a few of the racing-oriented elements that are part of this amazing platform. Very few automobiles so readily encompass beauty of exterior design, power, racecar-type mechanical specifications, conception and execution by multiple personalities in the field, plus the rarity that this exceptional car exhibits.