Lot 153 - 1995 Ford GT40 Mk. III Evocation by KVA
| Lot Number | 153 |
| Registration | MNN 546D |
| Chassis Number | SABTVR03735265728 |
| Engine Number | 53520T7T |
| Odometer reading | 7,500 miles |
| Result | Sold - £67,200 |
- Correctly registered as a KVA Ford GT40
- Exacting sizes as per the Mk. III
- Powered by a 302ci Ford V8
The Ford GT40 is synonymous with Le Mans but was first seen at the Nurburgring in May 1964. Two unsuccessful years followed until in 1966 the GT40 took 1st, 2nd and 3rd places at Le Mans in its Mk. II form. In 1967 a new Mk. III road version was built which differed from the previous road and race cars. The two square headlights were replaced with four circular units. The exhaust and rear bodywork were redesigned to enable space for a boot. Inside the most significant change was that the gearchange was mounted centrally allowing either left hand or righthand cars to be built. To make the car more road user friendly, the engine was de-tuned, and the suspension made slightly softer. Mk. III production ceased in 1969 with only seven examples having been built.
This stunning car is a fabulous evocation of one of the seven original GT40 Mk. III; the last one which came to market sold for several million dollars. Registered correctly on Classic D registration plates and registered as a Ford GT40 (KVA) on the V5C registration certificate, this car started life as one of the first KVA chassis that was produced; KVA bodies were so good they even made them for real GT40's. KVA are the initials of Ken Vincent Atwell, former Senior Production Engineer at Ford whom worked on the original GT40 Mk. III. The body panels on this evocation are made from moulds taken from the original Mk. III and are recognised as being the most accurate to the 1967 original. The chassis was then modified and strengthened to upgrade it to its current specification. Power comes from a Ford 302ci V8 supplied in 330bhp specification from Real Steel with a performance inlet and carburettor, aluminium performance heads, Ford racing rocker covers and an air filter rounded off by a ‘ceramic coated’ bundle of snakes exhaust system. The car sits on correct knock on/off wheels.
The gearbox is a five-speed UN1 built with GTO engineering internals, an uprated shaft and a Quaife limited slip differential. The engine also boasts an electric water pump and a large core aluminium bespoke radiator with twin fan system and silicone hoses. The interior is in fabulous condition and features blue trimmed leather seats with matching leather dashboard. Access to the cabin is through the iconic GT40 doors with their detachable roof panels for open-top driving. The classic instruments and correct central gear change complement the perfectly replicated chrome opening windows and period mirrors, finished in stunning paintwork by Smart Automotive. This is a rare and wonderful classic Mk. III GT40 evocation which has covered just 7,500 miles, and in our view, is superb in every way. We are informed the cost to recreate this car to this standard today would cost in excess of £200,000.
The current owner has carried out the following improvements during ownership.
Mechanical / Electrical
Installation of modern electronic ignition system. Vehicle now starts smoothly every time.
All wheels removed and inspected. Rear wheels nuts machined and reinstated correctly to remove excessive play.
Brake discs and pads removed, checked and reinstated.
Exhaust manifold removed and inspected. New Manifold gaskets installed.
New Rocker cover gaskets installed.
New air filter installed.
New batteries x 2, to original specification.
Gear Linkage improvements - the gear shift was removed, inspected, cleaned and reinstated to provide correct engagement of the gear shifter into the box. Brooklands Cars, Weybridge also carried out a repair and adjustment of the linkage August 2020 at a cost of £900. Fresh MOT until June 2022.
Interior refurbishment
Re-upholstered leather steering wheel and dash panel side trims.
Driver seat damage repaired.
Seats removed and floor pans cleaned, prepped, resealed and repainted.
New carpets installed.
Instrument dial surrounds removed, media blasted, recoated and reinstated.
A UK vehicle tracker has been installed and a contract will be assigned to the new owner, there is also an
immobiliser installed.
Interested parties should satisfy themselves as to the description and condition of each Lot prior to the sale. Accordingly, buyers are on notice that each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ subject to the Terms and Conditions for the auction. All registration numbers, engine and chassis details are sourced from registration documents provided to Historics by the client or representative or HPI checks and buyers are to satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of these details. Buyers are advised to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out this service. Historics will not entertain disputes over descriptions.