Lot 233: 1993 GTD40 Mk1 Coup�
Coachwork by GT Developments

With a mere 107 Ford GT40s being constructed between 1966 and 1972, it�s hardly surprising that a cottage industry of independent manufacturers arose to satisfy the continuing demand for replicas of Ford�s charismatic Le Mans winner, one of the foremost exponents being GT Developments, of Poole, Dorset. An original, GTD-built example was tested by Autosport and Autocar magazines in 1989. The former had this to say: �An original GT40 is priceless, but an equally charismatic alternative is the GTD40. The pair are indistinguishable from five paces, let alone 50, so faithful is GTD�s replica even to the discerning eye. The GTD is no �kit car�, but a thoroughbred in every sense.�
This right-hand drive GTD40 was built by the vendor and first registered (as new) in February 1993. Constructed around a tubular-steel spaceframe clad in glassfibre bodywork, the car is powered by an up-rated 302ci (5.0-litre) Ford V8 engine fitted with a Holley 4-barrel 60cfm carburettor and driving via a Renault five-speed transaxle. The car�s competition-specification running gear includes adjustable suspension, twin-servo disc brakes, BRM 15� split-rim wheels and twin Explosafe-filled fuel tanks; while the luxuriously appointed interior features air conditioning (recently serviced), two-tone leather seats with fore-and-aft adjustment, 4-point driver harness, 2-point passenger harness and adjustable steering wheel. Other noteworthy features of this particularly well specified car include central locking, leather-trimmed dashboard, dual-tone air horns, Maplin alarm and Covercraft fitted cover.
Never raced on or off the track, �K329 PLT� was exhibited at the Sandown Park Carcraft Show in 1993, when it was judged �Best in Show� at the concours, and at the National Kit Car Show, Stoneleigh in 1994, when it won the �Best GT� award. We are advised that it remains in the same condition today. Finished in red with tan/cream interior, the car is offered with MoT to February 2008 and Swansea V5 registration document.