The Superformance Gulf MKI GT40 Is a Worthy Supercar Re-Creation
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Ford is currently putting the finishing touches on the new GT—a modern, mid-engine sequel to the Ford GT supercar produced from 2004 to 2006 - opens in new window or tab.. That car has nearly tripled in value since it went out of production a decade ago. In a controversial move, Ford decided to break with design traditions dating back to the iconic GT40 race cars of the 1960s. For instance, the new GT will use a paddle-shifted automatic instead of a manual gearbox. And rather than the roar of a big V8 motor, Ford’s latest supercar will be motivated by a twin-turbocharged V6.
Gearheads who maintain a strong devotion to the original formula seldom get a chance for an up-close and personal encounter with the supercar. Original GT40s—the model that won Le Mans four consecutive times from 1966 to 1960—are extremely rare. The company only built about 100 of those cars.
The Gulf MKI GT40 was re-created by Superformance.
That’s where Superformance - opens in new window or tab.—the maker of replica 1960s race cars based in Irvine, Calif.—comes into play.
Along with Cobra, Daytona Coupe, and C2 Corvette recreations, they build GT40s that are so close to the original that two-thirds of the parts are interchangeable between Superformance cars and the original. We visited Superformance to see if its Gulf MKI GT40 would provide the same thrills one might expect from a Le Mans-winning vintage race car.
Keep in mind: there are important mechanical differences between the Superformance version and the original. Although our test car sported the same iconic 427 cubic inch displacement of the big block V8 that the original car used, Superformance’s engine started out as a 351 cubic inch Windsor small-block V8. The motor was extensively modified, in turn yielding 76 additional cubic inches displacement. It now dishes out about 550 horsepower, output that’s on par with the original while also providing the high-revving thrills of a small-block engine. Power is routed to the rear wheels by way of a five-speed manual gearbox.
Superformance also made a welcome adjustment for the sake of driver comfort: a custom-designed air conditioning system.
Out on the road, the Gulf MKI GT40 encourages deliberate actions. In other words, in stark contrast to many modern accessible sports cars, every driver input made with the Gulf MKI GT40 must be highly intentional and conscious. Yet, when instructed to let loose, the car delivers.
The design of the chassis might be 50 years old, but the Superformance Gulf MKI GT40 sprints from a standstill to 60 miles per hour in in just 3.4 seconds. Top speed is 180 mph. At just 2,400 pounds, the rate at which the GT40 can pile on speed is jaw dropping—made even more visceral because there is a vintage feel to the steering and braking, which without power assistance, provides more feedback to the driver. And the exhaust note is absolutely intoxicating.
There are some drawbacks to this visceral vintage experience. The Superformance GT40 is a handful on the street. Three-point turns gave our forearms a serious workout and there’s nearly no visibility in back. But that’s a small price to pay. For fans who complain, “They don’t make them like they used to,” this Superformance super car is the answer.
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