4 Legendary 1960s Racecars You Can Buy As A Kit Today – SlashGear

Ford’s iconic GT40 is probably the most recognizable car on this list, even to folks who know little about automobile racing. In the 1960s, Ford wanted to project a sportier image for its brand by increasing participation in auto racing, particularly the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans long-distance race. As depicted in the blockbuster 2019 film “Ford v Ferrari,” Ford reasoned that the quickest way to jumpstart its racing program was to purchase the Italian automaker Ferrari.

After Ferrari spurned Ford at the last minute for fellow Italian automaker Fiat, Ford developed its own track monster in a collaboration with racing legend Carroll Shelby. The GT40 went on to win Le Mans every year between 1966 and 1969. Nowadays, GT40 replicas are extremely popular, with several manufacturers in the space. But Fraser, Michigan-based Race Car Replicas bills its vehicles as the most accurate, with body panels molded from original GT40 cars and aluminum frames and suspension components, just like the real thing.

Prices for the kit range from $28,295 to $48,595 depending on the level of completeness. In any case, buyers will have to supply their own small block Ford V8 engine, which can run from mild to wild. Because the car is notoriously short — the “40” in GT40 refers to the car’s 40-inch height — Race Car Replicas offers an optional fiberglass bubble above the driver’s head to accommodate taller folks.