Ford GT40 Alan Mann Lightweight Mk I

About this model

As a Ford factory race team, Alan Mann Racing were keen to get their hands on the GT40. Receiving two Mk Is towards the end of 1965, they began extensive testing and found what seemed like flaws in the design. The GT40 could be lighter, handle better and lap faster.

Ordering brand new chassis from Abbey Panels, Mann specified over a hundred modifications, notably allowing suspension fine-tuning for greater stability. The pair of ‘AMGT40s’, wrapped in a unique alloy body, were equipped with side intake and deck scoops, a narrower roof and open lower rocker sills. Together, this saved almost 100 kg over the base Mk I.

Inside, a 4.7-litre V8 was mated to a five-speed ZG transmission, and featured a unique oil filler, allowing replenishment without opening the tail. Quick-change brakes, adjustable upper control arms and Halibrand magnesium wheels were also fitted.

Completed in March 1966, the pair were finished in Mann’s traditional colours of Monaco Red with gold stripes and sought to make their competition debut at the 12 Hours of Sebring later that month.

Qualifying was encouraging, with an AMGT40 third overall, behind a factory Ferrari 330 P3 and Ford Mk II. However, reliability issues were looming, and after nine hours of strong racing, both AM cars succumbed to mechanical failures and retired.

Undeterred, the pair lined up at the Le Mans Test the following month. There, just behind a Mk II and the experimental J-car, Mann Mk Is brought home third and fourth-fastest, respectively.

Soon after, word came from Ford management that all factory teams would be required to use Mk IIs for the rest of the season and, instantly, the AMGT40s became obsolete.