
Sometimes automotive dreams come with astronomical price tags, but occasionally the stars align to offer something genuinely special at a fraction of what you’d expect (although it’s still a bit early in the bidding process to call it). Case in point: this 496-powered Superformance GT40 MKII 50th Anniversary Edition currently bidding at $150,000 on Bring a Trailer. It’s number 16 of just 20 examples built to commemorate Ford’s legendary 1-2-3 finish at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans, and it looks absolutely stunning in that period-correct black with silver stripes livery.

When Replicas Actually Matter
Let’s address the elephant in the room: this isn’t an original GT40, and that’s exactly why it’s brilliant. Real 1966 GT40s trade hands for $10+ million when they even come to market, making them museum pieces rather than driving experiences. Superformance builds these cars with Shelby American’s blessing using the actual blueprints and tooling, creating something that’s mechanically identical to the originals but actually meant to be driven.
This particular example honors the #1046 Ford GT40 piloted by Bruce McLaren and Chris Amon to victory at Le Mans. The attention to detail is remarkable – from the covered headlights and racing fuel-filler caps to the NACA ducts on the front fenders and that aggressive ducktail spoiler. Even the white #2 roundels are painted rather than applied as decals, showing the kind of commitment that separates serious builds from kit car knockoffs.

600 Horsepower Of Pure American Muscle
Under that iconic rear clamshell sits a 496 cubic inch Ford FE V8 built by Shelby American themselves. With an aluminum block, Holley four-barrel carburetor, and those gorgeous finned valve covers, it produces a claimed 600 horsepower and 600 lb-ft of torque. That’s significantly more power than the original race cars ever made, but delivered through the same basic architecture that dominated international racing in the 1960s.
The Quaife five-speed manual transaxle handles power delivery to those massive 26.5×11.0-inch rear Hoosiers, while Wilwood four-wheel disc brakes provide modern stopping power. The tubular steel frame features fully independent suspension with coilovers at all corners – a setup that should deliver the raw, unfiltered driving experience these cars are famous for.

Built For Driving, Not Display
With just 111 miles on the odometer, this GT40 is essentially new, but it’s been properly maintained with recent attention to key systems. The air conditioning was evacuated and recharged in June 2024 (yes, it has A/C), and a race-type dual clutch kit was installed at the same time along with rear engine support struts and frame repairs. That’s exactly the kind of preventive maintenance you want to see on a car like this.
The interior strikes the perfect balance between race car authenticity and livability. Those fixed-back racing seats are trimmed in black leather with proper ventilation grommets and Willans harnesses, while Smiths instrumentation provides that classic British racing aesthetic. The Moto-Lita steering wheel on its quick-release hub looks absolutely perfect, and those Carroll Shelby-branded sill covers remind you exactly whose legacy you’re experiencing.

Spec Sheet
Builder: Superformance (with Shelby American)
Model: GT40 MKII 50th Anniversary Edition
Production: #16 of 20 built
Year Completed: August 2017
Engine: 496ci Ford FE V8 (aluminum block)
Power: 600 HP / 600 lb-ft torque (Shelby American spec)
Transmission: Quaife 5-speed manual transaxle
Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive
Suspension: Fully independent with coilovers
Brakes: Wilwood 4-wheel disc
Wheels: 15″ Halibrand-style with knock-offs
Tires: Hoosier racing (25.5×8.0 front, 26.5×11.0 rear)
Mileage: 111 miles
Documentation: Build photos, order sheet, Shelby COO, clean title
Pricing & Availability
Currently bidding at $150,000 on Bring a Trailer with seven days remaining -representing exceptional value for a documented, low-mile example of one of the most exclusive GT40 replicas ever built.
Recap
Superformance GT40 MKII 50th Anniversary Edition
This 600HP Shelby American-built GT40 replica honors Ford’s 1966 Le Mans victory with period-correct livery, race-spec components, and just 111 miles of use, offering the authentic GT40 experience at a fraction of an original’s cost while maintaining proper documentation and collectible 50th Anniversary Edition provenance.
