Few shapes in automotive history are as recognizable as the Ford GT40, and that iconic profile continues to inspire a wide range of replica and kit builds. This 1966 GT40 Mk I–style clone, currently listed on eBay, is one such example, offering the look and presence of the original with modern components and a very different ownership experience.
According to the seller, this car was built by Robinson Restorations in Ryan, Iowa, using a kit from Ardern Cars. It’s described as a low-mile build, showing only a few hundred miles since completion, and was assembled to be a head-turning street presence rather than a factory-correct reproduction.
Power comes from a Dart 427 cubic-inch V8 based on the Ford Windsor architecture. The seller explains that Dart produces its own blocks with heavier castings, allowing for the larger displacement compared to a standard 351-based engine. That setup suggests serious performance potential, especially in a lightweight chassis like this. The transmission is said to be sourced from Porsche, though specific details aren’t provided.
While the car is clearly built for impact, the seller is candid about the driving experience. They describe it as extremely loud and not particularly refined on the road, noting that it may require attention from someone with experience in sorting out custom builds. A hesitation around 3,500 rpm is mentioned, along with the suggestion that the car would benefit from evaluation by a knowledgeable mechanic.
The seller also emphasizes that this isn’t a casual cruiser. Instead, it’s positioned more as a specialized build that may appeal to someone comfortable working through the quirks that often come with hand-built or low-production vehicles. At the same time, they highlight how much they’ve enjoyed the car visually and acoustically, even if driving it hasn’t been as enjoyable.
Paperwork includes a certificate of origin and supporting documents, though the car has not been titled. It will be sold with a bill of sale and accompanying paperwork from the build.
GT40 replicas have long occupied an interesting space in the hobby, offering enthusiasts a way to experience the look and spirit of one of racing’s most famous cars. This particular example leans heavily into that visual impact while leaving the next owner to decide how far they want to take its mechanical refinement.
For the right buyer, it represents an opportunity to own a striking GT40-inspired build and shape it into something that matches their expectations.
THIS is how you build an affordable homage-no Fiero parts to be seen anywhere on it whatsoever.
The new owner though hopefully understands how to steer with the rear wheels.
No longer available.
He was expecting somewhere north of 200K for it, so it must be better than the misleading write up would suggest.
To get 427 cubic inches out of a Windsor requires a cooling system yet to be invented. It will run like a raped ape alright but only for short trips. A Holley or two would be much more drive-able than all them down draft dumpers.
My next door neighbor has a Cobra kit car with a 427 Windsor engine with the same injection system. (At least it looks the same) He was not able to get it running correctly either. He also had issues with the offset distributor that the intake required. So he is now back to a standard 4bbl. I have always loved this body style. Ever since I got a Strombecker slot car set for Christmas. We were at my Grandmother’s for Christmas and she had an apartment building. We used a vacant living room to set up the largest track possible. (My Dad had also bought some additional track) Both cars were GT40s and Dad and I completely used up the cars AND controllers in 2 days. Dad got hooked like I did and passed a hobby store every day walking to work from the train station. Many a day he came home with more track and another slot car. My Mom refused to go in my room as the floor was mostly covered in track. We even had enough straight track to make a 35′ drag strip down the hall.
I actually got to sit in a real GT40 in 1974. Very, very cool!
Did I miss something? Rear drive axle steering? Guess it’s possible but with all the torque on the rear axle it seems to me that in itself would be a handful.
Really too bad that the owner pulled the ad. I was kinda excited about watching 👀 this one.
My very first 1/24 model circa 1966 something was a Ford GT-40. It was so Kool! Wish I could remember what ever happened to it. Damn. Oh well. Traveled back in time on that one. I’m pretty sure that there are a few other guys out there that remember this LeMans racer. Even my dad and little brother found the same excitement in watching the 24 hours of LeMans with me.
Again, too bad it got pulled down.
I believe he was referring to tail-out, drifting turns due to the massive HP.
Looks like C5/C6 Corvette suspension. That’s giving it the rear steer look.
While not for me, I will admit that this thing absolutely oozes cool. As was alluded to, I would imagine that it is more than a handful.
The owner is quite candid about the Beast you would be buying, i suspect that the Bones are excellent. just not fun as driver
this sometimes happens when someone builds an airplane, they so overdo the performance aspect that the device becomes a powerful, demanding beast.
IF I WERE SO FOOLISH AS TO BUY THIS THING
I would ditch the Weber carbs for a single Holley carb, get softer shocks and check the spring rates
retard the ignition and install as much sound insulation as possible.
One time i was tempted by Cobra coupe replica.
(beautiful Peter Brock design)
I realized that it was just a noisy race car, not a daily driver.
this seems to be a good high performance build and it has a semi monocoque chassis. -good bones.
my daily driver is a Chevy SSR
the other driver is a replica factory built 356 Porsche
used to drive a Shelby 350H Mustang and a GMC Syclone.
and a number of 55-57 chevy with corvette 327’s
everyone of each is preferable to twitchy race car for the street.
Engine should have been run on a dyno and carbs tuned by someone with experience. These are race car replica’s that have been made barely street legal. They are loud, rough riding and a handful to drive. The GT 40’s are my all-time favorite race car, Lola’s are a close second. Wish I could afford one.
Cool GT. I have a continuation MK1 with a 600 HP Windsor 383 with 8 stack fuel injection.
Mine is not obnoxious. Very comfortable to drive. I’ve driven it 3 hours to a show up north. Very enjoyable! These aren’t for everyone though.
Probably an understatement that they aren’t for everyone, but the cool factor is off the gauge.