As evocations of all-time classic motoring icons go, the Southern GT GT40 is up there among the very best.
Based in Botley, Hampshire, Southern GT built and supplied replica parts and kit-built GT40 replicas from 2000 until 2021, when owner Mike Soliss retired. The company’s cars are regarded as among the very best evocations ever created, as faithful as possible to the original, and continue today as the ‘AK40’, built by AK Sports Cars.
This one is a replica of the GT40 Mk1, presented in the way the Ford on which it is based first looked when it appeared at Le Mans in 1964.
Built to an authentic height of just 40 inches tall, the GT is a striking machine, equipped with a period correct Ford C6AE engine block, bored out from a 302 to a 347 and developing 458bhp and 437lb ft of torque. It’s a devilishly quick car and as well as a fantastic looking one.
The car was built by its previous owner between 2017 and 2020 and has covered a mere 235 miles since new.
The History and Paperwork
UK V5C
IVA records showing type approval and first registration
Huge file of invoices documenting build costs
Original build instruction folder
Engine dating data showing the unit to be a 1967 C6AE
MOTEC ECU operating manual
Two spare keys and fobs
MOT until March 2027
The Interior
Corbeau seats with five-point Luke harnesses
Detachable steering wheel
Air conditioning
Carbon-fibre dash
Swing open the wing-shaped doors and you’re met with a cabin that’s basic, but with a real sense of occasion – period-style Corbeau racing seats, a detachable three-spoke steering wheel and a five-point Luke racing harnesses dominate, while the carbon-fibre dash features a row of black rocker switches, each with a label indicating its function.
The gear shift is mounted on the right-hand sill, again authentic to the original, albeit something that will take a bit of getting used to!
The cabin is fully carpeted, with a set of blue-trimmed mats. It’s not without creature comforts, either, as it comes with air conditioning and a heated windscreen. Everything is in fine order, as you’d expect from such a recent build.
The Exterior
Classic colour scheme
Five-spoke GT alloys
Perspex hatched side windows
Immaculately presented
A lot of dedication and detail has gone into the build of this GT, which is beautifully presented in its iconic Ford GT40 colour scheme of Midnight Blue with white racing stripes.
The paint finish is excellent, while the matt black five-spoke alloy wheels are authentically detailed, with the correct size and shape of Avon tyres for a Mk1 GT40.
The car comes with Perspex side windows complete with ventilation hatches, and Le Mans style headlamp and fog lamp protectors, all in fine condition.
Under the GRP body, the car sits on a tubular space frame, with a substantial rear-hinged engine cover. The chassis appears to be in fantastic condition with no signs of any damage, much like the upper bodywork.
The Mechanics
5.7-litre Ford V8
Five-speed manual
MOTEC ECU
AP Racing brakes
The GT is equipped with a period-correct Ford CA6E V8, in this case a 1967 block, bored out from 302Ci to 347Ci (5,700cc), and equipped with a MOTEC performance ECU, Holley EFi distributor, Edelbrock alloy water pump, Jenvey throttle body, MST blaster coil and Facet fuel pumps.
It also comes with AP Racing brakes and twin uprated fuel tanks.
The car has been independently tested and dyno-tested to produce 458bhp and 437lb ft of torque – it’s a devilishly quick car with an incredible soundtrack.
Summary
With its incredible styling and iconic heritage, this is a very special car indeed – beautifully built and sensational to drive.
If you want the ultimate tribute to one of the world’s most identifiable motor sport legends then here it is – a wonderful example of a magnificent car, which is as authentic as possible to the original car it replicates. A stunning thing.
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.
