Ford GT40 Parts & Accessories

Ford GT40 Parts & Accessories

The Ford GT40 is one of the most legendary racing cars in automotive history, born from Henry Ford II's determination to defeat Ferrari at Le Mans after a failed acquisition attempt in 1963. Ford and Shelby American developed the GT40 from 1964 through 1969, winning Le Mans four consecutive times from 1966 through 1969 with FIA 427 and 289 cubic-inch small-block engines in a steel monocoque chassis sitting just 40 inches tall. Surviving original GT40s are among the rarest and most valuable collector cars in the world, and a cottage industry of continuation cars from manufacturers including Superformance, ERA, and CAV uses period-correct GT40 plans to build street-legal and track-day examples. This collection provides parts and accessories for GT40 continuation cars, replica builders, and the small community of original GT40 owners worldwide.

Popular Upgrades

GT40 continuation and replica builds most commonly use Ford FE 427 side-oiler or small-block 289 and 302 engines, with Holley 780 and 750 cfm double-pumper carburetors, Edelbrock or Shelby intake manifolds, and Hooker Headers exhaust systems configured for the tight GT40 engine bay. ZF five-speed transaxle rebuilds and upgrade kits are essential maintenance items for continuation cars that use the period-correct German gearbox, along with output shaft seals, synchros, and bearing sets. Wilwood and AP Racing brake systems are the most common upgrade for continuation cars seeking better pedal feel and heat management than reproduction drum or early disc systems.

Performance and Handling

The GT40 chassis uses an independent rear suspension with upper and lower A-arms and coilover springs derived from racing practice, and modern continuation cars benefit from period-correct alignment settings combined with modern silicon-carbide brake pad compounds that improve bite without the sensitivity of original metallic pads. Cam geometry adjustment via shim correction at the rear suspension pickup points is the primary handling alignment tool on the GT40, and specialist chassis shops who work with continuation cars have refined this process significantly. Front suspension geometry corrections using adjustable upper control arms address the ride height variation that occurs when continuation cars are set up for road use rather than Le Mans banking speeds.

What engine was in the original Ford GT40?

The GT40 used several engine configurations across its racing career, beginning with a 4.2-liter Indy-derived V8 and evolving through the 289 cubic-inch small-block, the 427 side-oiler FE big-block for the 1966 and 1967 Le Mans victories, and the 5.0-liter Gurney-Weslake engine. The 1968 and 1969 championships were won with a detuned 5.0-liter version of the 427 engine designated the JW-GTE, managed by John Wyer and Gulf Oil sponsorship. Most continuation cars use a period-correct 427 FE side-oiler or a tuned 289 small-block that replicates the 1966 configuration.

Where can I find parts for a GT40 continuation car?

Continuation car parts sourcing combines period-correct Ford FE and small-block V8 components available through the vintage Ford racing aftermarket with GT40-specific items sourced from Superformance, CAV, and ERA who offer parts for their own builds. ZF transaxle components are available through European gearbox specialists who service the ZF 5DS-25 and related units used in period GT40s and continuation cars. This catalog includes verified GT40-compatible mechanical and performance components for both original and continuation car applications.

Why These Parts Fit Right

Parts in this collection are verified against GT40 original and continuation car specifications to ensure fitment for both the period racing chassis and modern road-legal replica builds from Superformance, ERA, and CAV. Fitment notes distinguish between FE big-block and small-block applications where manifolds, headers, and accessories differ. Fast shipping keeps your GT40 project on schedule and ready for the track or show circuit.

Explore our exhaust systems for FE 427 and small-block headers, browse suspension components for GT40 alignment and coilover hardware, and check our air intake systems for period-correct carburetor and manifold upgrades.