1966 Cape Advanced Vehicles (C.A.V.) GT40 MKIIA

This 1966 CAV GT40 MKIIA is a masterful restomod built by Cape Advanced Vehicles an organization founded in 1999 with a mission to honor and continue the legacy of Ford Advanced Vehicles, the builders of the original GT40s. After more than twenty years of refinement across four generations of development, CAV has evolved the GT40 into a modernized, highly usable machine that preserves the soul of the Le Mans legend while elevating quality, comfort, and performance.

At the heart of every CAV GT40 is the brands signature stainless-steel monocoque chassis, engineered for exceptional rigidity and longevity. This foundation supports improved ergonomics, updated suspension geometry, enhanced build quality, and a level of fit and finish the original race cars never offered. The result is a GT40 that delivers visceral, authentic character while offering a more approachable, user-friendly driving experience.

This example pays tribute to the iconic 1966 MKII GT40 #1 driven by Ken Miles and Denny Hulme at Le Mans, finished in custom paint with period-correct stripes, roundels, and detailing. The exterior features single front nostrils, twin roof and hood stripes, classic-width striping, and satin-gold 15-inch Halibrand wheels. Authentic touches include FORD side-stripe lettering, roundel lamps on the doors, wing mirrors mounted to the side windows, and non-functional quick-lift jacking hooks. The nostril panel has been upgraded with quick-release pins and a metal divider, and the NACA ducts are finished in black. A complete rear clamshell redesign brings true MKII accuracy, including upper air intakes, a deck scoop between the periscopes, a Gurney tab, stacked taillights, wide-style vents, and a lower notch mimicking original MKII construction.

Inside, the cabin captures period atmosphere while subtly modernized for comfort. Highlights include a natural aluminum steering wheel boss, FORD G.T. horn emblem, wooden shift knob, added plaques and toggle-switch labels, full carpeting, and a rotated tachometer with the redline at 12 o'clock just as racers preferred. Willans harnesses and a bulkhead-mounted fire extinguisher complete the motorsport-inspired environment.

Power comes from a 1965 Ford 289 V8 (serial #2-063) enlarged to 295 cubic inches, built with high-quality internals including a Moldex crankshaft, Oliver rods, and a dry-sump oil pan. With an 11.05:1 compression ratio, the engine is tuned for 112-octane fuel and paired to a robust ZF transmission. A custom exhaust system with blackened tips delivers the unmistakable GT40 soundtrack.

Beautiful, faithful to its heritage, and reimagined with craftsmanship far beyond what left the factory in the 1960s, this CAV GT40 MKIIA is a stunning tribute to one of motorsports most important machines engineered to be driven, admired, and enjoyed for generations.