VIN: the works / McLaren / Shelby Ford GT40 Prototype chassis GT 110 X
History of chassis GT 110 X
After the GT40’s debut campaign in 1964, Ford decided to create a bigger-engined variant that would come to be known as the Mk2.
The first pair of Mk2 Prototypes (chassis GT 106 and GT 107) appeared at the 1965 Le Mans 24 Hours where they proved immensely fast, but destroyed their gearboxes. Neither car was ever raced again.
As part of the development programme for 1966, Ford then sanctioned the build of a highly experimental seven-litre GT40 Roadster in order to contest several end-of-season races.
A super lightweight aluminium version of the normally steel semi-monocoque was commissioned from regular chassis supplier, Abbey Panels in Coventry.
Bruce McLaren Motor Racing in Feltham were then given the task of assembly and preparation.
Ford wanted the new X1 Roadster (chassis GT 110 X) to be as light as possible. To that end, every component was carefully evaluated and replaced where possible. A Hewland LG500 gearbox replaced the Kar Kraft T44 unit used in the brace of Le Mans cars. The body was modified to incorporate a cut-down wraparound windscreen.
At 862kg, GT 110 X was 250kg lighter than its predecessors.
The finished car was painted white and black.
Its first competitive outing was the Canadian Grand Prix at Mosport Park on September 25th 1965. This was the final round of the Canadian Sportscar Championship and was open to what (from 1966) would become known as Group 7 machinery.
The presence of tube-framed sprint-type cars with enormous big block motors meant the X1 Roadster was at an major disadvantage. Nevertheless, in the hands of Chris Amon, it qualified fourth. However, Amon failed to finish the 100 lap race after the X1 overheated.
Next was the Los Angeles Times Grand Prix on October 31st. For this 200 mile race at the Riverside circuit in California, Amon qualified outside the top ten. A fifth place finish was evidence of the car’s potential.
The X1 Roadster made its final appearance of 1965 at the Bahamas Speed Week. It was entered for the Governor's Trophy on December 3rd, which was a 25 lap race for Sports, GT and Touring cars. Although classified 17th, Amon actually retired on lap 20 with a broken final drive while lying third.
From Nassau, the X1 Roadster was shipped to California where it was handed over to Shelby for assessment. It was then sent to Kar Kraft in Dearborn and modified to trial a mixture of development parts including a two-speed automatic gearbox.
Once this work was complete, chassis GT 110 X was kitted out as a 1966-specification Mk2 Roadster.
The reconfigured machine then joined a fleet of new 1966-spec. Mk2s for the Sebring 12 Hours on March 26th.
Ken Miles and Lloyd Ruby started the race from fifth position. They soon moved into the top three and looked to be heading for a second place finish behind team-mates Dan Gurney and Jerry Grant. However, just as the flag was produced, Gurney broke down on the approach to the Martini bridge which allowed Miles through to take victory in the red Roadster.
In addition to GT 110 X, Ford had built four other Prototype Roadsters during 1965. As the weight saving of a car without a roof was offset by increased chassis flex and aerodynamic drag, no others were built.
There were initially plans to have GT 110 X1 rebodied as a Coupe but, within weeks of its victory at Sebring, the car was being cannibalised for parts. This continued for the next few years and GT 110 X never appeared in public again.
Back in late 1965, Shelby had imported the car on a temporary import bond. By 1970, this had long since expired. Shelby was faced with two choices: pay the import tax and late fees or scrap the car. The latter, cheaper option was chosen. GT 110 X was destroyed in the presence of a customs inspector.
Notable History
Aluminium chassis
Bruce McLaren Motor Racing
White & Black livery
30/09/1965 CSC Canadian GP, Mosport (C. Amon) DNF (#15)
31/10/1965 USR Riverside 200-mile (C. Amon) 5th oa, 5th 2.0+ class (#71)
03/12/1965 BSW Governor's Trophy (C. Amon) DNF (#4)
Rebuilt by Shelby American to Mk2 Roadster specification
Red livery
26/03/1966 WSC Sebring 12 Hours (K. Miles / L. Ruby) 1st oa, 1st P5.0+ class (#1)
Subsequently stripped of useable parts
1970 destroyed in front of US customs for non-payment of import duties
Text copyright: Supercar Nostalgia
Photo copyright: Ford - https://www.ford.com
