VIN: the prototype Ford GT40 Mk3 chassis M3/1102
History of chassis M3/1102
To capitalise on the GT40’s success at the 1966 Le Mans 24 Hours, John Wyer Automotive Engineering (JWAE) were commissioned by the Ford Motor Company to create a more road-oriented variant. JWAE had acquired the production rights to the GT40 after Ford decided to focus their attention on the all-American MkIV variant for 1967.
Chassis M3/1102 was the first of two Mk3 GT40 prototypes. It was completed in December 1966 and subsequently UK registered SPP 604D.
Unlike other iterations of the GT40, the Mk3 was available in right and left-hand drive. M3/1102 was one of three right-hand drive Mk3s built and was originally painted Metallic Blue. Another four cars were assembled in left-hand drive which took the total production run to seven units.
M3/1102 was retained for promotional use by JWAE. Soon after completion, the colour was changed to Autumn Gold. In its new livery the car featured extensively in the British press.
During the 1970s, M3/1102 went on long-term display at the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu. It remained there until 1988/1989 at which point the car was sold to serial GT40 owner and classic car dealer, George Stauffer in Wisconsin.
M3/1102 subsequently ended up in the Larry H. Miller collection in Salt Lake City, Ohio.
Text copyright: Supercar Nostalgia
Photo copyright: Ford - https://www.ford.com
