Ford GT40 chassis number GT 103 :
More photos of Chassis GT 103 here
Images above: 02/1965 Daytona race where the car finished first and was 5 laps ahead of the 2nd place car. Drivers: Ken Miles and Lloyd Ruby
The color photo above right is from an auction catalog where it was sold for $2,502,500 at RM’s Monterey sale, held August 20, 2005.
General info for Ford GT-101 through GT-112:
The first car was named the GT (for Grand Touring) with the 40 representing its
overall height of 40 inches (1.02 m, measured at the windshield) as required by
the rules. Large displacement Ford V8 engines (4.7 liter and 7 liter) were used,
compared with the Ferrari V12 which displaced 3.0 liter or 4.0 liter.
Early cars were simply named “Ford GT”. The name “GT40” was the name of Ford’s
project to prepare the cars for the international endurance racing circuit, and
the quest to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The first 12 “prototype” vehicles carried serial numbers GT-101 through GT-112.
GT40 chassis # GT 103 Race results:
06/64 : Le Mans, 11, Ginther/Gregory, DNF –
07/64 : Reims, 5, Ginther/Gregory, DNF –
11/64 : Nassau, 91, Hill, DNF –
12/64 : Nassau, 91, Hill, DNF –
02/65 : Daytona, 73, Miles/Ruby, 1st –
03/65 : Sebring, 11, Mc Laren/Miles, 2nd –
04/65 : Le Mans Trials, 11, Mc Laren – Monza, 69, Mc Laren/Miles, 3rd –
05/65 : Nuerburgring, 12, Hill, DNF –
02/66 : Daytona, 88, Wonder/Wetanson, DNF –
03/66 : Sebring, 22, Wonder/Caldwell, DISQ –
05/66 : Bridgehampton, Wonder, 15th –
06/66 : Mosport Park, 111, Wonder, 12th –
02/67 : Daytona, 20, Wonder/Caldwell, 8th –
04/67 : Sebring, 14, Wonder/Caldwell, DNF –
02/68 : Daytona, 37, Wonder/Cuomo, DNF –
03/68 : Sebring, Wonder/Cuomo, DNS –
07/68 : Watkins Glen, 7, Wonder/Cuomo, 15th –
02/69 : Daytona, Wonder/Cuomo, DNS –
02/70 : Daytona, 18, Wonder/Cuomo, 8th
GT40 chassis # GT 103 History:
Configuration: steel monocoque coupe chassis. Engine: 255 indy.Trans: Colotti T-37 4 speed. Delivered to Ford/FAV, Slough, England.
After the 12/64 : Nassau race this car (GT 103) and chassis GT 104 here delivered to Shelby American for preparation for the 1965 season. This resulted in the 02/65 Daytona race 1st place finish securing this car’s place in history. Drivers in this race were Ken Miles/Lloyd Ruby
Info about GT 103 here on the gt40s.com forum
More information and photos for chassis umber GT 103 needed. Please submit
information and/or links using the contact form on the top menu.
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General Information source
Chassis GT 103 race results are from classicscars.com
Photo copyrights: unknown
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GT103 is still on display in the Shelby American Collection in Boulder, Colorado. For more information on its history, see the book Shelby Cars in Detail, which includes a chapter with text and current photos.
Hi Everyone,
I have run across an early ZF gearbox s/n 276. I was told it was one of the original spares
that went to europe during the early GT-40 program. It is quite dirty and crusty outside
but new/unused inside.
#1. Can anyone help me establish its origin?
#2. What kind of value is an original unit like this worth?
Thanks,
Steve
That sounds like quite a find you have there, I refer you to the forum here at this link http://www.gt40s.com/forum/ There are many people there who know a lot about the gearboxes used on the early GT40 cars such as what you have as there are many members who, indeed, own original GT40 cars. As for value, yes it is very valuable, specially if it could be corroborated to be used in the GT40 racing program. I would think it may be in the 5k to 10k range but I do not know for sure. The people over at the GT40s.com forum could probably guide you as to actual value. I am sure they would be very interested in assisting you as well as having a look at the gearbox via some photos. if you sign up and post about your gearbox, please send me a link or reply here with a link to your post, thanks
I was a local kid who knew the Wonder family….I think Mr. Wonder payed next to nothing for a car that ultimately ended up being worth millions!..nice retirement package..very nice family and Mr. Wonder is a true amateur racing legend
Hi Martin. The Wonder family lived down the street from me in the 1960’s through my residence there until 1980. I use to help him in the pits during 70’s vintage races. Amazing character he is/was. I have tons of photos of this car from back in the day.
I sat in this car back in the early 2000’s with my cousin when we were less than 10 years old. Mr. Wonder was a mutual friend of a friend that showed up to a small car show at a residence with the car. Still had rubber all over the car and slicks still on it. Took us a number of years to find which exact GT40 it was but what a special car. I remember hearing he sold the car a year or two later. Wish I was a little older at the time to really appreciate what I was sitting in.