GT Developments (GTD) was a British automotive company active from 1983 to 2004, specializing in the design and production of replicas of iconic race cars. Its most famous and successful model was the replica of the Ford GT40, a car that enabled the company to export its vehicles to international markets, including the United States and Japan.
The first examples of these replicas were equipped with Ford six-cylinder engines, but later on, GTD switched to more powerful V8 engines, similar to those of the original Ford GT40, to ensure better performance for sporting use.
It is estimated that around 400 units of these models were produced.
This particular GTD40 was first registered in the UK on January 5, 1990, and was then exported to Japan in 1991.
The car was registered in Sapporo with the plate number SPS330YA40 and remained in Japan for a period.
In July 2007, the vehicle was purchased by the Epping Motor Company, a well-known British company specializing in the sale of original Ford GT40s since the 1960s, and was then returned to the UK, where it was re-registered in January 2008 with the plate number G372RHR.
Later that same year, an Italian collector, a passionate “Gentleman Driver” involved in motorsport events, contacted me for assistance in inspecting and completing the purchase of the car, with the intent to import it to Italy.
Upon its arrival in Italy, the car was immediately entrusted to a renowned company specializing in the preparation of competition vehicles, with the goal of transforming it from a street model into a race-ready car.
The original GTD40 was not equipped with components suitable for motorsport use.
The transformation required a series of technical interventions aimed at enhancing performance and reliability for track use.
The main modifications, which cost approximately €40,000, included:
- Replacing the Renault gearbox with a ZF competition gearbox, designed for high performance and adapted for racing needs.
- Replacing the gearbox housing bell for better transmission efficiency and increased durability.
- Installing dual-carburetor intake manifolds to improve air and fuel flow management, enhancing engine performance.
- Installing competition-grade exhaust manifolds and mufflers to improve exhaust efficiency, boosting power and reliability.
- Upgrading the braking system to ensure its effectiveness in racing conditions, where heat and wear are critical factors.
- Completely replacing the front and rear suspension with components designed by Dallara, using control arms and uniball joints for more precise and responsive handling.
- Upgrading the cooling system and radiator to prevent overheating during intense track use.
The preparation took several years to complete, mainly due to the time required to manufacture the components, build the parts, and source the necessary spare parts, primarily from the United States.
Once the modifications were finished, the car was used in only a few events, such as the “Monte Maddalena Hillclimb” and the “Vernasca Silver Flag,” showcasing the car’s qualities and performance after the transformation.
Unfortunately, due to growing commitments, the owner was no longer able to participate in motorsport as originally planned.
As a result, and with great reluctance, he decided to put the car on the market, making it available as a unique piece for enthusiasts and collectors of historic racing cars.
