One-Owner Safir GT40 Mk V
Presentation
This Safir GT40 Mark V is one of 40 continuation examples built in Surrey, UK, by Safir Engineering Limited in partnership with J.W. Automotive Engineering and under agreement with Ford Motor Company between 1980 and 2000. It was ordered new by its late owner, Doug Kirk, a Pacific Northwest vintage racing stalwart and an aerospace engineer for Boeing, and was completed in 1986. Finished in blue, the car is powered by a 302ci Ford V8 linked with a ZF five-speed manual gearbox. Additional equipment includes “bundle of snakes” headers, quadruple carburetors, 15″ cast magnesium wheels, a fire suppression system, a Heuer stopwatch, and black cloth seats with ventilation grommets. Work in preparation for the sale involved replacing the tires, windshield, and fluids along with refinishing the wheels. This GT40 Mk I replica is now offered in Washington on dealer consignment at no reserve with spare parts, original correspondence, and a clean Montana title listing the car as a 1966 Ford UNK.
Development of a continuation variant of Ford’s four-time Le Mans-winning GT40 began when Safir Engineering founder Peter Thorp broached the idea with John Willment of J.W. Automotive Engineering (JWAE), at the time the owner of the GT40’s production rights. An agreement between Safir, JWAE, and Ford allowed production of a limited run of the Mark V to commence in 1980 and was followed by Safir’s acquisition of the GT40 trademark in 1985. The Mark V’s design was based on Ford’s GT40 Mark I, with updates made to the steel semi-monocoque chassis design including modified rust-proofing and revised suspension geometry.
The fiberglass bodywork is finished in blue with white stripes and #17 roundels. The car features side air intakes and covered headlights as well as dual exposed fuel filler caps and plexiglass side windows with pop-out vents. A replacement windshield was installed in 2026.
The 15″ cast magnesium wheels were refinished in 2026 and mounted with 215/60 front and 275/55 rear Avon tires. Stopping is provided by four-wheel disc brakes. Independent suspension incorporates adjustable coilovers.
The right-hand-drive cockpit features fixed-back bucket seats trimmed in black fabric upholstery with ventilation grommets and Willans harnesses. The shifter is mounted on the driver’s right, and the car features a fire suppression system as well as a fire extinguisher housed in the passenger footwell.
The three-spoke Moto-Lita steering wheel frames Smiths instrumentation including a central tachometer and gauges monitoring coolant pressure and oil temperature. Additional instruments to the driver’s left include a 200-mph speedometer and auxiliary gauges, while a Heuer stopwatch is positioned to the right. The five-digit odometer shows 14k miles.
Seller Video
Bids & Comments
Panteralee 503
Oct 1, 2026 · 17:42
Firstly, beautiful car. Always wanted a Safir, but ended up with a Superformance Mk I. That said, it has always been kind of strange that the Mk V is considered a "real" GT by many historians as well as the Shelby Registrar when the tub is not even close to the original cars just like many other aspects of them. Incidentally, the Superformance GT40 IS built under license to Safir and also a REAL GT40 with an incredibly accurate tub and suspension. Why the Shelby Registrar refuses to acknowledge this is puzzling. The Mark IV cars are not GT40s nor were they ever considered as such. GLWTA.
Oct 1, 2026 · 17:40
Firstly, beautiful car. Always wanted a Safir, but ended up with a Superformance Mk I. That said, it has always been kind of strange that the Mk V is considered a "real" GT by many historians as well as the Shelby Registrar when the tub is not even close to the original cars nor are many other aspects of them. Incidentally, the Superformance GT40 IS built under license to Safir and also a REAL GT40 with an incredibly accurate tub and suspension. Why the Shelby Registrar refuses to acknowledge this is puzzling. The Mark IV cars are not GT40s nor were they ever considered as such.
Oct 1, 2026 · 16:33
“There are collector automobiles, there are racing legends, and then there are the handful of machines that permanently altered the course of motorsport history. The Ford GT40 belongs firmly in the latter category.“
That statement says it all!
Additional historical details on this GT40 Mk V:
Safir ultimately secured ownership of the GT40 trademark itself, making the Mk V the only continuation automobile built under the official GT40 name. This distinction places the Safir Mk V in an entirely different category from the numerous GT40-inspired replicas that followed. It is the recognized continuation of the GT40 lineage, produced with factory authorization and engineered to preserve the character and construction of the Le Mans-winning cars.
The Shelby American World Registry book dedicates 10 pages to the history of Safir and the 40 continuation cars that were manufactured. Of important note, in that Registry synopsis, GT40 historian Ronnie Spain summed up his detailed dissertation on the Safir MK V by stating simply – “The Mk V is a GT40.”
Photos of this exciting story are in the Registry at the bottom in the gallery in the link below:
https://www.nweuro.com/1966-ford-gt40-safir
A bit more information on the GT40:
GT40 SAFIR
GT40 cars are licensed by SAFIR GT40 SPARES and built by Superformance. Currently over 300 genuine GT40'S have been produced since the year 2000.
The GT40 today is built to exacting standards - in fact over two thirds of the rolling chassis' parts are interchangeable with that of an original car, including the 'monocoque" style chassis.
SAFIR GT40 RECAP
Prototypes: The first serial numbers GT 101 forward to GT 112 were prototype Ford GTs.
Mark I GT40 and Mark II GT40 production: started with serial number GT40P-1000 and went to GT40P-1086.
Mark III production GT40s started at GT40P-1101 and continued through to GT40P-1114. Later in this series the cars were built as Mark I.
Mark IV, built in America, the J Car utilized different numbers beginning at J-1.
Mark V production GT40s started at GT40P-1090 to GT40P-1100, GT40P-1115 to GT40P-1125, GT40P-1128 to GT40P-1145. Total, forty cars.
Note: Initially the GT40 Mark V production was to be 25 cars. This subsequently changed to 40 cars.
The first GT40 Mark V was delivered April 1981, thirty nine cars delivered by September 1994. The last and fortieth car delivered September 2000.
Additional information available here: https://gt40.com
That statement says it all!
Additional historical details on this GT40 Mk V:
Safir ultimately secured ownership of the GT40 trademark itself, making the Mk V the only continuation automobile built under the official GT40 name. This distinction places the Safir Mk V in an entirely different category from the numerous GT40-inspired replicas that followed. It is the recognized continuation of the GT40 lineage, produced with factory authorization and engineered to preserve the character and construction of the Le Mans-winning cars.
The Shelby American World Registry book dedicates 10 pages to the history of Safir and the 40 continuation cars that were manufactured. Of important note, in that Registry synopsis, GT40 historian Ronnie Spain summed up his detailed dissertation on the Safir MK V by stating simply – “The Mk V is a GT40.”
Photos of this exciting story are in the Registry at the bottom in the gallery in the link below:
https://www.nweuro.com/1966-ford-gt40-safir
A bit more information on the GT40:
GT40 SAFIR
GT40 cars are licensed by SAFIR GT40 SPARES and built by Superformance. Currently over 300 genuine GT40'S have been produced since the year 2000.
The GT40 today is built to exacting standards - in fact over two thirds of the rolling chassis' parts are interchangeable with that of an original car, including the 'monocoque" style chassis.
SAFIR GT40 RECAP
Prototypes: The first serial numbers GT 101 forward to GT 112 were prototype Ford GTs.
Mark I GT40 and Mark II GT40 production: started with serial number GT40P-1000 and went to GT40P-1086.
Mark III production GT40s started at GT40P-1101 and continued through to GT40P-1114. Later in this series the cars were built as Mark I.
Mark IV, built in America, the J Car utilized different numbers beginning at J-1.
Mark V production GT40s started at GT40P-1090 to GT40P-1100, GT40P-1115 to GT40P-1125, GT40P-1128 to GT40P-1145. Total, forty cars.
Note: Initially the GT40 Mark V production was to be 25 cars. This subsequently changed to 40 cars.
The first GT40 Mark V was delivered April 1981, thirty nine cars delivered by September 1994. The last and fortieth car delivered September 2000.
Additional information available here: https://gt40.com
nweuro (The Seller)
Oct 1, 2026 · 02:32
@Leiniesbuddy - The car is legal and registered on Montana title and has been driven on the roads for 40 years. It has lights and signals, but windshield wipers are not currently fitted. It's a little racy (loud) with the current pipes, but one could fit the mufflers to tone it down if desired. However to clarify that, the car is not loud inside, you do not need earplugs to drive it at all - but it has a good bark outside to entertain pedestrians!
Oct 1, 2026 · 01:55
@Leiniesbuddy. It has Montana plates on it....
Sep 30, 2026 · 21:20
@nweuro, can this car be driven legally on the road?
BossCars302
Bid
Sep 30, 2026 · 15:25
Bid in the amount of $132,500
Atilla39
Bid
Sep 30, 2026 · 02:28
Bid in the amount of $127,555
Sep 30, 2026 · 00:51
Did I miss the video?
BossCars302
Bid
Sep 29, 2026 · 16:46
Bid in the amount of $126,500
gardner5
Bid
Sep 29, 2026 · 10:31
Bid in the amount of $102,040
byronrb
Bid
Sep 29, 2026 · 08:04
Bid in the amount of $101,000
Sep 28, 2026 · 22:23
@brakeservo - yes, Ford built a few LHD tubs - Some of the MK 3 road cars that came to the US were. The car at the Peterson Museum in LA is one example. Center shift as well.
JohnBP
Bid
Sep 28, 2026 · 17:13
Bid in the amount of $100,000
Sep 28, 2026 · 12:56
Definitely one of the most instantly recognizable GT40's in the PNW. I always loved watching Doug race this car back when I was participating in SOVREN events back in the early 2000's. Though there are no "racing" photos provided in this listing, there is no shortage of folks on this site that could provide them if needed. Hopefully Doug's GT40 gets back on track as that is what he would have wanted.
Sep 28, 2026 · 11:41
I've known Doug and his GT-40 since 1993, have been on the track at the same time, the Alfa wasn't quite as fast ;)
He drove and cared for the car as you would expect a gentleman of his Caliber would, back in the Ol'days he even drove it to the track, we'd hear him before you would see him. Oh, the sound "The Bundle of Snakes" made!! We miss Doug.
He drove and cared for the car as you would expect a gentleman of his Caliber would, back in the Ol'days he even drove it to the track, we'd hear him before you would see him. Oh, the sound "The Bundle of Snakes" made!! We miss Doug.
Sep 28, 2026 · 10:46
🧡 What a beauty.
Sep 28, 2026 · 10:10
BobD The "bundle of snakes" crosses the collectors and cylinder head banks. Number 1 cylinder is front right and it, along with #4, fire into the collector on the same side, the right collector. Two and three cylinders cross over and fire into the left collector. Five and eight on the left cylinder bank fire into the same side left collector, and six and seven cross over and fire into the right collector. That is a "bundle of snakes". Nothing sounds like a GT40 with a "bundle of snakes" exhaust. My wife and I just returned from the Goodwood Revival where several GT40s were displayed and racing. The three '66 LeMans winners toured the track in '66 formation, as well as #1103 and #1107 Mk IIIs. My wife easily recognized and commented when the GT40s were on the track.
Sep 27, 2026 · 15:06
What’s cool about this is it’s a continuation car and has age. You know the “patina” and that simple crude interior. You could definitely pass this off as an original to a lot of people. We definitely need a video of it starting and running!
Sep 26, 2026 · 14:31
Robust collection of spares, but what are the pedals for?
bppatel
Bid
Sep 26, 2026 · 14:12
Bid in the amount of $97,000
Sep 26, 2026 · 12:07
Picture 78 – it appears the driver may have been in need of a Gurney bubble 😉
Picture 196 – what are those? They look like old Shimano(ish) clipless pedals. Love the snail mail communications - Doug and Peter practically became pen-pals over this beauty. “…get in before Reagan gets re-elected!” 😂
Picture 196 – what are those? They look like old Shimano(ish) clipless pedals. Love the snail mail communications - Doug and Peter practically became pen-pals over this beauty. “…get in before Reagan gets re-elected!” 😂
Sep 26, 2026 · 08:34
Some of the photos make it look like a detailed model in a diorama. 17 is my favorite numer as it was the day I was born. Should do well.
Sep 26, 2026 · 07:52
My cross-town buddy doing well to be listing this gorgeous little car! GLWTA
Sep 26, 2026 · 07:28
Amazing car!! Can we get some pictures of the underside, maybe on a lift please?
Sep 26, 2026 · 02:27
@seller any chance for us mere mortals to enjoy the benefit of a start and/or driving video? really well presented piece of history and throwback to more analogue times.
Sep 26, 2026 · 01:45
Well that escalated quickly.
Sep 26, 2026 · 01:42
The condition of the fiberglass on the passenger side door in pic 96 near the hinge looks concerning. Beautiful car, though! GLWTA!
BossCars302
Bid
Sep 26, 2026 · 01:41
Bid in the amount of $96,500
Sep 26, 2026 · 00:21
Hammer price somewhere between an original and the Ford GT first offered in 2005? I suggest that there's not much risk going "No Reserve" on this one.
catpat8000
Bid
Sep 25, 2026 · 23:35
Bid in the amount of $50,000
Sep 25, 2026 · 20:09
? Are these the 'bundle of snakes' exhaust ? My aging brain remembers 'bundle of snakes' as having multiple curved members in a sort of cluster on each side.
Sep 25, 2026 · 18:49
Couldn't help myself. Awesome car, and now I can say I bid on it... that's about all I'll be able to say but GLWS!
Ldmadden
Bid
Sep 25, 2026 · 18:44
Bid in the amount of $6,969
Sep 25, 2026 · 16:16
Crazy to see. Gonna go insane
Sep 25, 2026 · 16:13
No A/C? I'm out
Sep 25, 2026 · 14:46
Me likey ,can't wait to see the final bid ,a piece of history!!!!
Sep 25, 2026 · 10:20
Stunning machine. On a lighter note... If I did'n safir ma wife sa much, I'd consida biddin :)
@Dollycat3
@Dollycat3
Sep 25, 2026 · 09:57
Nice to see proper RHD - did Ford ever built any LHD GT40s back in the day?
kutch21
Bid
Sep 25, 2026 · 08:17
Bid in the amount of $1,966
nweuro (The Seller)
Sep 25, 2026 · 05:51
This is a particularly special car for us because of its history. P/1117 was ordered directly from Safir Engineering by our friend Doug Kirk in 1984, completed in 1986, and it remained with him for the rest of his life. We consigned the car directly from the Kirk Estate, so this is the first time it has changed hands since new. Doug was an aerospace engineer and longtime fixture in the Pacific Northwest vintage racing community, and the way he cared for his Safir—and especially its records—reflects that background. The documentation is really remarkable. It begins with Doug’s original correspondence with Peter Thorp while the car was being ordered and specified and continues through more than four decades of ownership. There are letters, invoices, shipping documents, technical correspondence, manuals, photographs, maintenance records and a great deal more. We will be happy to dig into any of it during the auction. For anyone less familiar with the Safir cars, I think it’s important to understand that the Mk V is not simply another GT40 replica, but a true continuation car. Safir continued GT40 production in very limited numbers, and only about 40 Mk Vs were built. The Shelby American World Registry devotes ten pages to the Safir story, and GT40 historian Ronnie Spain concludes his discussion with a wonderfully succinct statement: “The Mk V is a GT40.”
P/1117 has the proper steel monocoque construction, a Boss 302-based Ford small-block and ZF five-speed transaxle. Doug also accumulated a substantial collection of spares over the years, much of which accompanies the car, including two additional sets of wheels with racing tires. The GT40 was recently serviced by Vintage Racing Motors in Redmond, WA, including all new fluids. It has also been fitted with new Avon CR6ZZ tires on freshly chromated magnesium wheels. Multiple road tests have proven that the car drives as good as it looks, and let us assure you that the experience is straight out of the 1960’s! We’ve spent quite a bit of time going through the car and the extraordinary archive that accompanies it, and are happy to answer questions about either. If there’s something in the documentation you’d like us to photograph or investigate, please ask. There is a lot of material here, and we’d like to use the auction discussion to tell as much of P/1117’s story as possible. Thanks for looking, and best of luck!
P/1117 has the proper steel monocoque construction, a Boss 302-based Ford small-block and ZF five-speed transaxle. Doug also accumulated a substantial collection of spares over the years, much of which accompanies the car, including two additional sets of wheels with racing tires. The GT40 was recently serviced by Vintage Racing Motors in Redmond, WA, including all new fluids. It has also been fitted with new Avon CR6ZZ tires on freshly chromated magnesium wheels. Multiple road tests have proven that the car drives as good as it looks, and let us assure you that the experience is straight out of the 1960’s! We’ve spent quite a bit of time going through the car and the extraordinary archive that accompanies it, and are happy to answer questions about either. If there’s something in the documentation you’d like us to photograph or investigate, please ask. There is a lot of material here, and we’d like to use the auction discussion to tell as much of P/1117’s story as possible. Thanks for looking, and best of luck!
Sep 25, 2026 · 04:26
@boaboyoz this car is not a replica! Its a continuation, that means its licensed by Ford to keep building the cars. Much more valuable then a replica.
Sep 25, 2026 · 03:18
This blue GT40 Mk I replica really kicks that style, wicked, wild. Fascinating history, very, very, very cool, and drop dead gorgeous. Last, but not least, hats off to the @seller for going No Reserve - GLWTA! @ext @Pettyfan43 evening gents, behold.........
Sep 25, 2026 · 03:17
yes please!
Sep 25, 2026 · 02:32
Beautiful cover photo!
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